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New York criminal charge

Unlawful sale of cannabis in New York

ViolationCurrent through 2026 New York legislative session

Unlawful sale of cannabis is a Violation under New York criminal law, defined by N.Y. Penal Law § 222.45. As a Violation, it is punishable within the statutory sentencing range New York sets for that offense class. New York classifies offenses as felonies (classes A-I and A-II through E), misdemeanors (classes A and B, plus unclassified), violations, and traffic infractions — and a violation or traffic infraction is not a crime (N.Y. Penal Law § 10.00(6); N.Y. Vehicle & Traffic Law § 155). Felony sentences divide into indeterminate and determinate schemes depending on the offense (N.Y. Penal Law §§ 70.00, 70.02).

Defined by N.Y. Penal Law § 222.45.

Common questions about unlawful sale of cannabis in New York

Is unlawful sale of cannabis a crime in New York?

Unlawful sale of cannabis is a violation in New York, and a violation is not a crime under New York Penal Law § 10.00(6) — a conviction is a noncriminal disposition, not a criminal conviction. Unlawful sale of cannabis is governed by N.Y. Penal Law § 222.45.

Which New York statute covers unlawful sale of cannabis?

Unlawful sale of cannabis is governed by N.Y. Penal Law § 222.45 (Unlawful sale of cannabis).

Legal terms used in this law

This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.