What is Marijuana?

Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in the United States. It interchangeably goes by the names of pot, weed, Mary Jane, hash, dope, grass, cannabis, ganja and indo and is typically smoked in a cigarette, a pipe (or bong) or a “blunt”, which is a cigar that has been emptied of tobacco and refilled with marijuana. It may also be brewed to drink or cooked into food. Legally, marijuana is defined as all parts of the plant Cannabis sativa L., whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of the plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant, its seeds or resin. Penalties for offenses involving marijuana (other than for legitimate medicinal purposes) will depend on whether an individual is arrested for possessing, cultivating, driving while under the influence of, transporting or selling the drug and the quantity of the drug (that is, whether it is for personal use or for distribution).

Because drug offenses are so vigorously prosecuted in California, it is critical that an individual accused of a marijuana related crime contacts a criminal defense lawyer who specializes in drug crimes and knows how to successfully defend his or her clients. The exceptional attorneys at The Kavinoky Law Firm will passionately and skillfully fight for their clients in an effort to have all drug charges either reduced or dismissed.

The Controlled Substances Act classifies all drugs that are regulated under existing federal law into five schedules according to their harmfulness, medicinal value and potential for abuse or addiction. Schedule I (which is where marijuana drugs are listed) is reserved for the most dangerous drugs that have no recognized medical use, while Schedule V drugs are the least dangerous. Clearly there is debate as to whether marijuana should be a schedule 1 drug, because it does have recognized medicinal purposes. Nonetheless, because marijuana is classified as schedule 1, the penalties that are imposed in connection with its use and sale can be severe.

The main active ingredient of marijuana is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). Its effects are felt differently, depending on how it is ingested into the body. When smoked, its effects are felt almost immediately and can last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours. If an individual eats or drinks marijuana, the effects take longer to initially feel and may last longer, up to 4 hours. This is because THC enters the blood much quicker when smoked then when consumed in food or drink. The effects on each individual range but usually include a rapid heart beat, red eyes, pleasant sensations, a dry mouth, increased appetite and a feeling that time has slowed down. As the effects wear off, the user may feel sleepy, depressed, anxious or panicked.

There are a variety of drug offenses (including those relating to marijuana) that have special sentencing considerations that only a criminal attorney experienced in California drug laws will know to ask for. Alternative sentencing is available for qualifying crimes, which allows an offender to avoid a jail or prison sentence to attend a drug-treatment program that, upon completion, may entitle the accused to a dismissal of the underlying charges. One’s freedom and reputation is simply too important to trust to an inexperienced attorney.

The laws surrounding marijuana use and possession are technical and complex, which is why it is critical that an individual accused of such a crime hires an attorney who has mastered this field of law. The outstanding attorneys at The Kavinoky Law Firm have done just that. They receive on-going education and training on drug offenses, which enables them to provide the most comprehensive defenses for their clients. They treat each client with nothing but compassion and respect and demand the same from the criminal court system. With law offices located in Los Angeles and throughout California, they are conveniently located for anyone in need of a California drug crime defense attorney. For the most trusted legal advice and unparalleled representation, contact them today for a free consultation.