Champaign Defense Attorneys for Marijuana Possession for Cancer Relief

Being accused of a drug crime is a serious matter. If you were arrested or charged with possession of marijuana, contact the Champaign marijuana possession lawyers at Bruno Law Offices immediately. Our legal team has the experience to advocate for your rights and fight for your freedom.

An arrest, charge, and conviction have a serious impact on your life. A criminal charge, even without a conviction, can impact your ability to find a good job and it reduces your earning potential. The court takes a criminal charge or conviction into account when considering child custody, adoption, driving privileges, and the right to own firearms.

If you face a new charge with an existing record it can lead to more severe penalties. It is crucial that you have an experienced and skilled legal team to fight for your rights. No matter what the charge, you need a seasoned attorney to help you navigate the system.

Don’t trust just any lawyer to handle your case. When your freedom and your future are at stake, you want the very best. Our legal team understands the emotional upheaval and uncertainty that follows an arrest. We will handle the paperwork and guide you through the process of preserving your freedom and clearing your name.

We’ve been protecting people in Champaign-Urbana for four decades and we’re committed to helping you. Contact us today at (217) 328-6000 or online. There’s no fee to call us, so contact us today.

Legalization of Marijuana in Illinois

The law governing marijuana in Illinois changed in January 2020. While it is legal to use cannabis in Illinois, there are restrictions that you must follow. These include the amount you can have in your possession, where you purchase it, and where you use it. For example:

• You must be at least 21 years old to purchase marijuana legally.
• Illinois residents can buy no more than 30 grams or one ounce of plant material.
• Non-residents can only purchase half that amount, or 15 grams or 1/2 ounce.
• It is illegal to have marijuana on school property or deliver it to a minor.
• Patients who have a medical marijuana card are allowed to grow no more than five plants.
• You cannot smoke or consume marijuana in an open public area.
• To transport or deliver marijuana, you must have a special license.

Breaking any of these laws can result in an arrest, charge, and possible imprisonment. In 2013, Illinois passed the Compassionate Use of Medical Marijuana Pilot Program which allows people diagnosed with specific medical conditions to purchase marijuana for medicinal use.

However, the law takes illegal possession of marijuana seriously and sentences guilty individuals harshly. If you’re arrested for a marijuana-related offense, it is crucial you hire a Champaign marijuana possession attorney immediately.

Cannabis and the Endocannabinoid System

Cannabis interacts with the body’s cannabinoid system. This is called the endocannabinoid system as it is the body’s internal active cell signaling network. There is a combination of endocannabinoids, enzymes, and receptors that regulate functions within the human body. “Endo” means within, or the cannabinoid system within the body.

Endocannabinoids are cannabinoid-like substances that your body produces naturally. These endocannabinoids are like the cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant, or marijuana. The endocannabinoid system is a potential target in health conditions that affect appetite, blood pressure, nausea and vomiting control, memory and learning, and the immune response.

Researchers have also found that it is effective in some pathological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and the side effects of cancer treatment. Researchers have found there is evidence that supports the use of cannabis in patients who have cancer.

Additionally, there is promising research that has suggested the plant compounds have antineoplastic activity, which means they may fight some cancer cells directly.

Marijuana and Cancer Treatments

In the 1980s, the pharmaceutical industry produced cannabinoid-based drugs that were used to help reduce nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. Cannabis has also proven useful in reducing cancer pain.

Large-scale clinical trials in the U.K. have been testing mouth spray formulations of cannabis to control severe pain that has not responded to drugs. One of the problems with using cannabis has been managing the dose. The different forms of consumption provide an inconsistent dose. For example, smoking, eating, or drinking cannabis tea of the same amount provides a different dose in the body. This can make it difficult for patients to monitor their intake.

Cannabinoids have also been useful in improving the loss of appetite and muscle wasting that is associated with cancer. Studies of the different compounds found in the marijuana plant suggest that specific cannabinoids can be aimed at treating nausea and vomiting or neuropathic pain that is caused by damaged nerves.

Penalties for Possession and Paraphernalia

If you are charged and convicted with marijuana possession, your sentencing will be dependent on the amount of drug in your possession and other contributing factors. For example, if you assaulted someone while in possession of marijuana it could add years to your prison sentence.

The amount of marijuana in your possession determines the class felony or misdemeanor under which you are charged. For example, if you are in possession of 30 to 100 grams, this is a class A misdemeanor with a maximum of one year in prison and a $2,500 fine.

However, if you have more than 5000 grams it’s a Class 1 felony with four to 15 years in prison and up to a $25,000 fine. If the prosecutor can prove you had the intent to sell or deliver to a minor, that can increase the charges and the sentencing.

Although there are laws that have legalized the recreational use of marijuana in Illinois, there continue to be regulations that are associated with the paraphernalia. These are the products, materials, or equipment used to grow, harvest, process, or consume a controlled substance.

If you are in possession of paraphernalia at the time of your arrest, you can get additional jail time depending on the amount of marijuana discovered. For example, if you are found selling paraphernalia without a license you can be fined up to $25,000 and spend up to five years in prison.

Contact Bruno Law Offices for Help

If you were arrested for possession of marijuana, you want an experienced Champaign criminal defense attorney on your side. Our legal team is dedicated to giving you personalized attention and ensuring that we understand the details of your case.

Our attorneys know that these details can mean the difference between an acquittal or conviction. We are ready to take your call to schedule your free initial consultation so we can discuss your case with you. Call Bruno Law Offices today at (217) 328-6000, or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.