As of 2021, New Jersey state law allows adults aged 21 and over to use marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes. Despite this change, drug laws are still strict in the state. The use of artificial drugs is becoming more prominent across the country, creating serious health issues for users. It is illegal to possess synthetic drugs in New Jersey. Work with a Bergen County drug possession defense attorney to begin discussing your case and developing a strategy to protect you from your charges.
Synthetic drugs are substances that are artificially created or modified to impersonate an already existing illicit drug. Also known as designer drugs, these copycats mimic the effects of their intended substance. Synthetic marijuana uses compounds other than THC to create similar effects in users. However, because of the properties of these drugs users can experience serious side effects including:
Designer drugs can be extremely dangerous, resulting in poisoning, serious health issues, and even death. It is illegal to manufacture, possess, or distribute synthetic drugs according to New Jersey state law. Although natural marijuana is now legal in NJ for both medical and recreational use, any artificial compound intending to recreate the effects of the drug is prohibited.
Possession of synthetic drugs can result in serious consequences for a person arrested and convicted. The penalties related to designer marijuana charges are as follows.
Fourth-degree possession, distribution, or manufacturing:
Third-degree possession, distribution, or manufacturing:
Second-degree possession, distribution, or manufacturing:
Generally cases involving less than one ounce of illicit synthetic drugs will result in a fourth-degree charge, while instances with one ounce or more will result in third or second-degree crimes. Besides the amount of drugs involved, varying factors can impact the severity of your charges and penalties including your previous criminal history, age, location of possession or distribution, whether or not harm came to anyone as a result of your offense, etc.
Regardless of the type of charges you are facing or the amount of drugs you had in your possession, it is important to speak with a skilled attorney during your case. The penalties for these offenses can be severe and life-altering. It is important to develop a strong defensive strategy to fight against these charges. Reach out to an experienced drug crime attorney and begin discussing the details of your case today.
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