Marijuana Cultivation

Indoor marijuana cultivation is a multi-billion dollar enterprise. While most assume profits are the driving force behind growing pot, medical use has lead otherwise law-abiding citizens to grow their own supply. The DEA and Drug Task Forces use clever investigative tools and surveillance to find and raid suspected grow houses--regardless of the accused grower's purpose.

In November of 2016, Moore County deputies served a search warrant related to a larceny-of-power investigation. A 700-pound transformer had been installed to siphon power from the grid for the grow house. A total of 109 marijuana plants were seized weighing 606 pounds. The street value was estimated at $2,121,000. The resulting charges included trafficking of marijuana manufacturing of marijuana, felony possession of marijuana, felony maintaining a dwelling to store a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, felony larceny and property damage.

Growing even a small amount for personal use can still result in serious consequences. Cultivation of fewer than 10 pounds of marijuana is a class I felony punishable by up to two years imprisonment and a discretionary fine for a first offense.

North Carolina Marijuana Cultivation Penalties

As many other states vote to make marijuana legal for recreational and/or medical purposes, pot remains illegal in North Carolina. The particulars of each case are especially relevant to the outcome of your case. North Carolina General Statutes § 90-95 sets for the following penalties for cultivation of marijuana.

• Ten pounds - Penalties include a potential prison sentence of up to 24 months.
• Between ten and 50 pounds - Penalties include a fine of at least $5000 and a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 25 months (and up to 39 months).
• Between 50 and 2,000 pounds - Penalties include a fine of at least $25,000 and a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 35 months (and up to 51 months).
• Between 2,000 and 10,000 pounds - Penalties include a fine of at least $50,000 and a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 70 months (and up to 93 months).
• 10,000 pounds or more - Penalties include a fine of at least $200,000 and a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 175 months (and up to 222 months).