While the debate regarding the legalization of marijuana continues, it is important for Louisiana residents and visitors to remember that the drug is currently illegal in the Bayou State. This means that you may face drug charges if you are caught carrying marijuana by law enforcement officials.
But the laws regarding possession of what is known as “synthetic marijuana” are not so clear. There are a number of brands of synthetic marijuana on the market that can be purchased from retailers. These designer drugs contain chemical mixtures that can be altered by manufactures to avoid being considered banned substances.But the Department of Health and Hospitals has stated that these drugs have been connected to hospitalizations and even deaths in Louisiana. Recently, some of these designer drugs have been made illegal.A few years ago, the state made it possible for officials to more readily place chemicals on controlled substance lists. This allows the officials to counter efforts made by manufacturers who are trying to get around the ban by tweaking their product.What this means is that a synthetic marijuana purchased legally from a retailer one day, may be illegal the next. As such, you could face possession charges if you are caught holding a portion of a newly banned substance.Any drug charge can have a negative impact on your life. If you are arrested for possession of a controlled substance, you may want to get help figuring out your best available options. A Louisiana drug crimes attorney can go over your case and offer guidance and representation. Given the particulars of your arrest, the attorney may be able to help you get the charges reduced or dismissed.