Marijuana was legalized last year in the State of Colorado, and this January, residents got to buy legalized pot for the first time. Yet even though marijuana is legal for adults over the age of 21, this does not mean drug arrests and busts are once a thing of the past.
On November 21, 2013, the largest federal raid ever on the medical marijuana industry in Colorado targeted numerous dispensaries, warehouses, and homes. Federal agents are building a case to prove that Colombian drug cartels are, in fact, operating in Colorado. Pot coming from Denver, Boulder, and El Paso counties continues to be smuggled into Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Texas, Wisconsin, Florida, and Nebraska, and is sold for nearly twice as much there. This makes Colorado ripe for criminal activity, drug cartels, and drug trafficking.
As federal and local law enforcement agencies crack down on drug trafficking, it is likely that unsuspecting men and women could be caught in the crossfire. Owning and operating a marijuana business, should not subject you to drug trafficking charges, as long as you operate within the law. Be sure to keep proper documentation, follow all state and federal laws, and operate within the set guidelines.
Colorado’s Marijuana Laws Prohibits
But if marijuana is legal, how can I be arrested?
- You may not be in possession of more than one ounce of marijuana.
- You cannot grow more than 6 plants in your home.
- You cannot visit from another state and buy more than a quarter ounce.
- You cannot drive under the influence of marijuana.
- Minors are not allowed to possess or distribute marijuana.
If you break these laws, you can still be arrested and charged with a crime. These drug crimes can range from marijuana possession to drug trafficking and can carry some severe penalties and consequences, including lengthy prison sentences.
Contact Denver Marijuana Defense Lawyer
Colorado’s marijuana laws are still a work in progress and it is possible for law enforcement officers to arrest you and charge you with a crime you didn’t commit. When this occurs, it is best to have an experienced and skilled Denver criminal defense law firm on your side from the moment you are arrested.
If you have been arrested and charged with a drug crime in Denver, Boulder, or anywhere in Colorado, call Steven Louth Law Offices at 303-442-2297 today for a free case evaluation. No matter how serious the charges are against you, there are ways to fight them. Call today!