FEDERAL DRUG PENALTIES
An up to date list of federal drug trafficking penalties (by schedule) can be found online.  See also federal drug schedules for a complete listing of drugs by schedule. The chart below contains a reference to drugs by their street names.

 

TYPES OF DRUGS

Schedule I:

High abuse potential and no approved medical uses.

Heroin (a narcotic), opiates and opium and its derivatives:

Junk, Horse, Smack, Scag, Sugar  

GHB (Gamma hydroxybutyric acid): G, Liquid X, Liquid Ecstasy, Grievous Bodily Harm, Georgia Home Boy, Scoop, the date rape drug

 

Marijuana and all derivatives: THC, Hashish, Hashish Oil, Hash, Pot, Acapulco Gold, Grass, Weed, Joint, Mary Jane, Reefer    

           

Hallucinogens: LSD (Acid, Microdot, Cubes), Peyote, Mescaline, Psilocybin (Mushrooms), Phencyclidine (PCP, Angel Dust, Hog, Purple Rain, Crazy Eddie, Hellraiser, Untouchable, Lethal Weapon), MDMA (Ecstasy)                     

Methaqualone (Quaaludes)     

 

Schedule I Risks

Use may lead to physical and/or psychological dependence.

Narcotics: Can cause dependence. Withdrawal from certain narcotics can be life-threatening. Single doses can produce impaired cognitive and motor functioning and fluctuations in mood and awareness. Higher doses can cause respiratory arrest.

 

A behavioral depressant and a hypnotic: Can cause aggression and violence, may render a victim unconscious within 20 minutes, and may cause death. The drug is colorless and odorless.

 

Marijuana: Single doses can impair cognitive functioning, learning motivation and motor abilities. Very large doses can cause confusion, restlessness, hallucinations and panic reactions. Possible depression of the immune system, chromosome damage, reduced sperm count in males.

 

Hallucinogens: Increased blood pressure, muscular weakness, trembling, nausea, chills, impaired mood and unpredictable changes in emotions and sensations. Possible "flashbacks" some time after use.

 

Barbiturates: Can cause dependence with withdrawal symptoms. Larger doses cause slurred speech, slowed reactions and excessive sleep. Large doses or doses with alcohol or other sedative hypnotics can result in respiratory depression and death.          

 

Schedule II:

High potential for abuse. Written prescriptions required, and no refills allowed.

Narcotics, including morphine, methadone, meperidine (Demerol), codeine, oxycodone (Percodan, Percocet), fentanyl, hydromorphone (Dilaudid), opiates and opium and its derivatives       

Barbiturates (Reds, Yellow Jackets, Barbs, Downers)

secobarbital (Seconal), pentobarbital (Nembutal)      

Stimulants

amphetamines (Speed, Bennies, Uppers, Black Beauties, Pep Pills)

cocaine and coca products (Crack, Coke, Flake, Snow, Freebase, Lady)

cocaine hydrochloride (Ice)

 

Schedule II Risks

Use may leas to severe physical and/or psychological dependence.

Narcotics: See above under Schedule I

 

Barbiturates: See above under Schedule I

 

Stimulants: Can cause irritability, impaired judgment, impulsivity and grandiosity. Increased blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, respiration, sweating. Have been linked to cardiovascular problems and convulsions, which can be lethal. Repeated dosing can lead to dependence as well as a paranoid psychosis.

           

Schedule III:

Some potential for abuse. Prescriptions required, and up to five renewals within six months allowed.

Medications containing small amounts of narcotics, including Tylenol #3, Empirin with codeine, codeine-based cough suppressants such as Tusslonex and Hycomine        

Medications containing small amounts of barbiturates, such as Florinal

Anabolic steroids  

 

Schedule III Risks         

Use may lead to low-to-moderate physical dependence or high psychological dependence.

