CSNA: Controlled Substances and Narcotics Act
State of San Andreas – State Register of Laws
Legislated by the San Andreas Mental & Health Authority (SAMHA) and San Andreas Medical Services (SAMS).
Enforced under the oversight of the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Introduction and Purpose
The Controlled Substances and Narcotics Act (CSNA) establishes the statewide legal framework for the classification, possession, cultivation, and distribution of controlled substances within the State of San Andreas.
This legislation regulates substances that may be harmful to public health, ensuring that they are used only under lawful, medical, or licensed circumstances. It defines the limits of lawful possession, cultivation, and sale, and creates a structured approach for enforcement and judicial review.
At present, Cannabis (Marijuana) is the only non-medical controlled substance recognized under this Act, with the framework allowing for future expansion as additional narcotics enter circulation.
Constitutional Justification
This legislation is enacted under the authority of the State Constitution of San Andreas, granting the State the power to regulate matters of public health, safety, and welfare.
The Act protects citizens’ Right to Liberty and Right to Due Process while enabling proportionate enforcement and penalties for violations.
Article I – Classification of Controlled Substances
Controlled substances are organized into five (5) schedules based on medical value, risk of abuse, and safety for use under medical supervision.
| Schedule | Classification | Description |
|---|---|---|
| I | Prohibited Substances | No accepted medical use; extremely high potential for abuse. |
| II | Restricted Medical Substances | Limited medical use; high potential for dependency. |
| III | Regulated Medical Substances | Medical use permitted; moderate potential for misuse. |
| IV | Controlled Prescription Substances | Commonly prescribed; lower abuse potential. |
| V | Minimal-Control Substances | Low-risk or therapeutic substances; permitted under regulation. |
Article II – Substance Reference Schedule
Schedule I – Prohibited Substances
(Currently no active entries; reserved for illegal narcotics such as heroin, LSD, and methamphetamine should they enter circulation.)
Schedule II – Restricted Medical Substances
| Substance | Examples | Legal Status |
|---|---|---|
| Strong Opioids | Morphine, Oxycodone, Fentanyl | Prescription required; misuse constitutes felony possession. |
| Barbiturates | Pentobarbital, Secobarbital | Prescription required; controlled administration only. |
| Ketamine | Medical anesthetic form | Restricted to authorized medical professionals. |
| Codeine-based Compounds (High Dose) | Pure codeine or combined with morphine | Prescription only; limited dispensing. |
Schedule III – Regulated Medical Substances
| Substance | Examples | Legal Status |
|---|---|---|
| Co-Codamol / Tramadol | Mild to moderate opioid painkillers | Prescription required; overuse constitutes misdemeanor offense. |
| Benzodiazepines | Diazepam, Lorazepam | Prescription only; moderate potential for dependency. |
| Low-dose Codeine Formulations | Cough mixtures or mild analgesics | Controlled sale; pharmacist-dispensed only. |
| Steroidal Compounds | Testosterone, Nandrolone | Prescription only; performance enhancement misuse prohibited. |
Schedule IV – Controlled Prescription Substances
| Substance | Examples | Legal Status |
|---|---|---|
| General Pain Relief & OTC Medicines | Ibuprofen, Paracetamol | Legal over-the-counter sale under standard regulation. |
| Mild Antihistamines / Cold Remedies | Cetirizine, Loratadine | Legal under regulated retail sale. |
| Antibiotics (Prescription) | Amoxicillin, Doxycycline | Prescription required; standard medical control. |
Schedule V – Minimal-Control Substances
| Substance | Examples | Legal Status |
|---|---|---|
| Cannabis (Marijuana) | Dried flower, joints, oil, resin | Legal in limited quantities (see Article IV). |
| CBD Products | Non-psychoactive cannabis | Fully legal under regulation. |
| Cough Syrups (Codeine-based) | Mild opioid content | Regulated sale only. |
Note:
Schedules I–IV are subject to expansion or amendment by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and State Legislature via official bulletin or legislative order.
