Penalties for WAX Possession in MN
1 year ago by Justin M. Schiks
Having marijuana WAX in your possession is considered a serious offense in Minnesota.
While carrying a small amount of regular marijuana is usually considered a misdemeanor, carrying a small amount of WAX is considered a felony.
A criminal defense lawyer from J.S. Defense, PA, in Woodbury, MN, has experience defending clients found in possession of cannabis WAX and has the knowledge and skills to defend your charges.
What is Marijuana WAX?
Marijuana WAX is a more potent form of marijuana. WAX is often composed of between 82% to 99.7% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), making it the purest form of cannabis.
Marijuana WAX is made by packing long tubes with marijuana leaves. Compressed butane is shot through the tubes, saturating the plant.
The butane leeches the THC from the leaves, which then turns into a greenish muck. This substance is waxy and resembles lip balm.
Smoking WAX leads to getting high much faster than regular marijuana. One hit of WAX (about the size of the head of a pin) is equal to 1-2 marijuana joints.
Dangers of Using Marijuana WAX
Using cannabis WAX can have serious health effects, including increasing blood pressure and increasing anxiety symptoms.
Marijuana WAX can have hallucinogenic effects, inducing psychosis, paranoia, and hallucinations.
Aside from medical side effects, the process of manufacturing WAX has been known to cause explosions and fires, leading to countless deaths and injuries.
Penalties for WAX Possession
Having a small amount of cannabis (between 2-4 ounces) in your possession is considered a petty misdemeanor, which may result in a fine of $300. In fact, possessing any amount below 42.5 grams of regular marijuana is considered a petty misdemeanor.
Unfortunately, carrying just .25 grams of WAX can result in a felony. Possession of this minor amount of WAX can result in up to five years in prison and/or a maximum fine of $10,000.
Larger amounts may result in up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $1 million.
Be aware that selling or distributing WAX carries harsher penalties. The maximum penalty for selling marijuana WAX can lead to 35 years in prison and a fine of $1.25 million.
Selling this resinous form of marijuana to minors or distributing it in a school zone could result in 15 to 20 years in prison and potentially $250,000 in fines.
The level of felony charges that you may face will depend on the amount in your possession and if you have a criminal history.
Most first-time offenders will qualify for a statutory stay of adjudication, meaning that the court will likely dismiss your charges after a period of probation.
DWI Marijuana WAX Charge
If someone is driving impaired as a result of using marijuana or a synthetic form of marijuana, then the driver may face the consequences of being charged with a DWI (“driving while impaired”).
Any criminal sanctions and fines will be based on previous offenses. For a felony DWI (four or more offenses in a 10-year period), you could face up to seven years in jail and a fine of $14,000, with a five-year conditional release.
A DWI conviction can also result in having your license revoked, higher insurance premiums, and difficulty in finding future employment.
Medical Marijuana
Since 2015, Minnesota’s Medical Cannabis Program has provided patients who are suffering from ailments with an alternative treatment option.
Medically qualified patients will be able to receive small quantities of medical marijuana, most commonly in capsule form.
If you are qualified to possess medical marijuana, then you are eligible to legally possess a small quantity of WAX.
However, you must be enrolled in two separate programs and comply with medical marijuana regulations.
Why Should I Seek Help from a DWI & Criminal Defense Lawyer?
A DWI and criminal defense and drug crimes lawyer near St. Paul-Woodbury, Minnesota, has the experience to negotiate a plea bargain in order to get you a lesser charge or a lesser penalty.
Defenses against a charge for WAX possession may include:
Illegal search and seizure
If the police did not obtain a warrant or did not have probable cause to search your residence, then the marijuana may have been obtained unlawfully.
Inadmissible evidence
Evidence that cannot be introduced in court against you. Evidence may be inadmissible if it cannot be authenticated.
Authentication of evidence means that there must be first-hand knowledge that the evidence is what a proponent claims it to be.
Police violated your legal rights.
If a police officer violated your legal rights, you may be able to get your charge reduced or altogether dismissed. For example, a police officer must read your Miranda rights during an arrest.
If the police officer forgets this step, you may be able to get the charges dropped against you.
Location of marijuana WAX
If the police did not find the WAX at your residence, then the argument can be made that the marijuana WAX was not in your actual possession.
Contact a DWI & Criminal Defense/Drug Crimes Lawyer
Using synthetic marijuana, like cannabis WAX, can result in serious repercussions. Although you made a bad decision, it should not ruin your life.
If you have been charged with the possession or distribution of WAX, you need an attorney who has the skills to defend you. Contact JS Defense, PA, today to schedule your free consultation. Proudly serving the Woodbury-St. Paul area. Call:952-945-7824