Narcotics: See above under Schedule I

 

Barbiturates: See above under Schedule I

 

Steroids: The liver and the cardiovascular and reproductive systems are most severely affected. In males can cause sterility and impotence; in females irreversible masculine traits, menstrual irregularities, breast reduction and sterility. Psychological effects include aggression, combative behavior and depression. May also cause strokes, heart attacks, liver cancer, skin problems and arrested bone development during adolescence.

           

Schedule IV:

Low potential for abuse. Prescriptions required, and up to five renewals within six months allowed.

Sedative-hypnotics (Tranks, Downers): diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), triazolam (Halcion), tempazepam (Restoril), meprobamate (Equanil), ethchlorvynol (Placidyl) and oxazepam (Serax).

 

Stimulants, including phentermine (Loamin), and diethylpropion (Tenuate)         

Narcotics, including pentazocine (Talwin) and propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet) 

 

Schedule IV Risks

Use may lead to physical and/or psychological addiction.

Sedative-hypnotics: Includes benzodiazepines and other similar substances. These can cause dependence with associated withdrawal symptoms; withdrawal can be life-threatening. Small doses tend to be relaxing; larger doses cause slurred speech, slowed reactions and sleep. Can produce dependence. Large doses or doses in combination with alcohol and other sedative hypnotics can result in respiratory depression and death.

 

Stimulants: See above under Schedule II

 

Narcotics: See above under Schedule I       

           

Schedule V:

Abuse potential low. Prescriptions may or may not be required.     

Compounds that contain very limited amounts of codeine, dihydrocodeine, ethylmorphine, opium, and atropine, such as Terpine Hydrate with codeine, Robitussin AC

 

Schedule V Risks

Use may lead to physical and/or psychological addition.

Can cause nausea, gastrointestinal symptoms, drowsiness; withdrawal symptoms include runny nose, watery eyes, panic, chills, cramps, irritability.

 

 

MARYLAND DRUG PENALTIES

For Maryland schedules, see Maryland Code, Criminal Law, 5-401 through 406, which may differ slightly from the federal schedules listed above.

 

First Offense

Manufacturing, distributing or dispensing or possessing with the intent to manufacture, distribute or dispense (Maryland Code, Criminal Law, 5-603, 605-609, 612):

Schedule I or II narcotic: imprisonment of not more than 20 years; fine of not greater than $25,000, or both.

PCP, fentanyl or LSD: imprisonment of not more than 20 years; fine of not greater than $20,000, or both.

Any other controlled substance listed in Schedule I-V: imprisonment of not more than five years; fine of not more than $15,000, or both.

 

A fine of not more than $100,000 and a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than five years applies to the following amounts:

marijuana: 50 lb. or more

cocaine or cocaine mix: 448 grams or more

cocaine base: 50 grams or more

morphine or opium or a mix: 28 grams or more

LSD: 1,000 units or more or mix of same

PCP: 16 ounces or more, or 448 grams or more PCP mix

methamphetamine or mix: 448 grams or more

 

A fine of not more than $50,000 and prison of not more than 25 years is the penalty for bringing into the state of Maryland controlled substances in the

following amounts:

marijuana: 45 kg (99 lb.) or more

cocaine or cocaine mix: 28 grams or more

morphine, opium or derivative: 4 grams or more

LSD: 1,000 units or more or mix of same

PCP: 28 grams or more, or 112 grams or more PCP mix

methaqualone: 1,000 units or more

methamphetamine or mix: 28 grams or more

fentanyl or fentanyl analogue: 4 grams or more (Maryland Code, Criminal Law, 5-614)

 

The penalty for simple possession of a controlled substance in Maryland is imprisonment for not more than four years and a fine of not more than $25,000. For simple possession of marijuana the punishment is prison of not more than one year and a fine of not more than $1,000 (Maryland Code, Criminal Law, 5-601, 602, 620).

