Major types of Drug charges in Canada
There are 4 major types of drug charges in Canada:
- Possession
- Production
- Trafficking
- Importing or Exporting
These offences are governed by the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). The CDSA defines drug offences and their punishment.
Canada is a country that treats seriously in drug charges. according to the CDSA , the penalties of these charges depend on :
- Type of drug
- The actual offence
- Summarily or incidentally
Drug Scheduling
It’s better for you to know that there are 5 schedules for drugs.
Schedule 1 :
- Marijuana
- Heroin
- LSD
- Ecstasy
- Magic Mushrooms
Schedule 2 :
- Cocaine
- Meth
- Oxycodone
- Adderall
- Ritalin
- Vicodin
Schedule 3 :
- Tylenol with codeine
- Ketamine
- Anabolic Steroids
- Testosterone
Schedule 4 :
- Xanax
- Soma
- Darvocet
- Valium
- Ambien
Schedule 5 :
- Robitussin AC
- Lomotil
- Motofen
- Lyrica
- Parepectolin
Possession
The penalty upon summary conviction is the same. You may face :
- a fine not exceeding $1000 or
- a maximum imprisonment of six months,
- both of the above
in addition , The fine can be increased for second or subsequent offences.
If you did this incidentally, you will face a maximum sentence of 3 to 7 years. but it depends on drug’s type.
Production
For Schedule 1 and 2 drugs, you may face :
- Life in prison and a minimum of at least two years for Schedule 1
- One year for Schedule 2
For Schedule 3 , 4 and 5 , the penalties are depend on Summarily or incidentally of the crime. you should also know that there is no binding minimum punishment.
Trafficking
For Schedule 1 and 2 , you may face life in prison. There are also binding minimum terms, the length of which depends on the presence of specific circumstances.
For Schedule 3 and 5 , you may face a penalty of up to 18 months. if you did this incidentally , the Crown proceeds summarily or up to 10 years.
For Schedule 4 , you may face a penalty of up to one year in prison if you did that summarily. the maximum fine is three years if you did that incidentally.
Importing and exporting
For Schedule 1 and 2 , there is a maximum fine of life in prison. the minimum fine is determined by factors outlined in the CDSA.
For other Schedules, the maximum terms depend on whether you did that summarily or by indictment. There is no binding minimum.
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