“Florida has been making headlines lately with its recent attempts to legalize marijuana. Is marijuana legal in Florida? With so much buzz around this controversial topic, you may wonder: Whether you’re a curious resident or planning a trip to the state, we’ve got everything you need to know about the current laws and regulations surrounding marijuana in Florida. So sit back, relax, and get ready to dive into all things weed-related in the Sunshine State.”
Overview of Is marijuana legal in Florida
Marijuana laws in Florida are ever-changing. Currently, medical marijuana is legal in the state, but recreational use is still illegal. Possession of small amounts of marijuana has been decriminalized in some cities, but it is still a crime at the state level.
The legality of marijuana in Florida has been a hot topic of debate for many years. In 2016, voters narrowly rejected a ballot measure that would have legalized recreational marijuana use in the state. However, a new legalization effort is underway for the 2020 ballot.
If you are considering using marijuana in Florida, it is important to be aware of the current laws and how they may change in the future. This overview will provide you with everything you need to know about marijuana laws in Florida.
What is the Current Legal Status of Marijuana?
The legal status of marijuana in Florida is hazy, to say the least. In 2016, voters approved a constitutional amendment that legalized medical marijuana for patients with certain qualifying conditions. However, the legislature has yet to pass any laws that would establish a regulatory framework for the sale and use of medical marijuana. This means that, while it is technically legal to possess and use medical marijuana in Florida, there are no legal ways to purchase it.
This could all change soon, as lawmakers are currently considering a bill that would create a regulated system for dispensing medical marijuana. If this bill passes, it would provide much-needed clarity on the legal status of marijuana in Florida. Stay tuned for updates!
Who Can Legally Use Marijuana in Florida?
In Florida, marijuana is only legal for certain medical patients. To qualify for a medical marijuana card in Florida, you must be a resident of the state and have a qualifying condition as determined by a licensed physician. Once you have been approved for a card, you will be able to purchase marijuana from one of the state-licensed dispensaries.
Only medical marijuana cardholders are legally allowed to possess and use marijuana in Florida. If you are caught with marijuana without a card, you could face fines and jail time. However, possession of small amounts of marijuana may only result in a civil citation and not criminal charges.
Medical Benefits of Marijuana for Patients in Florida
Medical marijuana is legal in Florida, but the state has strict laws regulating its use. Only patients with certain medical conditions are eligible for treatment with medical marijuana.
Florida’s Medical Marijuana Use Registry is a confidential database maintained by the Department of Health. To be eligible for the registry, patients must be permanent or seasonal residents of Florida and must have been diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition by a licensed physician.
Qualifying medical conditions include cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s disease, chronic pain, muscle spasms, and terminal illnesses. Patients must also obtain a written certification from a physician licensed in Florida. The certification must state that the patient has a qualifying medical condition and that the physician believes that the medical use of marijuana would likely outweigh the potential risks.
Once registered, patients are issued a Medical Marijuana Use Registry Identification Card by the Department of Health. This ID card allows them to purchase marijuana from a state-licensed dispensary. Dispensaries are not allowed to sell to anyone without a valid ID card.
The amount of marijuana dispensed to each patient is regulated by state law. Patients are allowed to possess up to four ounces of marijuana at any given time. They are also allowed to grow their own plants if they live more than 25 miles from a state-licensed dispensary.
Recreational Use of Marijuana in Florida
Since the passing of Amendment 2 in November 2016, the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes has been legal in the state of Florida. However, the recreational use of marijuana is still not legal. This means that if you are caught with marijuana in Florida, you could face some serious penalties.
Possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana is a first-degree misdemeanour, which is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of $1,000. Possession of more than 20 grams is a third-degree felony, which is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of $5,000.
If you are caught selling any amount of marijuana, you could be charged with a felony and face up to 15 years in prison. And if you are caught growing marijuana, you could also be charged with a felony and face up to 15 years in prison.
If you are caught driving under the influence of marijuana, you could be charged with a DUI and face the same penalties as if you were caught driving under the influence of alcohol. These penalties include jail time, fines, and the suspension of your driver’s license.
Penalties for Possession and Trafficking in Florida
Possession and trafficking of marijuana are both illegal in the state of Florida. And possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana is a first-degree misdemeanour, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Trafficking in any amount of marijuana is a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
How to Obtain a Medical Marijuana Use Authorization
If you’re a Florida resident suffering from a qualifying medical condition, you can obtain a medical marijuana use authorization from a licensed doctor. To get started, you’ll need to obtain a copy of your medical records and schedule an appointment with a doctor who is registered with the state’s Medical Marijuana Use Registry.
During your appointment, the doctor will review your medical records and determine whether or not you qualify for medical marijuana use under Florida law. If you do qualify, the doctor will then complete and sign a Medical Marijuana Use Authorization Form. This form will then need to be submitted to the state’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use along with a $75 application fee.
Once your application has been processed, you will be issued a Registry ID card which will allow you to purchase medical marijuana from any licensed dispensary in Florida. It’s important to note that only certain strains of marijuana are allowed for medical use in Florida. So be sure to speak with a dispensary staff member about which strains would be best for your particular condition.
Conclusion Is marijuana legal in Florida
In conclusion, marijuana is legal in Florida for medical purposes only. Individuals over the age of 21 may possess up to 2.5 ounces of flower marijuana or up to 8 grams of marijuana concentrate in their homes for personal use. The sale, possession, and recreational use of cannabis are all still illegal under Florida law. It can result in a misdemeanour charge that carries steep penalties including fines and possibly jail time. Despite the limited legality of the drug within the state, it remains important to educate yourself on all applicable laws before attempting to purchase or consume any type of cannabis product.