 

Other Penalties, Second and Later Offenses

A controlled substance offense within 1,000 feet of an elementary or secondary school is punishable by imprisonment of not more than 20 years and a fine of not more than $20,000 (Maryland Code, Criminal Law,  5-627).

Enhanced penalties also apply to subsequent offenses.

 

VIRGINIA DRUG PENALTIES

For Virginia schedules, see Virginia Code Annotated at 54.1-3446, which may differ slightly from the federal schedules listed above.

 

First Offense

Manufacturing, selling, distributing, giving or possessing with the intent to manufacture, sell, give or distribute (Virginia Code Annotated at 18.2-248 and 18.2-11). Schedule I and II drugs, and transporting into Virginia one or more ounces of cocaine and five or more pounds of marijuana with intent to sell or distribute: not less than five years nor more than 40 years; fine not more than $500,000.

Schedule III, IV or V drugs: not more than 12 months; fine not more than $2,500.

 

Trafficking in the following amounts is punishable by imprisonment of 20 years (in certain cases a mandatory minimum sentence of twenty years)  to life and a fine of not more than $1 million:

heroin: 1.0 kg or more

cocaine: 5.0 kg or more

cocaine base: 2.5 kg or more

 

Simple possession of a controlled substance is punishable as follows:

marijuana: a misdemeanor; not more than 30 days; fine of not more than $500.

(Va. Code Ann. @ 18.2-250.1)

 

Schedule I or II drug: not less than one year nor more than 10 years; or, in some cases, up to 12 months and fine of not more than $2,500.

Schedule III drug: not more than 12 months; fine not more than $2,500.

Schedule IV drug: not more than six months; fine not more than $1,000.

Schedule V drug: fine not more than $500.

Schedule VI drug: fine not more than $250.

(Va. Code Ann. @ 18.2-250, 18.2-11, and 18.2-10)

 

Penalties for sale, gift, distribution or possession with intent to sell, give or distribute marijuana: (Va. Code Ann. @ 18.2-248.1) not more than 0.5 ounce of marijuana: not more than 12 months, fine of not more than $2,500. More than 0.5 ounce of marijuana but not more than 5 lbs. of marijuana: up to 10 years, fine of not more than $2,500. More than 5 lbs. of marijuana, not less than five years, nor more than 30 years. Manufacturing marijuana: not less than five years nor more than 30 years, fine not to exceed $10,000.

 

Other Penalties, Second and Later Offenses

Sale of drugs on or near school property (including universities), state hospital grounds, a public recreation or community center or any public library is a felony punishable by a mandatory sentence of not less than one year nor more than five years; fine of not more than $100,000 (Virginia Code Annotated at 18.2-255.2).

Forfeiture of driver’s license may also occur as a result of drug violations. (Va. Code Ann. @ 18.2-259.1)For penalties for sale of drugs to someone under age 18 who is least three years younger than the seller see Va. Code Ann. @ 18.2-255.

Enhanced penalties also apply to subsequent offenses.

 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA DRUG PENALTIES

For District of Columbia schedules, see D.C. Code 48-902.04, .06, .08, .10, .12, which may differ slightly from the federal schedules listed above.

 

First Offense

Manufacture, distribution or possession with intent to manufacture or distribute (D.C. Code 48-904.01):

Schedule I or II narcotic or abusive drug: not more than 30 years; fine of not more than $500,000, or both.

Schedule I, II or III substance that is not a narcotic or abusive drug: not more than five years; fine not greater than $50,000, or both.  If less than ½ pound of marijuana: not more than 180 days; fine not more than $1000, or both.

Schedule IV: not more than 3 years; fine not greater than $25,000, or both.

Schedule V: not more than one year; fine not more than $10,000, or both.

 

Simple possession: a misdemeanor, with imprisonment of not more than 180 days; fine of not more than $1,000.

 

Other Penalties, Second and Later Offenses

Enhanced penalties apply to second and later offenses, for distribution to minors, and for trafficking in a school zone (D.C. Code 48-904.06, 48-904.07a).

