3 Things To Say To The Police When You Get Busted for Cannabis (2024)

How to interact with the cops when getting busted for cannabis

3 Things To Say To The Police If You Get Arrested For Marijuana from CannabisNet on Vimeo.

When you hear the siren, your blood turns cold. You start to panic; you know that now…you’re f*cked! You’ve got some herb, not a staggering amount but enough to cause some “trouble” in the eyes of Johnny Law. They walk in your direction and you’re about to engage…so what do you do?

BEFORE WE START

This isn’t legal advice; this isn’t a full-proof solution to get out from under the cops’ gaze…this is just a few things I have done in the past that have worked for me. Granted, it didn’t always work and as mentioned, this is not a guarantee you’ll be walking away unscathed. The following is meant as a way to try to diminish the damage of a sh*tty situation.

Whatever you do…don’t panic!

The first thing you should do in any situation involving the cops, especially when you’re on the “wrong side of the law”, is to keep calm. Keep your head. Accept the situation for what it is.

You’re in a mess, there is nothing you can do right now to ‘undo’ the situation. Deal with it. You could react like a headless chicken running around squawking about, or remain stoically intact, assess the situation and look for a way you can gain advantage of the moment.

You must understand, that when you’re in this situation…while you have the cards stacked against you, there are always exploits to be spotted. Perhaps, the cop can relate to your situation or you can sway the focus of the moment on something else. Nonetheless, you can only do this if you don’t panic!

Assess the Situation

The next step is to analyze exactly what’s going on. Are the cops in a bad mood? Are they bullish? Is there room for reasoning? Can you explain the problem away?

Instead of focusing on the problem at hand, try to identify possible solutions. For instance, if one of the cops [because they are usually more than one] seems to be a bit compassionate, you can try to harness empathy.

If the amount of cannabis is small, perhaps the “effort of arresting you” is more than the “crime committed”, you could hone your arguments on that. The point is that you need to rationally assess the situation, figure out specific exploits you can take advantage of.

Be respectful

You won’t get anywhere if you’re telling the cops to go f*ck themselves. I found that if you speak with a calm demeanor, from a place of mutual respect…you can go much further.

Use words like, “Sir” and “Officer”. Make them think that you’re on their side. You’ve just been caught with your pants down, but really, you’re a law abiding citizen looking out for the best interests of society.

Whenever you bring in a counter argument, start off with “Of course officer, I completely understand your point of view,” and then lead into your own reasoning or explanation.

Understand ‘their reasoning’

Most people don’t try to be assholes, it’s their dominating paradigms that make them assholes. In the case of cops, in their mind, they are upholding the law. They have a sacred duty to enforce the law, even if it’s a stupid law.

Nonetheless, even within this frame of mind, you can help them see the truth from a different perspective.

For instance, once I was busted by cops and remained calm and collected. They asked me for my stash and I simply handed to them without a fuss.

I told them, “Of course officer, here’s the rest of my cannabis…however I think it’s definitely not right what’s going on over here.”

They were shocked and asked why.

I then continued to explain to them the unconstitutional nature of cannabis prohibition and how it’s a detriment to the very constitution they swore to protect. I explained how the cannabis fits into the principles of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”.

By the end of my argument, it was almost “patriotic to smoke weed” because “good people defy bad laws” and my principles beckons me to cooperate with them, but at the same time I have the right to express my concerns with their actions. I even brought in an argument about how Hitler came to power by having law enforcement complacent with enforcing unjust laws.

Those guys were shocked and gave me back my weed, and told me to f*ck off.

Granted, I was busted more than 50 times when I was a kid…so I had the experience.

A few Argumentative points to get you started

Over the years I have developed a few scenarios that has worked [on occasion] to get me out of a bind. I’ll summarize the points below;

The Freedom Argument

This one essentially goes down to the idea of individual liberty, how cannabis, a substance less harmful than beer is considered to be illegal due to a racist agenda that started in 1937. It’s a history lesson of cannabis, walking them through the shady sh*t the government has done and how “they”, by letting me go, is actually defending the very principles of the constitution.

This one isn’t easy to pull off…but if you have as many facts in your head as I do about the history of prohibition, you can do it.

The Medical Argument

The next one, I used on a different occasion. Essentially, you’ve got weed because you’re treating a medical condition. Depending on the amount of cannabis, your “condition” or the “condition of a loved one” could range from something as mild as pain management, to treating ALS.

