NORTH CAROLINA MARIJUANA OFFENSES
Marijuana is illegal in North Carolina. There are many crimes relating to the possession and distribution of marijuana. Here is an overview of the various marijuana laws in North Carolina.
Possession of Marijuana
Elements
A person is guilty of this offense under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-95(a)(3) if they:
Possessing marijuana in North Carolina is considered a Class 3 misdemeanor under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-95(d)(4) for possession of marijuana up to ½ ounce.
Possession of more than ½ ounce and up to 1 ½ ounces of marijuana is a Class 1 misdemeanor under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-95(d)(4).
Possession of more than 1 ½ ounces of marijuana is a Class I felony under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-95(d)(4).
A person is guilty of this offense under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-95(a)(3) if they:
- Knowingly
- Possess (actual possession or constructive possession)
- Marijuana
Possessing marijuana in North Carolina is considered a Class 3 misdemeanor under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-95(d)(4) for possession of marijuana up to ½ ounce.
Possession of more than ½ ounce and up to 1 ½ ounces of marijuana is a Class 1 misdemeanor under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-95(d)(4).
Possession of more than 1 ½ ounces of marijuana is a Class I felony under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-95(d)(4).
Possess Marijuana Paraphernalia
Elements
A person is guilty of this offense under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-113.22(a) if they:
Punishment
The punishment for possession of drug paraphernalia in North Carolina is a Class 3 misdemeanor under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 113.22(a).
A person is guilty of this offense under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-113.22(a) if they:
- Knowingly
- Uses or possesses with intent to use
- Marijuana paraphernalia
- For any of the following purposes
(a) To plant, propagate, cultivate, grow, or harvest marijuana;
(b) To manufacture, compound, convert, produce, process or prepare marijuana;
(c) To test or analyze marijuana;
(d) To package, repackage, store contain, or conceal marijuana; or
(e) To inject, ingest, inhale, or otherwise introduce marijuana into the body - Marijuana
Punishment
The punishment for possession of drug paraphernalia in North Carolina is a Class 3 misdemeanor under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 113.22(a).
Manufacture Marijuana
Elements
A person is guilty of this offense under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-95(a)(1) if they:
Manufacturing marijuana in North Carolina is considered a Class I felony under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-95(b)(2).
A person is guilty of this offense under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-95(a)(1) if they:
- Knowingly
- Manufacturing (producing, preparing, processing, packaging, or labeling)
- Marijuana
Manufacturing marijuana in North Carolina is considered a Class I felony under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-95(b)(2).
Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver Marijuana
Elements
A person is guilty of this offense under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-95(a)(1) if they:
Possession of Marijuana with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver is considered a Class I felony under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-95(b)(2).
A person is guilty of this offense under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-95(a)(1) if they:
- Knowingly
- Possess
- Marijuana
- With the intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver it
Possession of Marijuana with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver is considered a Class I felony under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-95(b)(2).
Sale/Delivery of Marijuana
Elements
A person is guilty of this offense under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-95(b)(2) if they:
Punishments
Selling marijuana in North Carolina is considered a Class H Felony under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-95(b)(2). Delivering marijuana in North Carolina is considered a Class I Felony under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-95(b)(2).
A person is guilty of this offense under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-95(b)(2) if they:
- Knowingly
- Sell or deliver
- Marijuana
- To another
Punishments
Selling marijuana in North Carolina is considered a Class H Felony under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-95(b)(2). Delivering marijuana in North Carolina is considered a Class I Felony under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-95(b)(2).