Using cannabis products can relieve pain and improve your condition. They do not have strong side effects when used correctly and can be the best alternative. However, this area is quite dangerous because it is easy to break the law without knowing it. As we know, each state has its attitude towards use. Today, we will talk about the laws of Florida.
Program Overview
Florida has pretty strict laws. Cannabis is only allowed for medical purposes. You can only buy up to 2 ounces per month. Exceeding this amount can result in criminal prosecution. Moreover, to legally purchase, you need to get permission from one of the Florida marijuana doctors.
This is a specialist who has received a state license and certificate allowing him to prescribe cannabis as a painkiller or antianxiety drug. No other doctor can give you such permission. However, the basis for permission can only be a proven diagnosis. Falsifying diagnoses is also a serious crime, so you should not deceive Tampa medical marijuana doctors.
Once you have a medical card that allows you to buy and use it, further problems arise. First, you can only buy cannabis products from licensed sellers. You cannot grow your plants. Since there are few growers in Florida, this is not always easy.
The law is also strict regarding the place of consumption. You cannot use cannabis products in public places. However, you cannot smoke a joint at home, either. Any landlord has the right to prohibit consumption on his territory. This leaves patients with very few places where they can legally consume cannabis.
Punishment for Violations
There are quite severe penalties for all violations of the established legislation. Exceeding the permissible monthly volume can result in a prison term. The same punishment is for falsifying a medical card. If the violations are not very serious, the court may be favorable to the violator, imposing a fine. However, you should not rely on this and deliberately neglect the requirements.
Production without a License
This is the most serious violation and is equivalent to drug trafficking. Even if you only have a couple of bushes for personal use, you will have to answer to the full extent of the law. It is also a bad idea to buy products from illegal suppliers. Firstly, you will also have to answer to the law. Secondly, you cannot be sure of the quality of such cannabis.
Requirements for Manufacturers
Getting a license to produce cannabis products in Florida is quite difficult. To do this, you will have to prove that you can grow, process, and store marijuana. In addition, the state authorities will conduct a thorough background check. Every year, many applications for a license are rejected. The state is already accustomed to courts on this matter. By the way, after such processes, many receive the coveted permit.
In general, the candidate must prove that:
- Able to grow plants in full compliance with the requirements of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture.
- Have all the necessary equipment to process the raw materials received.
- Can ensure safe storage and transportation conditions for the products received.
However, despite the strict requirements, obtaining a Florida license is desirable for many companies, so the number of applications each year is staggering.
Even after receiving a license, the difficulties do not end. The company receives a huge list of requirements, the violation of which entails penalties of varying severity. This includes the absence of a director with a medical education, giving or receiving a bribe, using unapproved facilities, etc. You can be punished even for using outdated equipment. Therefore, it is important to know the entire list of rules and strictly follow them.
Attempt at Change
Of course, such harsh laws do not suit either consumers or producers. Therefore, last year attempts were made to change the situation. A bill was considered, the purpose of which was to allow recreational use, as well as to increase the permissible monthly amount. However, the bill did not pass the vote, not having received the necessary 60% of votes.
However, some improvements have been made. After a lengthy approval process, 22 more producers were granted licenses in 2024. This means that the medical marijuana market will grow and will allow the population to meet their needs. Unfortunately, many applications were rejected. However, these companies can appeal and still receive a license in 2025.
What to Expect in the Future
The next attempt to adopt the amendments will be made in 2016. Therefore, the active work of interested companies is already noticeable, and they are trying to convey to the population the importance and necessity of the amendments. It is already known for sure that there will be no relaxation in the area of ??cannabis use in 2025. However, they can be expected later.
Also this year we will see further lawsuits regarding wrongfully rejected applications. Since 2020, this is a common practice and does not surprise anyone. And the increasing number of manufacturers should improve the situation on the market. Cannabis products will become more accessible to the end consumer. In addition, new medical centers will open. This will make it easier for patients to purchase and use cannabis.
Conclusion
Currently, the conditions for using medical cannabis in Florida are among the strictest in the United States. Amendments that were intended to soften them did not pass the vote, falling short of the required minimum by just 4%. However, activists do not give up and continue to fight for improvements to the situation. Soon we can expect a repeat vote on the amendments. In addition, more and more companies are receiving a license to produce medical cannabis. This significantly improves the situation on the market.
