The federal government has rules for the penalties federal judges can use against drug possession and trafficking.

Federal courts can sentence a person for up to 6 years for unlawful possession of a controlled substance, including the distribution of a small amount (less than 250 grams) of marijuana. A life sentence can result from possession of a controlled substance that results in death or bodily injury of someone else. Possession of more than 5 grams of cocaine can trigger an "intent to distribute" penalty of 10 to 16 years in prison.

In Arizona, possession of nine grams of powder cocaine or 750 milligrams of cocaine base is considered "trafficking", with a sentence of 5 years prison.  A judge may sentence an offender to a minimum of 4 years in prison if special mitigating  factors are present, or a maximum of 10 years if aggravating factors are present. An offender convicted of trafficking is not eligible for suspension of sentence or release until the offender has served the sentence imposed by the court.

The various prosecutors - state and federal - will decide whether to prosecute an offender under state or federal law.