Current Laws on Hashish in California
Over the years, California medical marijuana and marijuana possession laws continue to become more liberal and less harsh. Nowadays, being caught with marijuana – medical or not – is simply a misdemeanor. Further, getting caught with possession of an ounce or less has practically been decriminalized and is considered an infraction with a maximum punishment of a $100 fine.
Medical Marijuana Possession Versus Concentrated Cannabis
However liberalized California marijuana laws have become, possession of concentrated cannabis – known as hashish – does not necessarily allow the owner to walk away with a simple slap on the wrist. When caught with hashish, California cannabis laws state that it can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony. For a California resident caught with hashish, it is important to realize the serious punishment that is possible if caught with concentrated cannabis. The penalty when prosecuted as a felony carries up to three years in custody. Unfortunately, that severity of punishment falls in line with the penalty for possession of other serious narcotics, including heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
The disparity between penalties for marijuana possession versus concentrated cannabis in the form of hash or hash oil is unclear. Some suggest the harsher punishment for hashish possession is due to the very fact that nature of the substance is concentrated, causing it to be more intoxicating per gram of substance.
However, there is a loophole for California marijuana users. Hashish and cannabis in its concentrated form are covered in regards to California medical marijuana laws. If you are a certified medical marijuana patient and have your medical card, you will not be persecuted as a felony if caught with possession of hashish. This is simply because concentrated cannabis is regarded as another form of marijuana that patients can use for medicinal purposes.
Disclaimer: This article has been prepared and published for informational purposes only and is not offered, nor should be construed, as legal advice.