Is Weed Legal In Florida has a medical marijuana program that permits qualified patients to legally acquire low-THC cannabis from licensed medical marijuana treatment centers (MMTCs). This initiative is overseen by the Office of Medical Marijuana Use. Before approve for medical marijuana, a doctor must diagnose the patient with an eligible condition. Once confirmed, they can join the statewide medical marijuana use registry.
Is Weed Legal In Florida? Medical Marijuana!
Florida has made medical marijuana legal for those with certain medical conditions. The state’s medical marijuana program, administered by the Department of Health, encompasses cultivation, processing and distribution of qualifying cannabis products to qualified patients. Patients suffering from neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Lou Gehrig’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain can receive medical marijuana from state-approved physicians. At First Choice Neurology our doctors have extensive expertise using this medication in their treatment plans. In Florida, in order to obtain a medical marijuana card you must visit and be examined by an accredited physician who has received state certification to prescribe cannabis. These doctors, commonly refer to as “qualified physicians,” can found in various medical practices throughout the state of Florida.
After evaluate by a qualified physician, you’ll receive an official recommendation for medical marijuana. This must include a list of conditions that qualify you for the program as well as proof of address and your Florida driver’s license or ID card. Once you have your doctor’s recommendation and proof of residency in Florida, head over to the Medical Marijuana Use Registry to apply for an MMUR Identification Card. This card will grant you access to medical marijuana products like delivery devices.
When visiting a dispensary or grow facility in Florida, be sure to bring your MMUR ID card. Most stores that sell medical marijuana accept debit cards; however, be prepared with cash as federal regulations may prevent banks from processing transactions related to marijuana-related purchases. If you plan to travel to states where medical marijuana is legal, your MMUR ID card and passport will be necessary. This makes the process of obtaining your passport simpler but be sure to have them with you at all times. Renewing your MMUR ID card requires visiting a qualified physician and paying a $75 fee. The renewal application should take between 10-15 business days to process.
Recreational Marijuana
A group calling itself Smart & Safe Florida has submitted enough petition signatures to the Florida Supreme Court for review of a proposed constitutional amendment. That would legalize recreational marijuana in Florida. If passed with 60% support from voters, this amendment would enable those 21 and older to purchase, possess, grow and use cannabis. The initiative also would impose limits on how much marijuana can possess and consumed. If approved by the court, it could appear on the November 2024 ballot, needing signatures from at least 891,589 individuals to qualify. Opponents of the amendment believe it will reduce marijuana-related arrests and make it simpler for patients to access and utilize medical cannabis products. On the contrary, opponents worry that it could lead to more cannabis-related accidents and injuries on our roadways.
Florida currently allows those with qualifying medical conditions to use marijuana under a state-approved program. They must be 18 years or older, have a valid doctor’s note, and have been given authorization by their physician to use the drug. If a patient is arrested for possession of recreational marijuana, they could face misdemeanor charges and up to $1,000 fine plus up to one year in jail. However, if found with more than 20 grams of pot, they could charge with a felony and face an extended sentence of 15–30 years behind bars. A survey released in February 2022 by the University of North Florida Public Opinion Research Lab revealed that three out of four Floridians support legalizing recreational marijuana. This support spans across all ages, races and religions.
The study also revealed that synthetic marijuana is becoming more popular in Florida, leading to many emergency room visits and car crashes involving people under the influence. Researchers believe this trend is cause by poor manufacturing practices, inadequate education about synthetic marijuana identification skill sets, and an escalating demand for it. The proposed amendment also calls for a statewide tax on all retail cannabis sales. This money will go towards education and enforcement costs as well as creating an electronic system to register and license businesses. Furthermore, it creates a grant program to aid entrepreneurs from minority communities and small farmers, among other initiatives.
Driving While Under the Influence of Marijuana
Though medicinal use of marijuana is legal in Florida, driving under the influence is still prohibited. Drivers found impaired by marijuana – whether for medicinal or recreational use – can be arrested and charged with DUI in Florida. In order to found guilty of DUI for marijuana, the prosecutor must prove. That the defendant had actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They also need to show that this impairment impaired their normal faculties such as sight, hearing, walking and talking. Judge distances accurately; drive with care and make informed decisions in emergency situations; etc. If you are accusing of driving under the influence of marijuana. Contact an experienced Sarasota DUI attorney for assistance in defending your case.
A skilled lawyer may be able to get the charges against you to drop or dismiss. If there isn’t sufficient evidence showing impairment from cannabis at the time of your arrest. According to the state in which you were in arrest. A conviction for driving while under the influence can result in fines and jail time. For example, Is Weed Legal In Florida? Florida first-time offenders face up to $1,000 in fines and six months in jail. Repeat offenders face more severe punishments such as permanent revocation of their license and five years imprisonment. Many people arrested for DUI in Florida possess trace amounts of THC or its metabolites in their system. When this occurs, a Tampa DUI lawyer may file either a “Motion to Dismiss” or “Motion in Limine,”. Which seeks to exclude any reference of THC from evidence used during court proceedings.
Marijuana can linger in your body for up to one month after consumption. Unfortunately, until new technology is developing that can determine THC or its metabolites at an individual level. Police cannot give blood tests that accurately reflect this level of intoxication. Unfortunately, until more accurate testing is available. Those arrested for DUI in Florida must contact an experienced defense attorney to help them fight their charges. If you’ve been accusing of DUI in Sarasota, reach out to Michael Fayard at the Law Offices of Michael Fayard today if you need legal counsel on your case.
Is Weed Legal In Florida? Criminal Charges!
If you have arrested for a marijuana crime in Florida, it’s essential to speak with an experienced attorney ASAP. With legal representation on your side, you can fight for a better resolution to your case. And avoid potential harsh penalties that come along with these charges. Criminal offenses in Florida are dividing into misdemeanors and felonies. Penalties for misdemeanors may range from a fine to probation. While felony crimes carry with them jail time as well as heavy fines. What penalties you face for a drug offense will depend on how much of the substance you possess. Possession of less than 20 grams is considering a first-degree misdemeanor, while large amounts may constitute a felony conviction.
Convictions for crimes can have far-reaching effects, such as your job. And career prospects, education, public housing, driving privileges and personal life in general. Furthermore, your criminal record will remain on record. Which could make it more challenging to find employment or qualify for federal student aid in the future. Marijuana is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under Florida law, meaning it could consider dangerous. There are various laws in place to control where and how you can consume marijuana in the state. From medical marijuana regulations to recreational drug regulations. Florida’s municipalities and counties now allow police officers to issue civil citations instead of arresting those caught with small amounts of marijuana. This marks a dramatic change from the past, meaning you can receive a fine for this type of offense without having to go through the legal system.
Is Weed Legal In Florida? These citations typically carry a fine of $75-$100 for first offense, $150-$250 for a second and $300-$500 for a third. If you are caught again for this offense, your fines will increase. You may have to complete community service or drug education courses. Though laws have changed in Florida. It’s still important to know that the state still has stringent restrictions on marijuana use. It is illegal to sell, manufacture or cultivate any amount of marijuana. Both high-THC and low-THC varieties alike – as well as possess any quantity near schools or public places.