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The Florida weed laws remain strict. Medical use is legal, but recreational consumption is prohibited. Many states in the USA have legalized marijuana, but the Sunshine State isn’t following suit. Even medicinal tokers need to comply with certain rules.
Join us as we delve into the details of cannabis use in Florida. We explore consumption, possession, and cultivation limits.
History of cannabis legalization in Florida
Pot is legal in Florida in 2023, but only for medical use. The journey for health users has been a long one. The list of approved conditions is conservative.
The first attempt at legalizing medicinal cannabis was in 1978. It came in the form of a Therapeutic Research Program. The legislature was for patients with cancer and glaucoma. Cannabis was available from approved pharmacists.
Unfortunately, the program was never operational. It was repealed in 1984, as it required federal authorization.
Less than a decade later, in 1991, the next major development occurred. The First District Court of Appeals acquitted two defendants. The charges were regarding cannabis plant cultivation and drug paraphernalia.
The pair had raised a medical necessity defense. Both were seriously ill and diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. They proved they were suffering from a medically recognized condition.
Their defense emphasized the illness had no other treatments. After this case, there were no significant Florida marijuana law advancements for years.
In 2012, the House and Senate attempted to legalize cannabis by filing two bills. These were HJR353 and SJR1028. They were filed at the same time.
The goal was to allow medical marijuana. It highlighted relevant cultivation laws and permitted dispensaries to operate. Unfortunately, the bills died in committee.
Residents of FL finally got permission for medical marijuana in 2014. The Florida Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act came into effect. It was a major turning point for the state.
Certain physicians could approve cannabis with low levels of THC (less than 0.3%). These strains also had to have CBD levels of more than 10%.
The new law required a registry of qualifying patients. It was still quite restrictive. The following year, certain counties in Florida permitted law enforcement to cite individuals possessing marijuana. Previously, this infraction warranted an arrest.
The medical cannabis laws expanded its program in 2016. In 2017, the state amended the Medical Marijuana Act by passing Senate Bill 8A. Some of the changes included:
- Addition of more qualifying medical conditions.
- Requirements for physicians who prescribe medical weed to take courses.
- A prohibition on smoking medicinal cannabis.
Florida’s legal weed advancements were more rapid than ever before. In 2019, Senate Bill 182 came into effect. It permitted medical patients to buy smokable products legally.
The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act came into effect in 2022. The bill had several positive changes for advocates, but still prohibited recreational use.
It decriminalized cannabis and removed criminal possession charges. It also deleted it from the list of scheduled substances. The bill had implications for tax and business dealings. Cultivating CBD and THC-rich seeds was still forbidden.
A proposal from Smart and Safe Florida may appear on the ballot for the 2024 general election. It aims to legalize adult use of recreational marijuana. Whether it reaches that stage depends on the Supreme Court.
What are the marijuana laws in Florida?
Is weed decriminalized in Florida? Some counties have eased up on the laws, but not all regions in the state are as permissive. Medical use is allowed, but there are certain guidelines.
To get a medical marijuana card, you must be over the age of 21 and have a qualifying condition. A licensed and qualified medical professional needs to give a written recommendation.
Minors who have an illness must be evaluated by two approved physicians. If the minor patient is diagnosed with a condition on the qualifying list, they can designate an adult caregiver to obtain marijuana for them.
The only way to get cannabis in Florida is from Medical Marijuana Treatment centers. It’s prohibited to cultivate your own high THC or high CBD seeds in the state.
Is weed legal in Florida?
Marijuana is only legal in Florida for medical purposes. Patients must possess a medical marijuana card. Obtaining it requires a recommendation from an approved physician. They must have one of the following conditions:
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- Epilepsy
- HIV
- AIDS
- PTSD
- Crohn’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- ALS
- Parkinson’s disease
Other conditions may qualify, so check with your physician.
Restrictions and limits
Marijuana is legal for medical reasons but prohibited for recreational purposes. There are penalties for illegal possession. Some offenses may be punishable with jail time.
How many grams of weed can I possess in Florida?
Unless you have a MMJ card, you can’t possess cannabis under the FL cannabis laws. Medical patients can purchase 2.5 ounces of cannabis flower every 35 days.
Offenders found with 20 grams or less are hit with a misdemeanor. Having more than 20 grams is a felony. The sale, delivery, and cultivation of recreational marijuana is unlawful.
Can I grow cannabis in Florida?
Growing cannabis seeds in Florida is against the law. The only way to obtain your medical stash legally is through an approved dispensary.
Is recreational marijuana legal in Florida?
No form of recreational marijuana is permitted under the Florida weed laws. There are proposals in place, but current laws prohibit possession, consumption, and cultivation without a MMJ card.
Where can I buy cannabis seeds legally in Florida?
Growing marijuana is illegal in the state. But, you can purchase marijuana seeds as adult novelty items. As long as you don’t germinate them, they aren’t illegal.
Opt for high-quality seeds from a reliable provider. An excellent option is the Seed Supreme bank. We have a wide range of stable, reliable weed seeds with discreet shipping.
Key takeaways
Florida’s weed laws have come a long way, but more work is still needed. Medical weed is legal. Only a qualified physician can recommend it to a patient if they have one of the listed conditions.
Cultivation is prohibited for both medical and recreational purposes. Enthusiasts may possess ungerminated cannabis seeds as souvenirs.
Recreational marijuana is illegal in the state. There are serious penalties for breaking these laws. Locals remain hopeful the legislation may change shortly.
Now that you know more about the FL weed laws, why not buy some weed seeds as souvenirs? Browse Seed Supreme to discover your favorite weed strains.
Frequently asked questions
You may have some burning questions about Florida’s weed legislation. Let’s explore some of the most commonly asked queries below.
How do I get a prescription for medical marijuana in Florida?
The first step to obtaining medical cannabis in Florida is to visit a licensed doctor. You must have one of the qualifying health conditions. You also have to prove you’ve tried other conventional treatments first.
The next step is to send the application and payment to the Florida Department of Health. In a few weeks, they’ll send you your medical marijuana card.
Can my employer fire me for using medical marijuana in Florida?
There’s no specific statute in Florida protecting medical patients from getting fired. It’s still a gray area in terms of legislation.
Is weed decriminalized anywhere in Florida?
Certain municipalities in Florida have decriminalized small amounts of marijuana. They include Broward County, Alachua County, Hallandale Beach, Cocoa Beach, Miami Beach, Key West, Orlando, Sarasota, Palm Beach County, and Tampa, among others.
