Possession is having marijuana for personal use. Possession with intent to distribute is having marijuana that the prosecution believes you intended to sell or share with others. The line between the two is fact-specific and the prosecution uses several evidence categories to argue intent: quantity above personal-use thresholds, presence of scales, baggies, packaging materials, large amounts of cash, text messages or social media discussing sales, and statements made at the time of arrest. Intent to distribute is a significantly more serious charge with much higher penalties. Defense work focuses on contesting the intent evidence and arguing the amount was for personal use only.
