Unlawful Possession; Attempt or Conspiracy

(a) Base Offense Level: (1) 8, if the substance is heroin or any Schedule I or II opiate, an analogue of these, or cocaine base; or (2) 6, if the substance is cocaine, flunitrazepam, LSD, or PCP; or Guidelines Manual (November 1, 2024) ║ 195 §2D2.2 (3) 4, if the substance is any other controlled substance or a list I chemi- cal. (b) Cross Reference (1) If the offense involved possession of a controlled substance in a prison, correctional facility, or detention facility, apply §2P1.2 (Providing or Possessing Contraband in Prison). Commentary Statutory Provision: 21 U.S.C. § 844(a). For additional statutory provision(s), see Appendix A (Stat- utory Index). Application Note: 1. The typical case addressed by this guideline involves possession of a controlled substance by the defendant for the defendant’s own consumption. Where the circumstances establish intended consumption by a person other than the defendant, an upward departure may be warranted. Background: Mandatory (statutory) minimum penalties for several categories of cases, ranging from fifteen days’ to three years’ imprisonment, are set forth in 21 U.S.C. § 844(a). When a mandatory min- imum penalty exceeds the guideline range, the mandatory minimum becomes the guideline sentence. See §5G1.1(b). Note, however, that 18 U.S.C. § 3553(f) provides an exception to the applicability of mandatory minimum sentences in certain cases. See §5C1.2 (Limitation on Applicability of Statutory Minimum Sentences in Certain Cases). Historical Note Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective January 15, 1988 (amendment 24); November 1, 1989 (amendment 304); November 1, 1990 (amendment 321); November 1, 1992 (amendment 447); September 23, 1994 (amendment 509); November 1, 1995 (amendment 514); November 1, 1997 (amendments 556 and 558); November 1, 2010 (amendments 746 and 748); November 1, 2011 (amendment 750).