The bill amends the North Dakota Century Code regarding penalties for drug crimes and possession of drug paraphernalia. It modifies the penalties for possessing controlled substances, establishing that a first offense is a class A misdemeanor, while a second or subsequent offense not related to marijuana or tetrahydrocannabinol is classified as a class C felony. Additionally, the bill specifies that if the offense occurs on school property, it escalates to a class B felony, unless it involves marijuana or tetrahydrocannabinol. The bill also outlines specific penalties for marijuana and tetrahydrocannabinol possession based on the amount, with infractions for smaller quantities and misdemeanors for larger amounts.

Furthermore, the bill addresses the use and possession of drug paraphernalia, making it a class C felony if the paraphernalia is intended for use with controlled substances classified in schedules I, II, or III, excluding marijuana or tetrahydrocannabinol. The amendments include new legal language that clarifies the definitions and penalties associated with these offenses, such as the inclusion of terms like "plant, propagate," and "pack, repack, store, contain, or conceal" in the context of drug paraphernalia. Overall, the bill aims to refine the legal framework surrounding drug-related offenses and enhance the penalties for violations.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 19-03.1-23, 19-03.4-03
Enrollment: 19-03.1-23, 19-03.4-03