Stanislaus County

Stanislaus County is located in California’s Central Valley. According to the census of 2010, the population was an estimated 514,453, which is a significant increase from up from the 446,997 estimate during the 2000 census. The seat of the county is Modesto.

Possession, Cultivation, and Sale of Marijuana in Stanislaus County

Possession of marijuana in Stanislaus County is a non-criminal offense up to a certain amount. For 28.5 grams or less, only a civil infraction will be charged, for which the offender will be required to pay a $100 fine. For possession of more than 28.5 grams, the offense becomes arrestable, with the offender facing a possible 6-month jail term and a $500 fine.

Cultivation and processing of marijuana is allowed in Stanislaus County only for certain individuals, and within specific limits. Patients that have been prescribed medical marijuana by a doctor may maintain a maximum of 6 mature plants or 12 immature plants and 8 ounces of bud. Caregivers are allowed to maintain the same number of plants and the same amount of processed marijuana for every patient in his or her care. Operators of legal dispensaries may also cultivate and process marijuana within amounts set by law. Cultivation and processing by all other individuals is a criminal offense, for which the offender may be imprisoned for up to 16 months.

As with most other counties in California, the sale of marijuana is illegal in Stanislaus County regardless of amount. Offenders face a possible 2- to 4-year prison term, with individuals who sell marijuana to a minor liable for a 3- to 5-year prison term. Again, this law applies to offenders found guilty of selling marijuana in Stanislaus County regardless of the amount. Any and all of these offenses may merit the suspension of the driver’s license of an offender who is younger than 21 years old at the time of the offense.