eric g johnson law
Experienced Criminal Defense
  • Home
  • Attorneys
    • Eric G. Johnson
    • Rachel W. Bays
    • Eric M. Whitehead
    • Staff
    • Client Testimonials
  • Cases We Handle
    • Appeals & Post-Conviction Relief
      • Criminal Appeals
      • Post-Conviction Relief
    • Arson and Criminal Mischief
    • Assault and Battery
      • Aggravated Assault and Battery
    • Criminal Defense
      • Arson and Criminal Mischief
      • False Imprisonment
      • Federal Criminal Defense
    • Criminal Expungement
      • Louisiana Expungement Laws
    • Domestic Violence
      • Domestic Abuse Battery
      • Protective Orders
      • Violation of Protective Order or TRO
    • Drug Offenses
      • Drug Possession
        • Cocaine Possession
        • Drug Possession with Intent to Sell or Distribute
        • Heroin Possession
        • Marijuana Offenses
        • Meth Possession
        • Prescription Drug Offenses
      • Drug Trafficking
      • Drug Court
    • DUI/DWI
      • DUI Defense Strategies
      • DUI with a CDL
      • Refusing DUI Tests
      • Underage DWI
      • Vehicular Homicide
    • False Imprisonment
    • Juvenile Offenses
      • Juvenile Sex Crimes
    • Resisting an Officer
    • Sex Offenses
      • Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile
      • Child Pornography
      • Online Solicitation of a Minor
      • Prostitution
      • Sexual Battery
      • Video Voyeurism
    • Stalking
    • Theft
      • Burglary
      • Credit Card Fraud
      • Identity Theft
      • Robbery
      • Shoplifting
      • Welfare Fraud
    • Traffic Violations & CDL Licenses
      • Hit and Run
    • Violation of Probation
    • Violent Crimes
      • Murder
      • Manslaughter
    • Weapons Offenses
    • White Collar Crimes
      • Embezzlement
      • Money and Asset Forfeiture
      • Money Laundering
      • Tax Fraud and Evasion
  • Areas We Serve
    • Bossier Parish
    • Caddo Parish
    • Claiborne Parish
    • Bienville Parish
    • De Soto Parish
    • Lincoln Parish
    • Ouachita Parish
    • Natchitoches Parish
    • Sabine Parish
    • Shreveport, LA
      • Shreveport Drug Defense Attorney
      • Shreveport DWI Lawyer
      • Shreveport Theft Lawyer
    • Monroe, LA
      • Monroe DWI Lawyer
    • Ruston, LA
    • Tallulah,LA
    • Webster Parish
  • Recent Cases
  • Blog
    • FAQ
  • Contact Us
Possession of Cocaine vs. Marijuana

The Difference Between Possession of Cocaine vs. Marijuana in Louisiana

December 21, 2019Eric G. Johnson

For decades, both cocaine and marijuana have been abused as illegal substances across the country. Recently, some states have passed laws that make possession of both medical and recreational marijuana legal. These laws have raised questions about the future of marijuana charges. Here, we’re going to take a look at the difference between criminal charges for possession of cocaine and possession of marijuana to understand how the charges, if you face them, can affect you long-term.

Table of Contents

  • Drug Possession Penalties Depend on the Substance
  • Why Drug Possession of Any Amount is Serious
  • Medical Marijuana is Legal in Louisiana
  • Secure a Trusted Drug Defense Attorney Today

Drug Possession Penalties Depend on the Substance

Any time you’re found in possession of an illegal substance, it’s a serious issue in the eyes of the law. The charges you face for possession, however, vary on the type of substance you have and how it’s classified. Cocaine, for example, is considered a Schedule II substance. Penalties for a Schedule II substance include up to $100,000 in fines and up to four years in prison. Other Schedule II substances include:

  • Morphine
  • Hydrocodone
  • Hydromorphone
  • Fentanyl
  • Methadone
  • Adderall
  • Ritalin 
  • … and more


You might notice that many of these substances are prescription medications. If you have a prescription for a particular substance and you’re found to be in possession of the amount you’re entitled to according to the prescription, you can’t be charged with a drug crime unless you’re found to be selling it to another party.

In Louisiana, marijuana is a Schedule I substance unless it’s prescribed for medical use. Other Schedule I substances include:

  • Ecstasy
  • Heroin
  • LSD 
  • Peyote

If you’re found in possession of marijuana you can face up to 5 years in prison and $250,000 in fines. The more drug charges you face, the more serious the consequences. Likewise, if you’re a repeat offender, your charges will likely be more severe as well.

Why Drug Possession of Any Amount is Serious

Although the amount of drugs you’re found in possession of dictates the fines and incarceration time you face, drug possession in any amount is a serious matter. No matter how much marijuana or cocaine you have, it’s considered either a misdemeanor or a felony. Both are enough to create a permanent mark on your record. 

Conviction of a drug crime is enough to create long-term difficulty. Many people who face time in prison for possession of marijuana or cocaine have a hard time obtaining employment due to their criminal record. If you’re facing drug charges, hiring a defense attorney who can mitigate your charges is essential to success.

Medical Marijuana is Legal in Louisiana

In August 2019, Louisiana became the first southern state to pass laws that permit the use of medical marijuana. According to the law, only certain medical conditions are allowed to be prescribed medical marijuana and the prescriptions must be purchased at an approved pharmacy. Some of the conditions approved for medical marijuana include:

  • PTSD 
  • Cancer
  • Glaucoma
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • …and more

If you’re using marijuana to treat one of these conditions but do not have a prescription, see a medical professional as soon as possible to inquire about how to obtain the substance in a legal manner.

Secure a Trusted Drug Defense Attorney Today

In the state of Louisiana, reputable drug defense lawyers can be found at The John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm. With more than 25 years of experience, Eric Johnson and his team of attorneys understand how to create a winning defense strategy. They take the time to get to know each of their clients individually and commit themselves to investigate each aspect of your case to present a strong argument in court.

Drug possession charges are serious. Don’t rely on an inexperienced attorney with only a handful of trials under his belt to protect your rights. Trust a seasoned drug lawyer in Louisiana who is a member of the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.  

To schedule a free consultation, call our office at 318-377-1555 or contact us online.

Recent Posts

  • When Is Drug Trafficking Charged as a Federal Offense in Louisiana?
  • What You Should Know About Gwen’s Law in Louisiana
  • The Penalties for Possessing Child Porn in Louisiana
  • Can the Police Search You If You’re Riding in an Uber or Lyft?
  • How to Navigate a Drug Conviction During a Job Search

Archives

  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • August 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017

Practice Areas

  • Appeals And Post Conviction Relief
  • Louisiana Murder Defense Attorney
  • Criminal Defense
  • Criminal Expungement
  • Domestic Violence And Protective Orders
  • Drug Offenses
  • DUI And Vehicular Homicide
  • Louisiana Sex Offenses Attorney
  • Traffic Violations And CDL Licenses
  • White Collar Crimes

Contact Us

Attention: While this website provides general information, it does not constitute legal advice
John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC
Facebook
LinkedIn
Yelp

John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC
Office: 318-377-1555 | Fax: 318-377-1559
national association of criminal defense lawyers
lsba
criminal defense attorney louisiana
2018 top rated lawyer

John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC
415 Main Street,
Minden, LA 71055

Areas Served: 
 Serving the entire State of Louisiana including Minden, Ruston, Monroe, Shreveport, Bossier City, as well as Caddo, Webster, and Ouachita parishes.
Ⓒ 2023 Eric John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC. Privacy Policy. Legal Website Powered by Market My Market