Yes, it might be a lie…but if I have to lie to get out of jail…then lie I shall. Just don’t get caught in the lie, cops get especially pissed when they find out that you’re lying to them.

To make this work, you need to do some research about a potential medical condition you can use to defend your right to consume cannabis. The “I’m sorry I’m breaking the law, but if it’s for the sake of self-preservation, they are the assholes for arresting you”.

The Focal Switch

This one has only worked for me once, but essentially I switched their focus away from what “I was doing wrong” and compared it to the “general crime in the area”. Shouldn’t they be focusing on real criminals, I will never do what I did if they simply “warned me”, but what I’m doing is only affecting me. I’m not raping, or stealing or anything of the sorts.

As mentioned, this only worked once for me, but I figured why not give it a shot.

Now, for those of you who think this only applies to the US, I’ve used this in many countries and never spent a single night in jail, despite being busted for possession on multiple occasions.

The point here people, is that cops are people too. If you can find a way to break through their paradigm and actually have them listen to what you’re saying…you can sway their “duty” from enforcing the law to being decent human beings.

And then sometimes you just run into an asshole with a badge, and then there’s not much you can do.

3 Things To Say To The Police If You Get Arrested For Marijuana from CannabisNet on Vimeo.

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3 Things To Say To The Police When You Get Busted for Cannabis (2024)

FAQs

What do you say when you get pulled over high? ›

These include: “No, I don't smoke marijuana” or “I don't do drugs.” You could also say that you used to smoke marijuana and then stopped. You could say, “I used to smoke weed, but I quit long ago.”

What do you say when the police question you? ›

Say “I want to remain silent.” You cannot be arrested or detained for refusing to answer questions. But it can look suspicious to the police if you answer questions and then suddenly stop. Make it your practice to always remain silent.

What to say when a cop asks do you know why I pulled you over? ›

If asked, “Do you know why I stopped you?” say “No.” If asked, “Do you know how fast you were going?” say “Yes.” Answering “No” will to imply to the officer that you are being negligent by not being aware of your speed/ the speed limit.

What not to say when you get pulled over? ›

Don't Say These Four Things If You Get Pulled Over By a Police...
  • Volunteer That You Have Firearms in Your Vehicle. ...
  • Agree to Allow the Officer to Search Your Vehicle. ...
  • Argue With the Officer About What You Were Pulled Over For. ...
  • Tell an Officer You Don't Have Your License.
Apr 30, 2022

What to write about when you're high? ›

If you're finding yourself in a bit of a writers block, here are some prompts that may help guide your story:
  • What has been inspiring me lately?
  • What would I change the most about my life right now?
  • What boundaries do I need to create to better my relationships?
  • How do I feel today? (body, mind and soul)
Mar 29, 2021

How do police know if you're high? ›

When you use cannabis you aren't going to be able to cross your eyes," Sgt. Bliss said. “The eyes will be drifting off.” Blood pressure, muscle response, notes from interviews, and finally a urine test round out the twelve steps every evaluation is supposed to include.

Can you tell cops I don't answer questions? ›

You always have the constitutional right to remain silent if a police officer questions you. You do not have to answer a police officer's questions, even if you are being detained or arrested or even if you are already in jail.

How do you resist police interrogation? ›

Miranda warnings give a person the right to stop a police interrogation at any time even if they already waived the right to remain silent. A person can assert this right by refusing to answer any more questions, requesting to speak with an attorney, or by requesting to remain silent.

What are some police sayings? ›

"Back in the bag" means a cop is back in her uniform after working clandestinely in street clothes.
  • "Light up" Cops "light up" when they turn on their emergency lights in order to stop somebody. ...
  • "Street Justice" ...
  • "On the box" ...
  • "Cherry patch," "Duck pond," or "Cash register" ...
  • "Skated" ...
  • "Terry Stop" ...
  • "Good for" ...
  • "Deuce"
Jan 9, 2014

How do you respond when pulled over? ›

Let the Officer Do the Talking

Do not insist that the officer tell you why you were stopped. Instead, just reply, "Sure" or "Of course," and hand over the documents. If you have to reach into your glove compartment, purse, or pocket, you can tell the officer that you will need to do so and wait for permission.

