Laws on Marijuana Possession: Penalties and Punishments

The punishment for possession of marijuana in India depends on the quantity of marijuana possessed.

Small quantity: Possession of a small quantity of marijuana (up to 100 grams of charas or hashish, or 1000 grams of ganja) is punishable with imprisonment for up to 6 months, or a fine of up to ₹10,000, or both.

Intermediate quantity: Possession of an intermediate quantity of marijuana (between 100 grams and 1 kg of charas or hashish, or between 1000 grams and 20 kg of ganja) is punishable with imprisonment for up to 10 years, or a fine of up to ₹1 lakh, or both.

Commercial quantity: Possession of a commercial quantity of marijuana (1 kg or more of charas or hashish, or 20 kg or more of ganja) is punishable with imprisonment for up to 20 years, or a fine of up to ₹2 lakh, or both.

In addition to the above punishments, repeat offenders may be sentenced to life imprisonment.

It is important to note that the above punishments are prescribed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act). However, some states have their own laws regarding marijuana possession, which may be stricter or more lenient than the NDPS Act.

For example, the state of Odisha has a law that makes the possession of any quantity of marijuana punishable with imprisonment for up to 6 months, or a fine of up to ₹10,000, or both.