 

 

 

 

RISKS OF ALCOHOL   
Alcohol: Single doses cause impaired coordination and motor control, impaired attention, cognitive function, and judgment. Higher doses results in extreme impairment of cognitive function, judgment and motor control, and possible alcohol poisoning. Long-term effects include depression, confusion, memory loss, blackouts, unhealthy loss of appetite, vitamin deficiencies and gastrointestinal problems. Also respiratory depression; depression of the immune system; increased risk of heart disease including alcoholic cardiomyopathy; accidents; hypertension; brain damage; damage to the unborn fetus; impotence; liver disease including cirrhosis; and increased risk of hepatic cancer may occur.

 

MARYLAND ALCOHOL PENALTIES

Legal drinking age is 21 (Maryland Code, Criminal Law, 10-114).

 

Obtaining liquor for persons under age 21; furnishing liquor to underage persons; misrepresentations of age to induce sale of liquor, beer, wine and light wines; and misrepresentation of age to any person to induce sale of liquor.

First offense: $500 fine (Maryland Code, Criminal Law, 10-113 through 10-120 ).

Illegal possession, consumption or purchase of alcohol: $500 fine (Maryland Code, Criminal Law, 10-114, 119 ).

Drinking in unlicensed public places: up to $100 fine (Maryland Code Article 2B, 19-202, 301 and 302).

 

Drunk Driving:

Under age 21: a blood alcohol concentration of .02 percent or more is a code violation punishable by suspension or revocation of license and a $500 fine or up to 2 months in jail, or both. (Maryland Transportation Code at 16-113 and 27-101).

Higher alcohol levels can be assessed penalties applicable to those over age 21 (see below). See Maryland Cts. & Jud. Proceedings Code Ann at 10-307 for results of analysis and presumptions.

 

Age 21 and over: a blood alcohol concentration of more than .05 percent but less than .07 percent, this may be considered with other competent evidence that the person was driving under the influence of alcohol or driving while impaired by alcohol. A blood alcohol concentration of at least .07 percent but less than .08 percent shall be prima facie evidence the person was driving under the influence or driving while impaired by alcohol. A blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or more shall be considered intoxicated and under the influence of alcohol per se. (MD. Code Courts and Judicial Proceedings §10-307, and Maryland Code Crimes and Punishments §388A and B, and Maryland Transportation Code § 21-902.) For a summary of penalties ranging from civil fines and points on license to suspension/revocation of license, and imprisonment, see Maryland Transportation Code § 16-205.1, § 16-402 and § 27-101.

 

VIRGINIA  ALCOHOL PENALTIES

Legal drinking age is 21 (Virginia Code Annotated at 4.1-304).

 

Fraudulent use of driver’s license or other identification card to purchase alcohol when underage: revocation of license for 30 days to one year; fine not more than $500 (Virginia Code Annotated at 46.2-347).

Procuring alcohol for underage person: not more than 12 months; not more than $2,500 fine (Virginia Code Annotated at 4.1-306).

Illegal possession, consumption or purchase of alcohol: not more than 12 months; mandatory minimum fine of $500, not to exceed more than $2,500 or mandatory minimum of 50 hours of community service; license suspension of not more than one year (Virginia Code Annotated at 4.1-305).

Drinking in unlicensed public places: fine of not more than $250 (Virginia Code Annotated at 4.1-308).

 

Drunk Driving:

Under age 21: a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02 percent or more is a code violation punishable by a six months license suspension and a fine of not more than $500 (Virginia Code Annotated at 18.2-266.1).

 

Age 21 and over: a blood alcohol

concentration of .08 percent or more is considered driving while intoxicated and is punishable by not more than 12 months; a fine of not more than $2,500; and a license suspension of one year. The higher penalties could also apply to persons under age 21 found to have violated the higher alcohol level (Virginia Code Annotated at 18.2-270,271, 18.2-266). Also civil liability for expenses of emergency response to any accident caused by impaired driving. (Va. Code Ann. @ 15.1-132.1)

Higher penalties and community service required if transporting a minor. (See Virginia Code Annotated at 18.2-270).

