Is weed legal in Florida?
THE laws regarding both possession, use and cultivation of cannabis vary across the world.
Here we take a look at the rules regarding the substance in Florida.
Is weed legal in Florida?
Under Florida law, it is illegal to consume cannabis for recreational purposes.
Recreational use refers to cannabis used for enjoyment rather than for health benefits.
The penalties for possessing or selling the Class-B drug in Florida are severe, with prison sentences and fines handed out even for minor offences.
In addition, Florida prosecutes the possession of very large amounts of cannabis under Trafficking laws, which carry mandatory state prison sentences and heavy fines.
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Is medicinal weed legal in Florida?
Cannabis is only legal in the state of Florida when a person has obtained a Medical Marijuana Use Authorization.
However, it is illegal to possess or consume cannabis that was obtained legally through someone with a medical marijuana card - and then transferred to someone else.
In order to qualify for a medical marijuana card, a person must meet specific criteria under Florida law.
This includes being diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition, such as Cancer, Epilepsy, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or Multiple sclerosis (MS).
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Only a licensed and qualified medical professional can evaluate a patient looking to obtain a medical marijuana card.
Patients and caregivers may only purchase medical cannabis from a state-approved medical marijuana treatment centre.
Licensed medical marijuana treatment centres are the only businesses in Florida that are authorised to cultivate, process and dispense low-THC cannabis and medical marijuana.
Is it legal to grow weed in Florida?
Cannabis cultivation is illegal in Florida and is viewed as a 3rd-degree felony.
This means it carries a maximum jail sentence of five years as well as a $5000 maximum fine
In some cases, however, it may be viewed as a 2nd-degree felony.
This means that the maximum penalty could see a person spend 15 years behind bars.
In cases where minors are residing in the same place as the plants are being cultivated, the offence may be classed as a 1st-degree felony - which is one of the most serious types of offences.