Why do cops ask where I am going? ›

When a police officer asks where you are coming from, they are looking for evidence to support the possibility that you have or are committing a crime or whether or not you are a threat to public safety. This creates a baseline that they will later write down in a police report.

What questions do cops ask? ›

Trick Questions Police Officers Will Ask You
  • “Do You Know Why I Pulled You Over?” This question initially seems normal; an officer of the law wants you to recognize the thing you did wrong. ...
  • “Where Are You Coming From?” ...
  • “Can I Search Your Car” ...
  • Need Representation for Your Case?

What not to say to police? ›

14 Things You Should Never Say to a Police Officer
  • Anything that isn't absolutely necessary. ...
  • Anything rude or insulting. ...
  • “I pay your salary… ...
  • “Do you know who I am?” ...
  • And at a traffic stop, don't lead with, “Why did you pull me over?” ...
  • Anything at all after you've been arrested. ...
  • If you've been called in for questioning.
Apr 22, 2019

Why do I cry when I get pulled over? ›

It's really quite normal. For one thing looking in your rear view and seeing those flashing blue lights pulling you over is quite shocking and unexpected. Most people will at the very least get a huge surge of adrenaline. I would say the majority of peoples hands shake a bit as they hand you their license.

What can I say instead of I'm high? ›

23 Ways to say you're High
  • Stoned.
  • Baked.
  • Ripped.
  • Toast.
  • Higher than a bats ass.
  • Baked beans.
  • Putting on a green sweater.
  • Faded.
Jun 14, 2021

How to say you're high without saying you're high? ›

  1. Blowing.
  2. Burning one down.
  3. Chasing.
  4. Firing one up.
  5. Going loco.
  6. Hitting the hay.
  7. Torching up.
  8. Getting the wind.
Nov 9, 2022

What to post when you're high? ›

Stoner Captions For Instagram
  • “Coffee in the morning, weed at night “
  • “Weed and adventures, the perfect combination “
  • “Take a hit, relax, and enjoy life”
  • “Buds before business “
  • “Chasing good vibes and green dreams”
  • “Life is better stoned”
  • “Life is too short for bad weed “
  • “Good friends, good weed, good times”

Can you get in trouble if you are high? ›

Being in public under the influence of marijuana could indeed bare some consequences for you. Disrupting others, vandalizing property, and driving a vehicle while you are high are all valid reasons for law enforcement to be called upon.

How to know if a guy is high? ›

Keep an eye out for unusual actions. If you know someone well, you can tell if he is exhibiting unusually high sociability, lack of inhibition, poor judgment, or an increased or decreased appetite or sex drive. Inappropriate laughter and intense snacking are common signs of marijuana use.

Can you ignore a cop talking to you? ›

You have the constitutional right to remain silent. In general, you do not have to talk to law enforcement officers (or anyone else), even if you do not feel free to walk away from the officer, you are arrested, or you are in jail. You cannot be punished for refusing to answer a question.

How do you refuse to answer a question? ›

Useful Expressions to Handle Uncomfortable Questions
  1. I'd rather not say.
  2. I'd prefer not to talk about that.
  3. I'd rather not get into [this topic] at this event.
  4. I'd prefer not to discuss this right now.
  5. I'm sorry, that's private.
  6. That's a little too personal.
  7. That topic is too difficult to discuss at this moment.

Why would the police knock on my door at 4am? ›

Just because it's 4am doesn't mean the warrant isn't valid or they should come back when it's convenient for you. If it's 4am and they are serving a warrant, it's because the warrant is for something important, and they want to get you at a time when you are less likely to dodge it.

Can you decline an interrogation? ›

A: You have the right to say that you do not want to be interviewed, to have an attorney present, to set the time and place for the interview, to find out the questions they will ask beforehand, and to answer only the questions you feel comfortable answering.

What are the 5 interrogation techniques? ›

Originally developed by British forces in a variety of 20th-century conflicts, they are most notable for being applied to detainees in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. The five collective methods are prolonged wall-standing, hooding, subjection to noise, deprivation of sleep, and deprivation of food and drink.

Should you stay silent during interrogation? ›

In the United States, the right to remain silent is designed to protect a person who is undergoing police questioning or trial. This right may help a person avoid making self-incriminating statements.

