The State of Maine recognizes 4 schedules of drugs. Crimes involving drugs from different levels will result in different classes of penalties.
The schedules are W, X, Y and Z and they include the following controlled substances:
- Schedule W – This includes many of the most well-known drugs. These drugs are also some of the most addictive and, therefore most dangerous. Drugs include amphetamines, cocaine, oxycodone, heroin, methadone, hallucinogenics like MDMA and more.
- Schedule X – Drugs like chlorhexadol, nalorphine, hashish, and more are in this schedule. The names may not be recognizable, but most drugs that are depressants or hallucinogens not listed in schedule W are included here.
- Schedule Y – This schedule includes drugs like codeine, flurazepam which are used in many prescription drugs.
- Schedule Z – All prescription drugs other than those included in schedules W, X or Y are included in this schedule as well as marijuana.
WJHAT ARE COMMON DRUG CRIMES IN MAINE?
Drug Possession
Under Maine Revised Statute Title §1107-A, a person will be found guilty of unlawful possession of a scheduled drug if the person intentionally or knowingly possesses what that person believes or knows to be a scheduled drug. These charges are categorized based on the type and amount of drug found, and penalties range from a Class B crime to a Class C crime.
Trafficking
Charges generally refer to the sale or distribution of illegal drugs and may result in federal charges for manufacturing, transporting, exporting, distributing or dispensing controlled substances. Maine Revised Statute Title §1105-A outlines the specific circumstances that may result in aggravated trafficking charges that will result in Class A penalties. This drug crime is a crime of intent, which means that the State must prove that you intentionally or knowingly sold drugs in order to convict you.
Cultivation of Drugs
Certain plants, such as cannabis and opium, are capable of producing illegal drugs when they are cultivated correctly. Maine’s drug cultivation laws make it a crime to grow, produce or possess these certain plants and other naturally occurring elements that are used in the production of illegal controlled substances. Penalties may include fines up to $2,000 and a maximum of one year in jail.
Marijuana
Maine was the fifth state to provide dispensaries of medical-grade marijuana for medical patients who qualify, but criminal charges will still result for those who have not received approval to use marijuana.
Prescription Fraud
Any act of deception that leads to obtaining of prescription drugs can be classified as prescription fraud under Maine Revised Statute Title §1108.
