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THC Concentrates

Marijuana consumption has changed a lot over time. Medical marijuana has led to new methods for ingesting cannabis without smoking the leafy substance. One of these is the use of THC concentrates or cannabis oils. THC concentrates is simply pure concentrated extracts of the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

The law regarding THC concentrates is a little tricky. In Iowa, cannabis oils and their plant counterpart share the same penalties. However, if you had possession with intent to sell you could be facing felony charges. Even if you’re not charged with delivery the penalties for possession are serious. You could be forced to pay thousand-dollar fines and spend time behind bars.

If you or someone you know has been charged with possessing or selling THC concentrates, it’s crucial you get in contact with an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Attorney for THC Concentrates in West Des Moines, Iowa

As time passes, THC concentrates are becoming more popular among marijuana users. Cannabis oils give users the opportunity to consume concentrated THC for a more enhanced “high.” Because of this, many people possess “vape pens” or “dab” to ingest straight THC.

While vape pens are becoming more popular among the medical community, it’s still illegal to possess or sell THC concentrates under Iowa law. You could face serious penalties including prison time. If you or someone you know has been charged with possessing or selling THC concentrates, it’s imperative you gain legal counsel.

You can find quality legal representation with McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C.. The attorneys at firm excel at criminal defense with years of experience with drug law. Our attorneys can use our defense tactics to help protect your rights. Call today at (515) 279-9700 to schedule a case consultation now.

McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. represents people throughout Dallas and Polk County including Ankeny, De Soto, Johnston, West Des Moines, Adel and Dawson.

Overview of THC Concentrates in Iowa

What is THC Concentrates or Cannabis Oil?

When one says marijuana we usually think of the plant. However, cannabis can be consumed in a number of ways such as THC concentrates. Marijuana flowers and buds tend to have a large amount of resin. This resin is pressed and processed to create THC concentrates such as honey oil or cannabis wax.

What differentiates THC concentrates from traditional marijuana is the potency of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The chemical THC is known for giving user a light hallucinogenic feeling. Concentrated amounts of THC can create a much more intense high for the user, which is a reason why concentrates have become so popular.

THC concentrates are also unique because they can be used in a variety of ways. It can be made into various forms such as wax, oils or budder. Each of these have their own consistency but are created from the same cannabis concentrate. You can also use concentrated cannabis for cooking or garnishes for various foods.

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Types of THC Concentrates

THC concentrates are much more versatile than traditional marijuana. It can be made into various substances which all serve a different purpose including:

  • Wax – Looks similar to ear wax and is from and doesn’t require much processing;
  • Oils – THC concentrated with the chemical ethanol, CO2 or butane;
  • Shatter – One of the purest forms of THC concentrate which looks similar to glass;
  • Honeycomb – THC concentrated through a light hydrocarbon process;
  • Sugar – Cannabis concentrated to a form similar to sugar and usually put on food;
  • Crumble – The driest type of THC concentrates and usually used for “dabbing;”
  • Nug Run – THC concentrates made using trichomes or terpenes;
  • Trim Run – When the trimmings of the marijuana plant are processed into THC concentrates;

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Penalties for Possessing THC Concentrates in Iowa

Iowa treats THC concentrates differently than most states. Some states such as Texas or Florida don’t consider marijuana concentrates to be cannabis. This means the state actually gives harsher penalties than if the possession was for traditional marijuana.

Fortunately, Iowa considers the derivatives marijuana to be a part of the cannabis plant. There are some exceptions, but usually the penalties for THC concentrates are the same as their plant counterpart. In Iowa, possessing any amount of THC concentrates is illegal. A first offense will result in a simple misdemeanor, which is punishable by:

  • Up to 6 months in jail; and
  • A fine of up to $1,000

A second possession offense will result in a misdemeanor which can lead to:

  • Up to one year in jail; and
  • A fine between $315 and $1875 by the court;

Third-time offenders should expect to be charged with an aggravated misdemeanor. An aggravated misdemeanor is punishable by:

  • Up to 2 years in jail; and
  • A fine between $625 and $6250

The penalties for possessing THC concentrates are enhanced if you’re near certain areas. These include public and private schools, pubic parks or a school bus. If you are caught with THC concentrates in these places, the court may order you to also do 100 hours of community service.

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THC Concentrates and Possession with Intent Charges

Iowa has the exact same penalties for standard marijuana and THC concentrates. However, if it’s a charge for possession with intent to deliver, the consequences will change. The penalties for possession with intent for the plant marijuana is the same as simple possession. A conviction will lead to a serious misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine between $315 and $1875.

The penalties change if you’re charged with possession with intent to deliver THC concentrates. You will instead face felony charges, meaning prison time. Possession with intent to deliver cannabis concentrates is a class B felony that can result in:

  • Up to 25 years in prison; and
  • A fine between $100 and $1,000

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Additional Resources

Iowa Drug Laws – Visit the official website of the Iowa Code, a collection of state laws for the state of Iowa. Access the statute to learn more about the drug schedules, penalties for trafficking or possessing other drugs and possible admissible defenses.

Marijuana in Iowa – Visit the official website for the Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) to learn more about cannabis. Access the site to learn the difference between marijuana derivatives, the chemical THC, and specifics about different kinds of cannabis concentrates.

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Lawyer for THC Concentrates in Polk County, Iowa

If you or someone you know has been charged with possessing or selling THC concentrates, it’s crucial you contact an experienced defense attorney. The legal process is difficult, so you will need an attorney to help you make the right steps. Contact McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. today for quality legal representation.

Call (515) 279-9700 to set up a consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney. The attorneys at McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. have years of experience defending people accused of possessing THC concentrates. We can utilize our resources to build a defense for you.

McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. defends people with drug crime allegations throughout Polk County including Elkhart, Altoona, Johnston, West Des Moines and Polk City.