Why are cops called 5 o? ›

There is another theory on this that, in the 80s unmarked ford police cars in the United States where identifiable by being equipped with the 5.0 badge on the front quarter panel due to the police pack used as unmarked cars having a 5 litre v8. Lookouts for street drug dealers would call out 5 O! To say possible cop!

What is 20 police slang? ›

What's your 20? is part of a system of radio codes called 10-codes. They developed in the late 1930s when police squads began using two-way radio to communicate. One was 10-20, meaning “location.” Asking What's your 20? emerged as a way to seek another's whereabouts.

What does 10 4 mean in police code? ›

10-4. Message received; OK; acknowledged. 10-47. Lost/Missing person. 10-5.

What does I just got pulled over mean? ›

phrasal verb. If the police pull over a driver or vehicle, they make the driver stop at the side of the road, usually because the driver has been driving dangerously.

What does I just pulled over mean? ›

That means you stopped along the way to get gas. I got an important phone call, so I pulled over to take it. I didn't want to talk while driving. You just move to the side of the road and stop.

What is the first thing you should do during an enforcement stop? ›

During a Law Enforcement Stop

Stop in a well-lit area when possible. Turn off your radio. Remain inside your vehicle unless directed to get out by the officer. Roll down your window after stopping your vehicle and before the officer makes contact with you.

Can police see your exact location? ›

Under certain circ*mstances, the police can use your cellphone data to track your location. Also, the GPS features on smartphones and cell phone towers might provide them with this information. If the police have a court order, they can access your current IP addresses.

Can cops track your location? ›

Authorities use these mobile numbers, tracking apps, IP addresses, social media profiles, the concept of triangulation, and VPN locations to gather evidence against crime suspects. And yes, the police can track your address and monitor your location even if you're not under investigation.

Why do police sit outside houses? ›

Police officers sit outside houses for various reasons, including surveillance, investigation, traffic enforcement, welfare checks, and maintaining a presence in the community.

Why do cops ask for name? ›

A peace officer may stop any person in a public place when he has a reasonable suspicion to believe he has committed or is in the act of committing or is attempting to commit a public offense and may demand his name, address and an explanation of his actions.”

Why do cops ask if you have GERD? ›

GERD, Heartburn or Acid Reflux as a California DUI Defense. GERD is a medical condition that can cause small amounts of alcohol from your stomach to be sent back up into the mouth, potentially throwing off a breath test for DUI.

Why do cops ask the same questions? ›

Law enforcement may ask the same questions several times or several different ways. It's not because they don't trust you—after a trauma it can be difficult to describe the details. Repeating a question or asking in a different way may prompt you to remember something you forgot the first time.

What do police swear in words? ›

On my honor, I will never Betray my integrity, my character Or the public trust. I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions. I will always maintain the highest ethical standards and uphold the values of my community, and the agency I serve.

Can you say no to the police? ›

You should not lie to the police, but you do not have to answer their questions. You can simply say “no comment” or walk away. If the police ask to interview you as a witness for a legal case, you don't have to say yes.

Should you ever talk to a cop? ›

No and no. You should never talk to the police without first consulting with an attorney. Police officers are trained to obtain confessions, admissions and inconsistencies. If you are innocent, law enforcement can use inconsistencies in your statements as evidence of guilt.

What time are most cops out? ›

Usually 6:30 to 730AM, 3:30 to 5:00PM and 10:30 to 11:30PM (times may vary as do shifts). Most officers want to allow the working public to get to work on time, so traffic stops for minor violations are more common between 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM. These are the peop.

How likely is it to be pulled over? ›

While the average American driver has just a 1% chance of getting pulled in a 12-month period, your location, age, and gender can play an important role. For example, data shows that the city of Los Angeles accounted for 24% of the nation's total traffic stops.

Can you ask why you are being pulled over? ›

Police do not have to tell you why they are stopping you before asking for ID in a traffic stop, though it may be a standard practice in many areas. The officer must have a reason—i.e., probable cause—for the stop, but they are not legally required to tell you.

Is it okay to force cry? ›

One of the best ways to release anxiety, frustration, or stress is to cry. Everyone needs to let it out once in a while, and there is definitely nothing wrong with that.

Is it OK to cry while driving? ›

It shouldn't come as a surprise that driving when high on your emotions is not safe for you or for others on the road. According to a study from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, drivers who are observably sad, angry, crying, or emotionally agitated, increase their risk of crashing by almost ten times.

