A Full-Service Law Firm

A guide to Florida marijuana laws

| Feb 9, 2018 | blog |

Several states are passing medical or recreational marijuana laws. California now has legal marijuana, and a recent news report speculates that Florida may be next. But it may be hard to determine exactly how Florida law treats marijuana. With terms such as legalization, decriminalization and medical marijuana, you may find it confusing to keep track of marijuana laws in the Sunshine State.

However, you do not need to keep dealing with confusion. Here is some important information you should know about Florida cannabis laws.

Medical marijuana

In 2016, 71 percent of Florida voters passed an amendment to legalize medical marijuana, and it has been in effect since January 3, 2017. Patients who have the following debilitating conditions may be able to get medical cannabis:

  • Cancer
  • HIV
  • AIDS
  • PTSD
  • Epilepsy
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • ALS
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Crohn’s disease

Other medical conditions may qualify if a physician believes marijuana is the best treatment for it.

Drug laws

It is crucial to know that recreational drug laws in Florida are not any different than before. You may still face arrest and charges for possessing, smoking or driving while high on marijuana. The fact that medical marijuana is legal in Florida also does not change federal laws. It is possible that the Department of Justice may crack down on providers and users of medical marijuana.

Changing perspectives

People across the Sunshine State and the country are more in favor of legalizing weed. Over 50 percent of Americans nationwide support complete marijuana legalization and 56 percent of Floridians feel the same way. Proponents of the legalization of recreational marijuana say it will bring in more tax revenue and help business growth in the state.

Whether Florida will legalize recreational cannabis remains unclear, but there is a shifting momentum in public opinion. With other states like California taking the plunge, it may only be a matter of time until Florida follows suit and legalizes the drug.

Archives