In the state of Florida, recreational marijuana use and possession is not permitted under state law. However, the state has a comprehensive medical marijuana program that allows qualified patients to obtain and use cannabis for specific medical conditions.
Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment legalizing medical marijuana in 2016, and the state's medical marijuana program was established in 2017. The program is regulated by the Florida Department of Health and allows qualified patients to purchase and use medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries.
While recreational marijuana use is not legal in Florida, the state has taken steps to decriminalize possession of small amounts of cannabis. In 2020, Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment that reclassified possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana as a civil infraction, punishable by a fine of up to $100.
is pot legal in florida
Recreational marijuana use and possession is not permitted in Florida.
- Medical marijuana program established in 2017.
- Qualified patients can obtain and use cannabis for specific conditions.
- Reclassified possession of 20 grams or less as civil infraction in 2020.
- $100 fine for possession of 20 grams or less.
- Sale and cultivation of marijuana for recreational use is illegal.
- Driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
- Public consumption of marijuana is illegal.
- Federal law still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug.
- Legalization efforts ongoing at the state and federal level.
The legal status of marijuana in Florida is complex and evolving. While recreational use is not permitted, the state has taken steps to decriminalize possession of small amounts and allow for medical use.
Medical marijuana program established in 2017.
In 2016, Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment legalizing medical marijuana. The state's medical marijuana program was established in 2017 and is regulated by the Florida Department of Health.
- Qualifying conditions:
To qualify for medical marijuana in Florida, patients must have a debilitating medical condition that is listed in the state's Compassionate Use Registry. Qualifying conditions include cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, and chronic pain.
- Registration:
Patients who wish to use medical marijuana must register with the Florida Department of Health. The registration process involves providing proof of identity, residency, and a qualifying medical condition.
- Dispensaries:
Registered patients can purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries. Dispensaries are required to follow strict security and quality control measures.
- Forms of medical marijuana:
Medical marijuana is available in a variety of forms, including flower, edibles, tinctures, and topical products. Patients can choose the form of medical marijuana that best suits their needs.
The medical marijuana program in Florida has been successful in providing relief to patients with debilitating medical conditions. The program is also generating tax revenue for the state. In 2021, Florida's medical marijuana industry generated over $1 billion in sales.
Patients can use cannabis for specific conditions.
In order to qualify for medical marijuana in Florida, patients must have a qualifying medical condition. The state's Compassionate Use Registry lists 21 qualifying conditions, including:
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Chronic pain
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson's disease
- ALS
- Crohn's disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- PTSD
- Autism
- Sickle cell anemia
- Severe nausea
- Severe vomiting
- Cachexia
- An Stamfordxia
- Dementia
- Alzheimer's disease
Patients who have a qualifying condition can register with the Florida Department of Health to obtain a medical marijuana card. Once they have a medical marijuana card, they can purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries. Patients can use medical marijuana in a variety of ways, including smoking, vaping, or consuming edibles.
Reclassified possession of 20 grams or less as civil infraction in 2020.
In 2020, Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment that reclassified possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana as a civil infraction. This means that possession of small amounts of marijuana is no longer a criminal offense in Florida.
- Civil fine:
Possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana is now punishable by a civil fine of up to $100.
- No jail time:
Individuals caught with 20 grams or less of marijuana will not be arrested or face jail time.
- Not a criminal offense:
A civil infraction is not a criminal offense, so it will not appear on a person's criminal record.
- Still illegal to sell or cultivate:
The reclassification of possession does not legalize the sale or cultivation of marijuana. Selling or cultivating marijuana is still a criminal offense in Florida.
The reclassification of possession of small amounts of marijuana as a civil infraction is a significant step towards decriminalizing marijuana in Florida. It is also a reflection of the changing attitudes towards marijuana use in the United States.
$100 fine for possession of 20 grams or less.
Under Florida law, possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana is a civil infraction, punishable by a fine of up to $100. This means that individuals caught with small amounts of marijuana will not be arrested or face jail time, but they will be issued a civil citation and fined.
- Amount of fine:
The fine for possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana is set at $100. However, some counties and municipalities may impose additional fees or surcharges.
- Payment options:
Individuals who receive a civil citation for possession of marijuana can pay the fine online, by mail, or in person at the courthouse.
- Failure to pay:
If an individual fails to pay the fine, they may be subject to additional penalties, such as a suspended driver's license or garnished wages.
- Expungement:
Once the fine is paid, the civil infraction will be expunged from the individual's record. This means that it will not appear on their criminal background check.
The $100 fine for possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana is a relatively minor penalty. However, it is important to note that possession of larger amounts of marijuana, or possession with intent to sell, is still a criminal offense in Florida.