 

Other Penalties, Second and Later Offenses

All penalties listed are for first offenses; higher penalties apply to subsequent offenses.

 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ALCOHOL PENALTIES

Legal drinking age is 21 (D.C. Code 25-1002).

 

Misrepresentation of age; illegal possession, consumption or purchase of alcohol: fine of not more than $300; license suspension of driving privileges for a period of 90 consecutive days. (D.C. Code 25-1002).

Procuring alcohol for underage person: imprisoned not more than 180 days; fine of not more than $1,000; or both (D.C. Code 25-785).

Drinking in unlicensed public places: not more than 90 days imprisonment; fine up to $500; or both (D.C. Code 25-1001).

Public place is defined as any street, alley, park or parking; and includes drinking or possessing an open container of an alcoholic beverage in any vehicle in any street, alley, park or parking. It also includes drinking in unlicensed premises where food is sold or entertainment is provided.

 

Drunk Driving:

Under age 21: any measurable amount of alcohol is considered driving while intoxicated; not more than 90 days; fine of $300; and revocation of license for six months (D.C. Code §50-2201.05(b)(1) and DCMR 18-300, 301 and 306).

 

Age 21 and over: a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or more is considered driving while intoxicated; not more than 90 days; fine of $300; and revocation of license for six months (D.C. Code §50-2201.05(b)(1) and DCMR 18-300, 301 and 306).

Age 21 and over: a blood alcohol concentration less than .08 percent may be considered driving while intoxicated or driving while impaired. If the latter, lesser penalties may apply.

 

If an indvidual's blood alcohol concentration exceeds the legal limit by a certain amount, there is a mandatory 5-10 day jail sentence. Also, an individual guilty of driving under the influence while transporting a minor (age 17 or younger) shall be fined: an additional minimum of $500 and not more than $1000 and sentence to perform 48 hours of community service benefiting children.

 

Other Penalties, Second and Later Offenses

All penalties listed are for first offenses; higher penalties apply to subsequent offenses.

 

Drug and Alcohol Penalties Last revised July 2008 by Office of General Counsel (RTL)

 

 

RESOURCES 

Campus-Based Programs

Faculty and staff may obtain information and referrals from the Office of Personnel Services. Students may obtain information, counseling and referral from the Counseling Center and Health Services. Information and literature are also available in the dean of students office. Confidential counseling for substance abuse is also available from the Employee Assistance Program which is available to all regular full and part time employees and their spouses and dependents.  

 

Off-Campus Programs

 

District of Columbia

 

APRA (Addiction, Prevention and Recovery Administration)

1300 First St. N.E.

Washington, DC 20002

202-727-0668

 

Maryland

 

Mental Health Association of Maryland

(nonprofit organization; referral service)

711 West 40th St., Suite 428

Baltimore, MD 21211

410-235-1178

 

Virginia

 

Alcohol and Drug Services

Community Services Board

General Information:

3900 Jermantown Road, Suite 201

Fairfax, VA 22030  703-934-5477

 

Narcotics Anonymous:

District of Columbia 202-399-5316

Maryland 800-317-3222

Virginia 703-435-1230

 

National Council on Alcoholism

and Drug Dependence

Hopeline Information Line:

1-800-NCA-CALL

The National Council on Alcoholism Inc., provides information about NCA’s state and local affiliates activities in their area. It also provides referral services to families and individuals seeking help with an alcohol or other drug problem.

 

1-800-662-HELP — NIDA Hotline

NIDA Hotline, operated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, is a confidential information and referral line that directs callers to drug abuse treatment centers and support groups in the local community.

 

 

 

Page created 6/24/04

updated by RTL 7/3/08
links updated 8/5/08 rab