What Are The Laws on Marijuana in Texas?

Many people don’t fully understand the legal ramifications of their actions until it’s too late. Only after a marijuana arrest will you suddenly wish you’d had Texas marijuana laws explained to you.

At first, you may believe marijuana possession isn’t that serious and you’ll only get a slap on the wrist. However, the state of Texas takes a harsher stance toward marijuana crimes than most other states. Read on for a look at the penalties for marijuana crimes in Texas.

What Are The Penalties For Marijuana Crimes?

Possession and sale are the two major marijuana-related crimes in Texas. For a breakdown of Texas marijuana crimes and charges, see the table below for more information:

• Possession of under two ounces – Class B misdemeanor
• Possession of between two and four ounces – Class A misdemeanor
• Possession of between four ounces and five pounds – State jail felony
• Possession of five to fifty pounds – Third-degree felony
• Possession of fifty to 2,000 pounds – Second-degree felony
• Possession of over 2,000 pounds – Five to ninety-nine years or life
• Sale of 0.25 ounces or less – Class A or B misdemeanor
• Sale of 0.25 ounces to five pounds – State jail felony
• Sale of between five and fifty pounds – Second-degree felony
• Sale of between fifty and 2,000 pounds – First-degree felony
• Sale of more than 2,000 pounds – Ten to ninety-nine years or life

Keep in mind that some of the penalties for the above crimes can vary if aggravating factors are present. For example, if you sell to minors or are caught with marijuana on a school campus, your penalties may increase.

A Marijuana Conviction Affects Your Life in Other Ways

Being caught with marijuana may seem trivial at first, but if you’re convicted, you will quickly discover how that offense can negatively impact your life. Even misdemeanor convictions can affect your job prospects, your freedom, your family life, and your financial stability.