Article III – General Possession and Use
- Possession of any controlled substance must fall within the limits defined by this Act or an authorized medical prescription.
- Possession, use, or distribution of a Schedule I substance is strictly prohibited under all circumstances.
- All controlled substances must be stored safely and out of public view.
- Public consumption or open use of controlled substances is prohibited.
Article IV – Cannabis (Marijuana) Regulation
- Cannabis is classified under Schedule V as a regulated substance permitted for personal use under the following limits:
- Up to 10 joints per individual.
- Up to 5 bagged units of cannabis flower.
- Up to 3 cannabis plants cultivated per household.
- Up to 50 cannabis seeds (male or female) may be legally possessed for personal cultivation purposes.
- Possession exceeding these limits constitutes an offense under this Act.
- Cannabis must be kept in a sealed container when transported and may not be consumed in vehicles or public areas.
- Individuals under 21 years of age are prohibited from possessing or consuming cannabis.
- Sale or supply of cannabis without a State Dispensary License constitutes Unlicensed Distribution of Cannabis.
- Cultivation over the legal limit constitutes Illegal Cultivation of Marijuana.
Article V – Distribution and Licensing
- The commercial sale or distribution of controlled substances requires a valid State Dispensary or Distribution License.
- All licenses shall be issued and regulated by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and San Andreas Medical Services (SAMS).
- License holders must:
- Maintain accurate transaction records.
- Refrain from selling to individuals under 21.
- Comply with state health and taxation laws.
- Any person or entity selling or transferring a controlled substance without proper authorization commits a felony offense.
Article VI – Enforcement Authority
- Los Santos Police Department (LSPD) – for enforcement and investigation of controlled substance offenses.
- Department of Justice (DOJ) – for prosecution, oversight, and judicial interpretation.
- Law enforcement officers must enforce this Act proportionally and in accordance with citizens’ constitutional rights.
- Agencies must maintain records of all seizures, arrests, and charges filed under this Act for public accountability.
Article VII – Penalties and Sentencing
| Offense | Classification | Sentence | Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of Marijuana (Over 5 Bags) | Felony | 20 months | $800 |
| Possession of Marijuana (Over 10 Joints) | Misdemeanor | 15 months | $600 |
| Possession of Cannabis Seeds (Over 50 Seeds) | Felony | 20 months | $1,200 |
| Cultivation of Marijuana (Over 3 Plants) | Felony | 25 months | $940 |
| Unlicensed Distribution of Cannabis | Felony | 30 months | $1,200 |
| Possession of Controlled Medical Substance (Over 4 bottles) | Misdemeanor | 15 months | $700 |
| Possession of Controlled Medical Substance Without Prescription | Felony | 25 months | $950 |
| Unlawful Distribution of Controlled Medical Substance | Felony | 30 months | $1,200 |
Article VIII – Expansion of Controlled Schedules
- The State Legislature, in consultation with the Department of Justice and SAMS, may add, amend, or reclassify substances under this Act.
- Any new narcotic, stimulant, depressant, or hallucinogenic drug introduced into circulation may be designated under Schedules I–IV by legislative update.
- Once added, the relevant penalties and possession limits will be defined through an Official Amendment to the CSNA.
- Law enforcement agencies shall be notified of all schedule changes by formal bulletin.
Article IX – Record Reform and Expungement
- Individuals convicted of non-violent possession offenses may petition the Department of Justice for expungement after 1 month without reoffense.
- Expungement does not apply to trafficking, distribution, or violent offenses.
- The DOJ must issue a written determination within 45 days of application.
Conclusion
The Controlled Substances and Narcotics Act (CSNA) provides the foundational structure for regulating controlled substances within the State of San Andreas.
It establishes current standards for lawful cannabis use and ensures readiness for future inclusion of other narcotics as they emerge, balancing public safety, personal freedom, and judicial fairness.
Signatories
- Justice Bailey Harvey
- Justice Peter Brackley
- Justice Mina Mercy
- Justice James Anderson
- Chief of SAMS Tommy Price