Baloney that drug laws only target dealers or that cops only focus on dealers---take a look at the actual drug laws for a given state, like Massachusetts' drug laws. Possession of a drug over a certain threshold amount makes one a "dealer" (i.e., possession with intent to distribute) de jure . . . the government does not even have to prove intent to distribute. Further, I did a statistical analysis on the drug task force of the city of Cambridge, MA. Far from targeting just dealers, an astounding percentage---well over 50%---of their anti-drug activity was busting marijuana users for simple possession. I don't have a copy of the research paper in front of me, but will gladly post it tonight if you want me to.
The penalty for possession of a small amount (less than 42.5 grams) of marijuana is a fine of up to $200 and possible requirement of drug education. Possession of 42.5 grams or more of marijuana is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Possession of 10 kilograms or more of marijuana increases the penalty to a fine up to $250,000 and up to 20 years in prison. Possession of 50 kilograms or more is punishable by up to 25 years in prison and a fine up to $500,000. For any possession of 100 kilograms or more, the penalty is up to 30 years in prison and a fine up to $1,000,000. Possession of greater than 1.4 grams in a motor vehicle (except in the trunk) is punishable by up to one year in prison.
Conditional discharge is a possibility for first time offenders. For distribution of a small amount of marijuana (42.5 grams or less) for no remuneration, the penalty is a fine of up to $200 and possible requirement of drug education. For sale of any amount less than 5 kilograms the
Sale of more than 50 grams the punishment is up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Sale of 5 kilograms or more is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000. For sale of 25 kilograms or more, the penalties increase to a possible 25 years in prison and a fine up to $500,000. Sale of 50 kilograms or more is punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a fine up to $1,000,000. The penalty for sale to a minor is up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000. Sale within a school zone, park zone, public housing area or near a drug treatment facility increases the penalty to up to 15 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. The importing of 50 kilograms or more into the state is punishable by up to 35 years in prison and a fine up to $1,250,000. Driver's licenses can be suspended for 30 days if the offense was committed while driving a motor vehicle.
Conditional release: The state allows conditional release or alternative or diversion sentencing for people facing their first prosecutions. Usually, conditional release lets a person opt for probation rather than trial. After successfully completing probation, the individual's criminal record does not reflect the charge. Decriminalization: The state has decriminalized marijuana to some degree. Typically, decriminalization means no prison time or criminal record for first-time possession of a small amount for personal consumption. The conduct is treated like a minor traffic violation. Hemp: This state has an active hemp industry. Hemp is a distinct variety of the plant species cannabis sativa L. that contains minimal (less than 1%) amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Various parts of the plant can be utilized in the making of textiles, paper, paints, clothing, plastics, cosmetics, foodstuffs, insulation, animal feed, and other products. For more information see NORML's Industrial Use section.