Using or accepting false identification documents (fake IDs) is not a new crime. As marijuana laws continue to change and more states allow for medical and recreational dispensaries, many people don’t fully understand how fake ID laws apply to the cannabis industry. So, what are the consequences and penalties of using a fake ID at a dispensary in Mississippi?
At LeafMed, a leading Mississippi medical marijuana dispensary, we aim to educate the general public on all things medical marijuana-related. As more medical cannabis dispensaries appear across the state, it’s important to understand legal requirements so you know which organizations to trust. Below, our fully-licensed medical dispensary team discusses all consequences and penalties for using or accepting fake IDs in Mississippi.
Fake ID Mississippi Laws and Penalties
A fake ID is any forged, false, or altered form of identification that does not display a person’s accurate information. For example, fake IDs may include a fake photo and name, or they may just have an altered birthdate. Fake ID crimes can also involve real identifications used by the improper person, like someone using a family member’s legitimate identification.
At cannabis dispensaries, fake ID crimes typically include individuals attempting to purchase items when they are younger than the minimum purchase age of 21. Continue reading to learn all the unlawful identification actions, penalties for using a fake ID, and penalties for accepting one as a retailer.
Crimes Involving Fake IDs
Mississippi state laws and federal laws consider a wide range of activities unlawful uses of identification. For example, many do not realize that carrying a fake ID, even without attempting to use it, is a crime.
Common crimes involving fake IDs include the following:
- Creating and selling fake IDs
- Using or carrying a fraudulent, altered, or fictitious identification card
- Using another person’s legitimate identification
- Allowing another person to use your identification
- Reproducing fake ID cards
- Altering legitimate identification documents
- Accepting fake IDs and selling goods to underage customers (intentionally or unknowingly)
How does this list apply to medical marijuana dispensaries? Using a fake ID at a dispensary is a crime. Accepting fake IDs at dispensaries is also punishable by law, which is why Mississippi medical dispensaries like LeafMed are so strict on identity verification, licensing, and training.
Penalties for Using a Fake ID
The penalties for using a fake ID vary, depending on the charge. More severe felony charges versus less serious misdemeanor crimes will result in a range of punishments. The typical penalties for using a fake ID include the following:
- Fines: Fines are the most common penalties for fake ID crimes. You may receive penalties anywhere from $500 to more than $1,000. Felony crimes from repeat cases or complex law enforcement situations may involve fines as high as $100,000.
- Probation: Probation requires you to comply with various restrictions, report back to a probation officer, incur fees, and more.
- Jail time: Jail time isn’t common for most fake ID cases. With a felony charge, you could spend anywhere from 30 days to 12 months in jail or years.
Penalties for Retailers Accepting Fake IDs
Facilities that accept fake IDs and sell to minors receive much larger consequences. The common penalties for accepting fraudulent IDs include the following:
- Fines as high as $500,000
- Jail time
- Cannabis dispensary license suspension
Because of these severe penalties, most dispensaries, like LeafMed, prioritize identity verification. Our trained team uses all recommended techniques and technology to identify potential fraudulent ID cards. We do so to protect our business, our clients, and the community.
Over 21? Receive Medical Marijuana From LeafMed
At LeafMed, we want to educate you on many legalities surrounding cannabis, whether those be penalties for using a fake ID at the dispensary or the Mississippi medical cannabis act. If you’re over 21 with a medical card and need medical marijuana to help ease your chronic pain or health issues, we’re your go-to dispensary. Visit or contact one of our Mississippi locations today to learn more.