Massachusetts Drug Classes and Penalties
Under Massachusetts law, there are drug classes that determine the type
of penalties for
possessing, manufacturing, or
distributing drugs. Class A and B include opioids and opium derivatives; Class C includes
some narcotics; Class D includes marijuana; and Class E includes narcotics
that contain additional substances.
Class A and B
Many opioids and opium derivatives are Class A drugs. According to the
National Institute on Drug Abuse, opioids typically come in the form of
medication used to treat pain, such as Codeine, Percocet, and Vicodin. Hallucinogens such as flunitrazepam
or ketamine are also Class A drugs. The NIDA states that these are often
known as club drugs because they are popular at parties. Roofies, Ecstasy,
and Vitamin K are more commonly known names of these substances.
Class B drugs include some opiates, stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamines,
depressants, such as barbiturates, and some hallucinogens such as LSD.
Manufacturing, possessing, distributing, or dispensing Class A or B drugs
could result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years, up to two-and-a-half
years in jail or house of correction, and/or a fine of $1,000 to $10,000.
Class C
Class C drugs include some narcotics, as well as depressants and sedatives.
Many of these are prescription medications that doctors recommend for
the treatment of insomnia and mental health issues.
Common names of these include the following:
- Benzodiazepines
- Klonopin
- Librium
- Valium
- Noludar
A conviction can result into a prison term of up to five years, two-and-a-half
years in jail, and/or a fine of between $500 and $5,000.
Class D
Marijuana, barbital, ethchlorvynol, and meprobamate are examples of Class
D drugs. These are all available by
prescription, but anyone who manufactures, cultivates, dispenses, or distributes them
illegally may spend up to two years in jail and/or pay a fine of between
$500 and $5,000.
What is a Class E Drug?
Narcotics that contain limited amounts of such substances as codeine, diphenoxylate,
or opium are listed as Class E drugs. The possession, distribution, dispensation,
or manufacture of these substances may result in a fine of between $250
and $2,500 and/or a jail term of up to nine months.
This is not an exhaustive list of substances that Massachusetts law considers
illicit drugs with corresponding penalties upon conviction. Anyone who
is arrested on a
drug charge may benefit from legal advice and the representation of a Massachusetts
criminal defense attorney familiar with all of the state's laws.
Call (617) 300-0212 for more information.
