Is it legal to vape marijuana in Florida?
Keep in mind, however, that while vaping may be safer than smoking, when it comes to marijuana or THC-based products, it is only legal in Florida for medical purposes. “Recreational” vaping of cannabis is still illegal.
What is Florida’s medical marijuana law?
Per Florida marijuana law, only persons aged 18 and older can medically use cannabis. Persons below the age of 18 may use cannabis through their parents or legal guardians who have been assigned as caregivers. In addition, a minor in Florida must also seek a recommendation for cannabis from two qualified physicians.
How many ounces of medical marijuana can you smoke in Florida?
The law allows medical marijuana patients over the age of 18 to purchase 2.5 ounces of smoking medical marijuana at a time, and they can also possess up to 4 ounces in total. This law looks good for the medical marijuana patients in Florida, however, you can’t just get into a dispensary and order cannabis.
Where to buy medical marijuana in Florida?
Patients can now purchase medical marijuana from dispensaries in Florida. The patient is required to have a prescription in order to purchase marijuana and smoke legally as required in the Senate bill 182. Florida law goes further to recognize the medical benefits of marijuana.
What States Can I use my Florida MMJ card?
As of May 2022, the following states and territories have implemented a comprehensive state medical marijuana programs:Alabama.Alaska.Arizona.Arkansas.California.Colorado.Connecticut.Delaware.More items...
Can you pass a drug test with a medical card 2021 Florida?
Can You Pass a Drug Test With a Medical Card in 2021? Florida does not offer employment protection for medical marijuana patients, meaning that testing positive for marijuana on a drug test is still considered failing and can leave workers vulnerable to termination or prohibit them from securing a new position.
How much can you buy from a dispensary at a time Florida?
2.5 ouncesThe state of Florida has set a limit that says patients may not purchase more than 2.5 ounces of smokable marijuana within a given 35-day stretch of time. That's the maximum a doctor may recommend, but it's also technically possible a doctor would recommend lower amounts than that, depending on your MMJ evaluation.
What is a good excuse for failing a drug test?
Furthermore, employees may have excuses for failing a drug test: they ate too many poppy-seed bagels, accidently picked up the wrong brownie at a party or were stuck in a car with someone who was smoking weed. Perhaps they'll argue that the test is wrong. Employers need to consider how they'll handle these situations.
How much is medical marijuana in Florida?
According to ArcView Group, a California-based cannabis research and investment firm, by 2020 medical marijuana could be a $1.5 billion industry in Florida and represent a 7% share of the total U.S. legal cannabis market.
What is the Florida medical cannabis act?
Governor Rick Scott signed Florida’s Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014 (Chapter 381.986, Florida Statutes) into law on June 16, 2014. The Act authorized specified physicians to order low-THC cannabis for qualified patients beginning on January 1, 2015. A participating physician must be licensed under Chapter 458 and 459 of the Florida Statutes, attend an 8-hour training course, and pass an examination before they can order low-THC cannabis for a patient. Under Florida law, low-THC cannabis is defined as a product or derivative of cannabis which contains 0.8% or less of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and more than 10% cannabidiol (CBD). The Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act is limited in the specific conditions that can be treated with low-TCH cannabis and does not allow for the smoking of cannabis. Rather, it allows qualified patients to ingest cannabis via other methods, such as extracts or a physician-prescribed vaporizer.
What is the Florida compassionate use law?
The Act allows approved physicians to order low-THC and medical cannabis for qualified patients who have been diagnosed with certain conditions. It does not allow patients to ingest marijuana through smoking, but does allow physicians to order vaporizers for patients through approved dispensaries. Patients may not grow their own marijuana plants and must have a physician register them on the Compassionate Use Registry and order their low-THC or medical marijuana for them.
What is compassionate use in Florida?
The Florida Department of Health’s Office of Compassionate Use maintains the Compassionate Use Registry, a state-run online registration system for medical cannabis patients and ordering physicians. It is accessible by law enforcement, physicians, and medical cannabis dispensaries to verify the legitimacy of one’s right to access, possess, and ingest medical cannabis and its derivatives within the State of Florida. Participation in the Compassionate Use Registry is mandatory and requires one to obtain a medical cannabis ID card. The Compassionate Use Registry’s website is located at http://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/office-of-compassionate-use/compassionate-use-registry/index.html.
What is the tracking system for medical cannabis?
The Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act required the Department of Health to establish and maintain a tracking system that traces low-THC cannabis and medical cannabis from seed to sale. The tracking system includes notification of key events, including when cannabis seeds are planted, when cannabis plants are harvested and destroyed, and when low-THC cannabis or medical cannabis is transported, sold, stolen, diverted, or lost. Dispensaries cannot dispense low-THC or medical cannabis or cannabis delivery devices from their premises between the hours of 9pm and 7am, but may perform all other operations and deliver low-THC cannabis and medical cannabis to qualified patients 24 hours each day.
How many medical marijuana dispensaries are there in Florida?
