Drug-Free Campus Guidelines: New York State and Federal Legal Sanctions

Legal Sanctions for Marijuana and other Controlled Substances:

The unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol is punishable by sanctions imposed by the United States Government and by the State of New York. These sanctions can include imprisonment, fines, assigned community service, and loss of federal student financial aid eligibility.

Please see this link for NY Penal Law, Article 222 related to Marijuana/Cannabis: NY Penal Law Article 222

New York State Sanctions for Possession and Sale of Controlled Substances:

(See NYS Penal Law Article 220)

“Controlled substance” means any substance listed in schedule I, II, III, IV or V of section thirty-three hundred six of the public health law other than marijuana, but including concentrated cannabis as defined in paragraph (a) of subdivision four of section 3302 of such law. This includes, but is not limited to: methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, PCP, LSD, Fentanyl, and Fentanyl analogue.

New York State Sanctions for Criminal Possession and Sale of Controlled Substances

(Degree depends upon substance, amount of substance, age of purchaser and prior record)

7th Degree-Class A Misdemeanor; imprisonment up to 1 year 

5th Degree-Class D Felony; imprisonment up to 7 years

4th Degree-Class C Felony; imprisonment up to 15 years 

3rd Degree-Class B Felony; up to 25 years imprisonment

2nd Degree-Class A-II Felony; up to life imprisonment 

1st Degree-Class A-1 Felony; up to life imprisonment