AMENDMENT 304

Amendment: Section 2D2.1 is amended by inserting the following additional subsection:

"(b) Cross Reference

(1) If the defendant is convicted of possession of more than 5 grams of a mixture or substance containing cocaine base, apply §2D1.1 (Unlawful Manufacturing, Importing, Exporting, or Trafficking) as if the defendant had been convicted of possession of that mixture or substance with intent to distribute.".

The Commentary to §2D2.1 captioned "Background" is amended by deleting the entire text as follows:

"Background: Absent a prior drug related conviction, the maximum term of imprisonment authorized by statute is one year. With a single prior drug related conviction, a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of fifteen days is required by statute and the maximum term of imprisonment authorized is increased to two years. With two or more prior drug related convictions, a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ninety days is required by statute and the maximum term of imprisonment authorized is increased to three years.",

and inserting in lieu thereof:

"Background: Mandatory minimum penalties for several categories of cases, ranging from fifteen days’ to five years’ imprisonment, are set forth in 21 U.S.C. § 844(a). When a mandatory minimum penalty exceeds the guideline range, the mandatory minimum becomes the guideline sentence. §5G1.1(b).

Section 2D2.1(b)(1) provides a cross reference to §2D1.1 for possession of more than five grams of a mixture or substance containing cocaine base, an offense subject to an enhanced penalty under Section 6371 of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. Other cases for which enhanced penalties are provided under Section 6371 of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 (e.g., for a person with one prior conviction, possession of more than three grams of a mixture or substance containing cocaine base; for a person with two or more prior convictions, possession of more than one gram of a mixture or substance containing cocaine base) are to be sentenced in accordance with §5G1.1(b).".

Reason for Amendment: The purpose of this amendment is to reflect revisions in 21 U.S.C. § 844(a) made by Section 6371 of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988.

Effective Date: The effective date of this amendment is November 1, 1989.