Richmond High School Student Charged with Sales of Marijuana to Minors Pot Brownies (CA Health and Safety Code 11361)

Bake sales are a common occurrence, even at the high school level.  They are often used to raise money for some school project or another.  However, one girl may have taken the idea too far.  An unnamed 17-year-old senior at De Anza High School in Richmond found herself charged with distribution of drugs on a school campus and child endangerment.  Supposedly, she sold pot brownies to her fellow students for $3 each or 2 for $5.  3 of them experienced nausea and vomiting and 2 were taken to the hospital in an ‘unresponsive’ state, according to officials.

California drug laws are severe when it comes to educational institutions and the distribution of drugs to minor children.  CA Health and Safety Code 11361 covers sale of marijuana to a minor.  However, that law applies only when the seller is over the age of 18; the girl in question is still a minor herself, according to law.  If she were an adult, she would face up to 7 years in state prison, depending on the age of the minor that the drugs were sold to.

There are separate laws, moreover, for possession of marijuana on school grounds (especially while school is in session).  If you are caught with 28.5 grams of marijuana or less on school grounds while the educational institution in question is still open, then you could face misdemeanor charges, 10 days in county jail, and a $250 fine.  If the amount you are caught with is over 28.5 grams, then your sentence could go up to 6 months and your fine to $500.  This senior may have thought it was a fun idea to sell her baked goods on campus, but she faces expulsion in addition to criminal charges.