Drugs for Personal Use
The penalties faced for drug related crimes vary according to the type of crime. For the possession of drugs for personal use, or self-consumption of drugs, the penalties are usually less severe than for drug possession for trafficking. However, each case is different, so it is important to contact an experienced Spanish lawyer for the most relevant, up to date information.
Quantities of drugs
The maximum quantities of drugs which an individual is legally permitted to carry is limited to one minimum psychoactive dose. This is the minimum dose which can has an effect on a person, so authorities usually presume that by carrying this amount, consumption is limited to one individual and there is not a serious risk to Public Health.
To carry smaller quantities than this is known as an “insignificant” dose, as it will not induce an effect on the consumer. Clearly, the doses which will have an effect vary from drug to drug, and the Spanish authorities take this into account when sentencing an individual.
Examples of the minimum psychoactive doses, or the quantity which an individual can legally carry on their person, are: for marijuana, 10 mg/0,01 gr.; MDMA (Ecstacy), 20 mg/0,02 gr.; heroin 0,66 mg/0,00066 gr. These amounts are subject to change and will still carry different penalties. The strength of the drug in possession is assessed for each case, in order to determine the risk assumed to Public Health. For more advice regarding the legalities of drug possession, please contact our lawyers at Piñera del Olmo, Barcelona.
Other factors when sentencing
Spanish Authorities take other factors into account in order to assess whether a person is carrying drugs for personal use or with commercial intentions. This includes the reasons for a traveller’s journey to Spain, whether the person is a drug addict, the quantity of money which the individual is carrying, whether they carry the drugs in one larger entity or smaller doses, their movements to unusual addresses, amongst other factors. For more information and advice about the factors considered by Spanish authorities, it is advisable to get in contact with a Spanish lawyer at Piñera del Olmo.
Should you need further information, or legal advice with regards to drug-related crimes, please do not hesitate to contact our lawyers.
Disclaimer: This information in this article is not definitive, for up to date legal advice which is relevant to your case please contact our lawyers.
Piñera del Olmo
Granada del Penedès 10, entlo
08006 Barcelona
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