Changes in marijuana law have created a new form of tourism. People in states that haven’t legalized marijuana yet often travel across state borders to another state where they can purchase marijuana legally.
For those in Arkansas, the closest legal market is likely Missouri, although there are many states where people can walk into retail stores and legally purchase a range of different marijuana products. It is legal to purchase and consume those products in the state where people acquire them, but attempting to take anything home afterward could trigger legal consequences. In fact, Arkansas residents might even be at risk of federal drug charges.
Crossing state lines makes it a federal matter
People arrested in Arkansas for marijuana possession probably expect to face state charges. While that may be true in many cases, federal prosecution is possible if they get stopped at the border. Additionally, if the marijuana in their possession is still in packaging from another state, local authorities might report the matter to federal agencies.
The act of crossing the border constitutes interstate criminal activity. That makes the issue a federal matter. Especially in cases where the person coming back from Missouri has a large quantity of marijuana to avoid making repeated trips across state lines, they could be at risk of interstate trafficking charges that carry a mandatory minimum sentence in federal prison and a lifetime criminal record.
Anyone facing serious drug charges may need help understanding the evidence against them, the potential penalties and what defense strategies might help them protect themselves. A conversation with an experienced Arkansas defense attorney can make a major difference for those who cross state lines with marijuana purchased in another jurisdiction.