Potsdam, NY, New York

Smoking tolerance level [1= very illegal 5=virtually legal]: 4.5

Legislation: Marijuana is illegal in New York State. Though, the laws have been decriminilized. The first offense results in a citation, while the next in a misdimenior.

“Possession of 25 grams or less of marijuana is punishable by a fine of $100 for the first offense. For the second offense, the penalty increases to a $200 fine and for subsequent offenses the fine increases to $250 and a maximum of 15 days in jail time may be imposed. [for a third offense the website shows it as a potential misdemeanor of up to 5 days jail time and/or fine up to $250]

Possession of greater than 25 grams or possession of any amount in public where the marijuana is burning or open to public view, is a class B misdemeanor and is punishable by up to three months in jail and a fine up to $500.

For possession of greater than two ounces, the penalty increases to a possible one year in jail and a fine up to $1,000.

Possession of greater than eight ounces increases the penalties to a possible one to one and a half years in prison and a fine up to $5,000. The penalties for possession of greater than 16 ounces are one to two and a half years in prison and a fine up to $5,000. For possession of any amount greater than 10 pounds, the penalty is one to five and half years in prison and a fine up to $5,000.

Delivery or manufacture of two grams or less of marijuana for no remuneration is punishable by up to three months in jail and a fine up to $500. [NORML also mysteriously writes “2 oz or less gift: class B misdemeanor | 3 months and/or fine | $500”] For delivery or manufacture of 25 grams or less, the penalty is up to one year in jail and a fine up to $1,000. For amounts greater than 25 grams, the penalty increases to one to one and a half years in jail and a fine up to $5,000. Delivery or manufacture of greater than four ounces is punishable by one to two and a half years in prison and a fine up to $5,000. For any amount greater than 16 ounces, the penalty increases to one to five and a half years in prison and a fine up to $5,000.

Law enforcement: The town of Potsdam is a small, hippy college town. Most of the cops here are pretty laid back about possesing in small quantities. They will pounce on the dealers.

Where to buy marijuana: If you have the balls you can travel 30 miles North to the reservation to buy. The reservation smuggles enormous quanitiies of pot to the states. Though, be very careful the Native Americans aren’t to be taken lightly and I’ve heard many stories of my friends being jumped trying to buy. You’re best bet is to go to suny and find anyone who looks like a music major or just a stoner (90% of the student population).

Marijuana prices: Canadian Outdoor (180-210)

Dro (200-230)

Marijuana brands: You usually find good outdoor bud or dro. Headies are very difficult to find, being so far from the city

More information: There are many places to smoke in Potsdam. If you want to take a short 15 minute drive to Parishville, there are beautiful waterfalls with no coppers in miles. Lehman Park is a nice spot, but is very risky. Cops have busted many people here and often visit the park at night to search for smokers. Raquette Park is a peaceful spot and isn’t oftenly visited by cops.