Vaping and Hash Oils – Explained by a Miami Criminal Defense Attorney
Though the use of marijuana in the city of Miami – and throughout the entire state of Florida – remains controversial, using it on a medical or recreational basis has become more commonplace and more acceptable. In fact, the same can be said throughout the United States. At present time, medical marijuana has become legal in 28 states, 17 states of decriminalized marijuana, and 7 states have legalized its recreational use.
With the increased acceptance and use of marijuana has come new ways to consume it, and vaping has become one of the more popular methods. If you are considering vaping marijuana, it is important to understand exactly what it is and what the legalities are that surround this method of consumption.
What is Vaping Marijuana?
According to our criminal lawyer in Miami, vaping refers to processing marijuana by transforming it into hash and then heating the hash until it emits a vapor that can be inhaled. People choose to vape for numerous reasons: Some believe that the marijuana they are consuming is more potent, while others believe that it will decrease the chances of developing respiratory problems. Still others believe that vaping allows them to enjoy the THC that is found in marijuana in its purest form.
Regardless of the reasons for vaping, many people are unaware there are laws pertaining to possessing hash oils are much harsher than the laws regulating possessing marijuana in its natural state.
Miami Criminal Defense Attorney for Marijuana Vaping Crimes
Although it is now legal to use marijuana for medical reasons in the state of Florida, and though it is more acceptable to use marijuana recreationally in the state, it is important to have a firm understanding of the potential consequences. If you are charged with using marijuana – including vaping – for reasons that do not comply with the law, you could be facing stiff penalties.
In the state of Florida, possession of marijuana is considered a felony unless you possess under 20 grams and in its original, leaf state. That means if you are consuming marijuana in another state, such as hash that is used for vaping, and you are caught by law enforcement officials, you could be charged with a felony and could potentially be facing the ramifications that are associated with such a charge (if found guilty.)
According to our criminal defense attorney in Miami, the penalties for vaping marijuana are as follows:
- A First Degree Misdemeanor – If you are found in possession of leaf marijuana for smoking or vaping in the amount of 20 grams or less, you could be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor, which is punishable by as much as 1 year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.
- Third Degree Felony – If you are found in possession from 20 grams to 25 pounds of leaf marijuana, or any amount of hash, you could be charged with a third-degree felony offense. If convicted, you could spend up to 5 years in prison and pay up to $5,000 in fines.
Miami Criminal Lawyers are Ready to Assist You
Even though medical marijuana is now legal in the state of Florida, and even though recreational use is more acceptable, it is important to understand that legal ramifications do exist if you are found guilty of using it outside of the limits of the law.
If you are charged with marijuana possession, no matter what form it is in or what the amount, contact a Miami Criminal Defense Attorney at our firm as soon as possible. We will defend you to the fullest extent of the law and help you achieve the most positive outcome for your case.
Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney handles a variety of criminal law cases, so call now if you have any questions.
View more contact information here: Miami Criminal Defense Attorney.
