Marijuana users—recreational and medicinal—are being caught in the legal web of changing state and federal laws. While the use of marijuana is legal in states such as Colorado and California, other states have strictly banned the use of the drug. For some, the rewards of choosing their own personal lifestyle outweigh the risks of being caught. Still, in Illinois, if you are caught using or possessing recreational marijuana, there are consequences that range from probation to serious jail time. In any event, you have the legal right to defend your freedom, even if you are faced with criminal charges. Hiring an Illinois drug crime defense attorney experienced in drug possession charges will shield you from potentially harsh sentencing and allow you a chance to defend yourself.
What are the Side Effects of Marijuana?
The long-term health risks associated with marijuana have yet to be discovered; however, short-term risks to your health have been shown to include coughing, frequent respiratory infections, and possible mental health decline. research has looked at the long-term effects of marijuana on dopamine. Production of the neurotransmitter that regulates the pleasure and reward centers of the brain can be compromised if the marijuana use is heavy, according to an article in Molecular Psychiatry. People who smoked a lot of marijuana tested positive for lower dopamine release in the region of the brain that also controls attention and impulsive behavior.
Without a prescription from your doctor, the effects of marijuana can possibly be dangerous to your health and is illegal. Some common side effects include:
- Impaired balance and coordination
- Distorted sensory perception
- Slowed reaction time
- Increased heart rate
- Impaired learning
- Panic attacks, and
- Psychosis
What if I am Caught with Marijuana?
Growing, selling, and possessing marijuana is a crime in Illinois. Compared to laws that criminalize drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and hallucinogens, however, marijuana laws in Illinois are a bit more relaxed. For example, if you are a first-time offender caught with less than 10 grams of marijuana, then you will avoid jail time and instead, be issued a ticket ranging from $100-$200. Getting caught with any amount over ten grams is a crime and you can be arrested, especially if it is not your first offense. Second offenders that are caught with 10-30 grams of marijuana can be charged with a felony and will be jailed for up to a year or more.
Illinois law on possessing marijuana may be considered lax to some; however, driving under the influence of marijuana is not. If you are caught with five nanograms or more of THC in your blood, you will be charged with a DUI/DWI. This law is especially important for frequent marijuana users as THC remains in your body long after you have consumed it. The effects of smoking marijuana fade quickly, but the drug can be detected in the body for weeks and sometimes longer. The amount of time the active ingredients and breakdown products of weed remain in the system depends on how often or how much marijuana the user has been smoking or ingesting. These broken down products of TCH are called metabolites and are stored in body fat and are gradually eliminated from the body through feces and urine.
Although you may not feel impaired, driving with blood levels of five nanograms or more of THC can land you in jail. Hiring an experienced drug crime lawyer is the best way to curb possibly harsh sentencing.
Should I Get a Drug Crime Lawyer if I am Arrested for Marijuana?
Even though the laws around marijuana are loosening and marijuana is becoming less criminalized, getting arrested and charged with a drug crime can still have serious consequences on your life. A drug conviction may cause you to lose your job, embarrass your loved ones, land you in jail, and potentially bar you from reaching your full potential.
At Glasgow & Olsson, our goal is to help people who have been charges with drug crimes reach the best possible outcomes in their cases.. Our team is compassionate, professional, and knowledgeable in drug crimes and is committed to working hard on your defense. If you face drug charges in Cook, Lake, Kane, McHenry, or Dupage county, contact us at 847.577.8700 or fill out our online form for an initial consultation.
(image courtesy of Esteban Lopez)