MS HB701

Revises penalties for sale and possession of Schedule I and II controlled substances, with new tiered sentencing based on drug amount and type.

Establishes specific penalties for first-time marijuana and synthetic cannabinoid offenders ranging from 30 grams or less (up to 3 years imprisonment/$3,000 fine) to 500 grams to 1 kilogram (5-20 years imprisonment/$20,000 fine).

Reduces maximum imprisonment for Schedule III and IV substances under 2 grams from 8 years to 5 years, and adds new penalty tier for 30-500 grams (up to 20 years imprisonment/$250,000 fine).

Defines "trafficking in controlled substances" to include possession of 30+ grams of Schedule I or II drugs (except marijuana/synthetic cannabinoids) or 500+ grams of Schedule III, IV, or V substances, with mandatory 10-40 year sentences.

Allows courts discretion to reduce mandatory sentences to minimum 25% of prescribed term if offender was not a leader, did not use violence, and justice interests warrant departure; effective July 1, 2016.