If I Buy Cannabis Legally in Another State, What Happens if I Bring it Back to Texas?

 Posted on July 24, 2023 in Criminal Defense

More and more states are beginning to legalize marijuana for either medical or recreational purposes. If you live near the New Mexico border, it is not difficult to drive across the state line, purchase THC products, and then drive home. While cannabis may be legal in New Mexico, it becomes illegal as soon as you cross the state line back into Texas. It is also federally illegal. Upon returning to Texas, you could be arrested if you are caught with cannabis. You could face serious charges, ranging from simple possession for personal use to drug trafficking or possession with intent to distribute. If you purchased a large quantity, it is more likely that you could be charged with a felony rather than a misdemeanor. Although you may have heard that others have succeeded in retrieving cannabis from New Mexico or another legal state, doing so means taking a significant risk. If you have been arrested for having THC products in Texas, it is important to take the situation seriously and find a skilled criminal defense lawyer. 

Possible Criminal Charges for Marijuana in Texas 

Bringing marijuana into Texas can result in a number of different criminal charges. The charge you face may also depend on whether you are caught by police while returning from a legal state. Possible charges you could face for having cannabis in Texas include: 

• Possession - Simple possession of marijuana is generally a misdemeanor. If you only had a small amount for personal use, you will likely be charged with a misdemeanor. 

• Drug trafficking - If you are caught bringing a larger amount of THC products into Texas, you may face trafficking charges. 

• Drug distribution - Sharing the cannabis you bring back with your friends - even if you do not charge them any money - can result in distribution charges. 

• Possession with intent to distribute - If you are caught with a large amount of cannabis, the state may believe that you intended to distribute it. You can be charged with distribution even if you genuinely intended to use the products only for yourself. 

Texas takes drug crimes very seriously. The penalties for crimes involving marijuana can be serious. If you are charged with a misdemeanor, you could face up to 180 days in jail. Felony charges carry more than a year in prison. Finding an experienced defense attorney should be your top priority if you are facing these charges. 

Contact a Collin County Cannabis Crimes Attorney

Law Offices of Biederman & Burleson P.L.L.C. is committed to defending people who are facing marijuana charges in Texas. If you have been charged with a marijuana crime, our experienced team of Frisco marijuana crime attorneys will do all we can to provide you with the best legal defense possible. For a complimentary consultation, please contact us at 469-333-3333. 

Source: 

https://norml.org/laws/texas-penalties-2/