A Full-Service Law Firm

Has Florida legalized marijuana?

On Behalf of | Oct 30, 2019 | criminal defense |

Marijuana is legal in several states, but Florida has only legalized medical marijuana. That means using marijuana recreationally can still land a person in jail, fines and potentially other consequences based on the amount in possession. With all the changes in the law, it can be difficult to stay current on what is legal and illegal.

The Marijuana Policy Project outlines the most recent state laws as of March 2019. SB 182 repealed the smoking ban for medical cannabis. The passage began the process for Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers to start applying for licensure. Patients with a variety of health concerns from cancer to epilepsy may apply for a medical marijuana card in the state.

However, if a person does not have the necessary condition for medical marijuana, possessing even a small amount of the drug comes with up to $1000 fine, a misdemeanor charge and up to one year in jail. More than 20 grams in possession could cause a person to face even more serious charges and heftier fines.

The Market Realist states that many activists in the state are working to have full legalization of marijuana by 2020. Only ten states currently have full legalization for marijuana use and many think Florida could be next. “Notably, around 65% of voters in Florida support the idea of allowing possession of small amounts of recreational marijuana.”

Currently, the US still lists cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug, but the federal government has allowed states to legalize the drug. As the political environment warms to the idea, legalization could happen soon. Until it does, possession could still land a user in serious legal trouble.

Archives