Can a cop pull you over for crying? ›

Yes they can and they will. But before you start thinking that all cops are jerks they will often just be checking to make sure you're ok. What should I do if a cop pulls me over?

How to say I'm high without saying it? ›

23 Ways to say you're High
  1. Stoned.
  2. Baked.
  3. Ripped.
  4. Toast.
  5. Higher than a bats ass.
  6. Baked beans.
  7. Putting on a green sweater.
  8. Faded.
Jun 14, 2021

How do you say that you are high? ›

high
  1. delirious.
  2. doped.
  3. drunk.
  4. euphoric.
  5. flying.
  6. freaked-out.
  7. inebriated.
  8. on a trip.

How do you get over a high over? ›

Here are eight ways to help you sober up safely.
  1. Watch your dose and potency. ...
  2. Give it time. ...
  3. Stay calm and use relaxation. ...
  4. Find a distraction. ...
  5. Drink water, but avoid coffee and beer. ...
  6. Avoid other substance use and folk remedies. ...
  7. Use a safety plan. ...
  8. Seek out professional assistance.
Aug 17, 2021

What is a stoner slang to know? ›

Skunk, Dank, and Dope

“Dope” is a synonym for cannabis and could also describe something excellent. The term might also refer to hard drugs, so it's essential to use it in the correct context. “Skunk” is the name of a pungent strain and slang for potent-smelling weed.

How to say high on drugs? ›

Synonyms of stoned
  1. wasted.
  2. ripped.
  3. bombed.
  4. hooked.
  5. high.
  6. loaded.
  7. addicted.
  8. spaced.

What is the nickname for a joint? ›

'J' or 'jay' can be used as an abbreviation for a generic joint. Another frequently used term is 'doobie. ' The end or butt of a mostly smoked joint is referred to as a "roach" in U.S. and Australian slang. Small metal clips to facilitate the smoking of a "roach" are called "roach clips".

Why is it called getting stoned? ›

This would have come from the fact that buildings in those days, especially large ones, were built or fortified by stone. Shortly after, around the year 1483, the term stoned was used to describe the act of being hit by stones. This more often than not was used when an individual was caught for a crime.

What does I'm stoned mean? ›

slang. experiencing the effects of a drug, such as cannabis: They spent the evening getting stoned.

Why am I mean when I'm high? ›

Cannabis use affects our self-control

They might be vulnerable to impulsive behaviour and be unable to control their emotional responses in social situations. This means they are more likely to become aggressive and physically violent as cannabis has impaired their ability to regulate their emotional behaviour.

Can greening out last for days? ›

How Long Does Greening Out Usually Last? Everyone responds to marijuana differently, and the length of a green out can vary. Some symptoms might only last a few minutes, while others can last hours. The best thing to do if greening out is to remain calm and lie down.

What to do when high alone at night? ›

You can go for a night stroll in your neighborhood and see sights you've likely never known to exist. Even something as simple as sitting on a park bench and watching people walk by can be tranquil and peaceful. If you live near the ocean, take time to listen to the waves crash into the shore.

How long does it take to fall off a high? ›

After you get high from inhaling weed, expect to stay high for about one to two hours. If you've eaten your cannabis, your high will last about 3 to 4 hours, maybe longer. But if the tl;dr version doesn't satisfy, read on to find out the factors that influence how long your high lasts.

How to be a cute stoner? ›

The 10 Step Guide: How To Be A Cool Stoner Chick
  1. Build up that tolerance. There's no such thing as a hot paranoid chick. ...
  2. Have your own supply. The sign of a true stoner chick is 10-digit number and a low price. ...
  3. Know good music. ...
  4. Know your tools. ...
  5. Know your cult classics. ...
  6. Drop some knowledge. ...
  7. Have opinions. ...
  8. Dress like a hot dude.
Jun 25, 2014

What are the biggest stoner signs? ›

"Earth signs [Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn] are probably the biggest stoners," says Gat. It should come as no surprise that earth signs have a high affinity for cannabis considering that they are the most connected to nature.

What makes a stoner girl? ›

Though a stoner babe prefers to keep it chill, she is always down for whatever. She never has a solid plan, and she likes to go with the flow. She'll never say no to a joint, and as long as there's weed, she'll be around to smoke it. She loves a good adventure. HAPPY.

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