State Regulations
The Legalization of Cannabis in Florida
Cannabis in Florida is legal for medical use but illegal for recreational use. CBD oil was legalized in the state of Florida on June 16, 2014, when Governor Rick Scott signed Senate Bill 1030. This “Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act” allows for the use of high CBD low THC cannabis oil obtained from a strain of cannabis called Charlotte's Web. The conditions that qualified under this bill were cancer, epilepsy, as well as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Though a bill sponsored in 2014 for the constitutional amendment of amendment failed, it later passed in 2016 after a second attempt. Appearing as Amendment 2 on the ballot, this initiative got approved by a 71.3% margin on November 8, 2016. Under this initiative, a patient is allowed to access medical cannabis under the determination by a physician that the drug benefits likely outweigh any potential health risks.
The legalized conditions under Amendment 2 are:
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV
- AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome)
- PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder)
- ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
- Crohn's disease
- Terminal illness
- Parkinson's disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Chronic malignant pain whose origin is a qualifying medical condition originates from a medical condition that qualifies, or from other comparable medical conditions that are debilitating.
In Florida, cannabis for recreational use is still illegal. It is a misdemeanor offense to possess up to 20 grams (3⁄4 oz) which can be punished by up to a 1-year jail sentence of a fine not exceeding $1000, as well as the suspension of a driver's license. However, a number of counties and cities have put in place reforms for the application of lesser penalties.
As of this year, 74% of Americans live in states where cannabis has been legalized for medical use while Americans who can access marijuana legally for adult use stand at 26%. With more states legalizing the use of cannabis, the illegal market is projected to shrink as the legal market grows, along with benefits such as standardization and collection of taxes.
