Every state deals with drugs and drug paraphernalia possession differently. To a certain extent in North Dakota, the possession of drug paraphernalia can have the same incarceration penalty as if you were caught possessing the actual drug itself.
What Is Paraphernalia?
Paraphernalia is anything used for the manufacturing, growing, weighing, packaging or consumption of illegal drugs. Almost anything can become paraphernalia, which is why laws are generally broad when it comes to classification. This is partly because drug items are constantly evolving, making it difficult to have a concrete definition.
Bongs
Also referred to as water pipe, billy, bing, and moof, a bong is a filtration device for marijuana and tobacco use. A bong has a bowl-like vessel at the bottom with an attached long vertical stem apparatus.
Pot/Meth/Crack Pipes
Glass pipes are most commonly used for marijuana, crack, and methamphetamine. Depending on their usage, the design of the pipe may change slightly. Marijuana pipes are usually made of glass or ceramics (often have designs) and have a basin where the pot is placed.
Meth pipes are often made of clear glass and have a small bulb basin with a long cylinder. Crack pipes look very similar, but the end of the pipe is usually hazy or black from the use of lighters.
Grinders
Grinders are used to grind up marijuana so it evenly burns when smoked. Grinders are cylindrical and have two halves with sharp teeth on the inside to grind the marijuana.
Syringes & hypodermic needles
Syringes and hypodermic needles are used to inject drugs into the bloodstream. Syringes are most commonly used for heroin, cocaine, morphine, meth, and amphetamine. It is not uncommon to also see cotton balls, cigarette filters, spoons and lighters next to syringes.
Roach Clips
A roach clip is a small clip used to hold the butt of a marijuana cigarette. They are often made out of metal, sometimes glass, and have semi-sharp teeth.
Snort Tubes
Snort tubes are small plastic tubes used to quickly snort powdered drugs such as meth and cocaine. Snort tubes can be made out of cut-up drinking straws or hollow pen tubes.
Penalties
Penalties for possession of drug paraphernalia, like the ones mentioned above, in North Dakota can vary widely depending upon the intended use for the paraphernalia at issue or the prior convictions of the person charged may act as an enhancement. Items of marijuana paraphernalia are classified as Class B Misdemeanor offenses, punishable by a maximum of 30 days in jail and/or a $1500 fine. While other items such as those used to process or prepare methamphetamines or other drugs would be classified as a Class C Felony and have a maximum of 5 years’ incarceration with a maximum fee of $10,000.
Drug and paraphernalia charges can include harsh fines and jail time. If you have been arrested for illegal possession of drugs or paraphernalia, do not hesitate to call 701-235-8000 or 877-235-8002 to contact attorney Tatum O’Brien at O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys today.
