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Laws pertaining to Marijuana have become more lenient over the years, but one particular form of THC is still being treated with extreme prejudice by California authorities: Hashish. Any marijuana defense lawyer will tell you that it doesn’t matter that possessing or even using weed is legal under certain circumstances, creating different drugs by altering the chemical composition of weed can put you in jail for a very long time.
WHAT IS HASHISH?
Hashish, also known as a hash, is a form of cannabis made by compressing or purifying trichomes, a type of Marijuana resin gland. Depending upon the process by which a person is found to have manufacturing hashish, the finished product can be solid or paste-like and will have a varying level of THC content.
WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR MAKING IT?
In California, those found guilty of manufacturing hash face a felony on their criminal record and may be ordered to serve up to seven years in prison. In addition, a maximum $50,000 fine may be imposed. There are instances where judges and/or juries have gone easy on a defendant, sentencing them to fulfill a probationary period rather than spend time behind bars, but these instances are rare.
These types of offenses are governed by HS 11379.6, California’s drug crime law pertaining to narcotic manufacturing. Although creating the hash is included in this offense, many of those charged with violating it was creating other more dangerous substances. This is why the maximum penalties are so high despite the relatively harmless nature of the drug in question.
Although seven years in prison is the maximum for this offense, there are circumstances that could lead a judge and/or jury to increase the penalties. For instance, if you or your loved one were creating hash using their stove in your home while your kids were present, the prosecution may argue that you have created a dangerous condition for your children and file charges for child endangerment. There are numerous other similar circumstances that could increase the maximum penalties.
WHY IS MAKING IT A CRIME?
The answer to this is debatable, but a little critical thinking can go a long way towards understanding what the lawmakers were thinking when they passed HS 11379.6. The altering of drugs is usually associated with the creation of meth, GHB, or other dangerous substances are known to be highly addictive and have a propensity to inflict harm on those who manufacture and use them. Although hashish is not as dangerous as other drugs, the process of creating it can result in serious injury or death if not done properly and in a controlled environment.
DRUG MANUFACTURING DEFENSE
Those charged with manufacturing drugs are encouraged to contact a drug crime defense attorney that they trust to help better understand their charges and the penalties that they are facing. A conviction for any narcotic manufacturing offense can wreak havoc on a person’s future options, including potential employers.
Those planning to fight their charges can call us to obtain a free confidential case evaluation. One of our experienced lawyers will speak with you for up to one hour with no obligation to retain their services. Call (844) 524-4011 now to get help today.