What are the potential penalties for possession of marijuana in North Carolina?

The correct response identifies that possession of marijuana in North Carolina can lead to misdemeanor charges, which carry varying consequences depending on the amount of marijuana involved. In the state, the legal framework categorizes possession based on quantity, with penalties for minor amounts being less severe than for larger quantities.

For instance, possession of less than half an ounce of marijuana is generally a Class 3 misdemeanor, which might result in fines, community service, and potential jail time, though first-time offenders may often receive a more lenient sentence like a probationary period. In contrast, possessing more significant amounts can lead to more serious charges, including Class 1 misdemeanors or even felonies, depending on specific circumstances such as whether there is intent to distribute.

The other options do not fully capture the legal reality: civil fines alone would not encompass the spectrum of possible consequences and could understate the seriousness of the charge; mandatory rehabilitation programs are not a standard penalty for all possession cases; and receiving only warnings does not align with the established penalties for possession, which typically involve formal charges and consequences. Thus, understanding that possession can indeed lead to misdemeanor charges with different penalties based on amount is key to grasping North Carolina's legal stance on marijuana possession.