Even possessing a small amount of a controlled substance can lead to jail time, fines, and a conviction on your criminal record. The penalties for drug possession of less than a gram of a PG 1 or 2 controlled substance is a state jail felony, with potential penalties from 180 days in state jail up to two years in state jail and fines up to $10,000.
While marijuana possession—in the plant form—in small amounts is not a felony, once it is no longer in plant form (THC, edibles, vape pens, etc.), it becomes a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance and is charged as a felony. Possession of 1-4 grams of cocaine is a third-degree felony, with penalties of 2-10 years in prison and a fine as large as $10,000. Marijuana is a special category within the Texas system of classified controlled substances; possession of fewer than two grams is a Class B misdemeanor with a potential sentence of up to 180 days in jail, with increased penalties for higher amounts, even reaching first-degree felony charges and punishments.