Health & Safety Code · §481.103

Penalty Groups

Penalty Groups is covered under §481.103 and tested on the TCOLE peace officer licensing exam.

To prove this offense, the State must establish each of the following elements: MDMA, ecstasy; PCP; Psilocybin / psilocin; Listed hallucinogens (mescaline, DMT, etc.).

Elements you must prove

  • MDMA, ecstasy
  • PCP
  • Psilocybin / psilocin
  • Listed hallucinogens (mescaline, DMT, etc.)

Practice 2 questions on this topic

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Worked examples

Worked example 1

Penalty Group 2 under §481.103 includes:

  1. Cocaine
  2. MDMA (ecstasy), PCP, psilocybin (mushrooms), and listed psychedelics / hallucinogens Correct
  3. Marijuana
  4. Anabolic steroids
Why: PG 2 contains MDMA/ecstasy, PCP, psilocybin (mushrooms), DMT, mescaline, and similar psychedelics. PG 2-A specifically covers synthetic cannabinoids.
Statute: Tex. Health & Safety Code §481.103
Worked example 2

Possession of synthetic cannabinoids (K2, Spice, etc.) falls under:

  1. PG 1
  2. PG 2-A — Class B misdemeanor for less than 2 oz; ladder mirrors marijuana with similar weight tiers Correct
  3. PG 3
  4. PG 4
Why: Synthetic cannabinoids are listed in PG 2-A. The possession ladder under §481.1161 is similar to marijuana: <2 oz Class B, 2-4 oz Class A, 4 oz-5 lb state jail, etc.
Statute: Tex. Health & Safety Code §481.103(a-1); §481.1161

Statutory definitions for this topic

Penalty Group 2 Tex. Health & Safety Code §481.103
MDMA (ecstasy), PCP, psilocybin (mushrooms), DMT, mescaline, and listed psychedelics / hallucinogens.
Penalty Group 2-A Tex. Health & Safety Code §481.103(a-1)
Synthetic cannabinoids (K2, Spice, etc.). Possession ladder mirrors marijuana weight tiers.