New Hampshire is still the only state in New England that has not legalized marijuana. "Live Free or Die," right? Imagine the people in prison printing those license plates every day.
NOTE: This is for information purposes and should not be considered legal advice.
Legally possessing marijuana in Maine raises questions about the legality of taking marijuana from Maine into New Hampshire and the potential consequences of getting caught.
In this article, we'll explore the laws surrounding the transportation of marijuana between states and the legal consequences of doing so. Even if you have a medical marijuana card in Maine, that might not give you the right to take it into New Hampshire with you on a visit.
Transporting marijuana between states
Transporting marijuana between states can be a complex legal issue. Federal law still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I Controlled Substance (the same as Heroin), which means it is illegal to transport it across state lines. Yes, it’s almost laughable until you are looking at jail time.
While some states have legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use, this does not mean that it is legal to transport it across state lines.
Although one law enforcement officer might let you slide, the next time, you might get stopped by the New Hampshire State Police.
In Maine, adults over the age of 21 can legally possess and use marijuana for recreational purposes. However, in New Hampshire, although possession of any amount of marijuana was decriminalized in 2017, it is still illegal.
NH only New England state without legal marijuana
The legal consequences of transporting marijuana between Maine and New Hampshire
If you are caught transporting marijuana between Maine and New Hampshire, you could face severe legal consequences.
In New Hampshire, possession of any amount of marijuana is a misdemeanor crime, which carries a fine of up to $2,000 and up to one year in jail. The penalties for possession of larger amounts of marijuana can be even more severe, with up to seven years in prison and a $100,000 fine for possession of over five pounds of marijuana.
In addition, transporting marijuana across state lines is a federal offense, which can result in even more severe legal consequences. Federal penalties for transporting marijuana can include fines, imprisonment, and asset forfeiture. Yes, they can legally take your car. The exact penalties will depend on the amount of marijuana involved, the nature of the offense, and the defendant's criminal history.
The potential consequences of getting caught transporting marijuana between Maine and New Hampshire are serious and can have long-lasting consequences for your personal and professional life.
A criminal record can make it difficult to find employment, complete a favorable background check, obtain housing, or even get a loan or credit card.
Conclusion
In conclusion, transporting marijuana between states can still have serious legal consequences.
In Maine, where marijuana is legal for recreational use, it is still illegal to transport marijuana across state lines into New Hampshire, where possessing any amount of marijuana is illegal. If caught transporting marijuana, you could face significant legal penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and asset forfeiture.
It is crucial to understand the laws and regulations surrounding marijuana in Maine and New Hampshire and avoid transporting marijuana between states to protect yourself from legal consequences. Even a small amount, such as that vape or Dab pen in your pocket, could make your life miserable legally.
If you are facing legal charges related to marijuana, especially “interstate transportation of a controlled substance,” you must seek the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help to protect your rights and defend you in court.
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About the author
Stephen Dalton is a native of Old Town, ME, and a retired US Army First Sergeant with a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland. He is a Certified US English Chicago Manual of Style Editor. Top Writer in Travel, Food, Fiction, Transportation, VR, NFL, Design, Creativity, Short Story, and a NewsBreak Community Voice Pro.
I am not for or against marijuana , I myself didn’t care for it . But as I see it , it’s their state their rules . All my kids smoke it and yes I would bail them out , that being said I would also educate them on transporting to across state line .
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