Florida currently has 6 medical marijuana dispensaries that are approved by the Department of Health. Florida law allows caregivers to operate on a patient’s behalf. Caregivers must be a “healthcare surrogate acting pursuant to the qualifying patient’s written consent” and must register with the Department of Health.
How long do you have to be a dispensary in Florida?
Before being licensed to grow, process, and dispense medical cannabis in Florida, a dispensary must show that they have been a plant nursery for at least 30 years and have grown at least 400,000 plants. Florida employers cannot deny you a job because you are registered with the Compassionate Use Registry.
What are the conditions to be a medical marijuana patient in Florida?
To qualify for medical marijuana in Florida, a patient must: Be diagnosed by a certified physician with a qualifying condition. Have permanent or temporary residency in the state of Florida. As outlined by Amendment 2, the following conditions qualify for medical marijuana treatment in Florida: ALS. Cancer.
When did Florida legalize marijuana?
MORE DETAILS: On June 16, 2014, Florida became the 22nd state to legalize (at least partial) access to medical marijuana when Governor Rick Scott signed the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014. Patients suffering from cancer, epilepsy, chronic seizures, or muscle spasms could use low-THC cannabis products recommended by a licensed doctor.
What is low THC?
MORE DETAILS: According to Senate Bill 8A, low-THC cannabis is defined as: A plant of the genus Cannabis , the dried flowers of which contain .8 percent or less of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and more than 10 percent of cannabidiol (CBD) weight for weight. Regular cannabis does not have to meet the same requirements.
How much does it cost to get a medical marijuana card?
After you complete your account set-up and pay the state-required fee of $75 , you will receive your medical marijuana card!
What is a qualified patient in Florida?
MORE DETAILS: Senate Bill 8A defines a qualified patient as: A resident of this state [Florida] who has been added to the medical marijuana use registry by a qualified physician to receive marijuana or a marijuana delivery device for a medical use and who has a qualified patient identification card.
When was Amendment 2 passed in Florida?
The Florida Right to Medical Marijuana Initiative, Amendment 2 was placed on the ballot in November 2014, but failed to win the required 60% majority of votes. The publicity surrounding this defeat helped to change the public attitude towards medical marijuana.
Can you be a medical marijuana patient?
SHORT ANSWER: Yes, but only if you state you’re a medical marijuana patient in defense of an investigation claim (e.g., a police officer finds your medical marijuana products and you claim possession is legal because you’re a medical marijuana patient).
What is the purpose of a vaporizer in vaping?
In contrast, vaping involves using an electronic device–a vaporizer–to heat the plant material (often in liquid form) at a much lower temperature. The idea is to convert the underlying material into water vapor rather than smoke.
How to contact Moses and Rooth in Orlando?
In the meantime, if you have been charged with a drug crime related to the illegal possession or use of marijuana and need assistance from an experienced Orlando criminal defense attorney, contact Moses & Rooth right away by calling (407) 377-0150.
Why is vaping so popular?
One reason marijuana vaping has become more popular is that it is difficult for parents and teachers to know whether the liquid inside a vaporizer is based on nicotine or cannabis.
Is medical marijuana legal in Florida?
The legal issues surrounding medical marijuana are only going to grow more complex as the State of Florida continues to implement its regulations. Indeed, the Florida Department of Health is currently appealing a circuit court decision from Leon County that struck down the state’s ban on smoking medical marijuana.
Can you smoke marijuana in Florida?
As you probably know, voters approved a state constitutional amendment in 2016 to authorize the use of marijuana for medical purposes. But this doesn’t mean you can simply roll your own joint and smoke it because you think you have glaucoma.
Can I get a medical marijuana card with a medical condition?
Instead, individuals with a qualifying medical condition, and who receive a Medical Cannabis Card from a doctor licensed to issue one, can obtain what is known as low-THC cannabis, which is the active ingredient in marijuana.
Does water vapor contain THC?
If done correctly, this water vapor contains a higher concentration of the desired chemical–in the case of medical marijuana, THC–without producing the toxic residue associated with smoking.
What medical conditions can you get with marijuana in Florida?
Florida’s medical marijuana program allows medical marijuana to be provided as treatment for patients with the following “debilitating medical conditions”: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Cancer. Crohn’s disease. Epilepsy.
When did Florida legalize marijuana?
Florida had a very restrictive high-CBD, low-THC marijuana law for a couple of years before 71% of voters approved Amendment 2 in November 2016 to allow full medical cannabis. Amendment 2 went into effect January 3, 2017, and the Florida Legislature passed legislation that implemented the amendment in July 2017.
What are the penalties for possession of marijuana in Florida?
The possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana is charged as a misdemeanor with one year imprisonment and a fine of $1,000. Possession, use, or sale of anything greater than 20 grams is charged as a felony with prison time ranging from five years to 30 years and up to $200,000 in fines. Also, if you are convicted of a marijuana-related offense, the state of Florida can suspend your driver’s license for one year.
How much is the fine for possession of 20 grams of marijuana?
For example, in Miami-Dade County, possessing up to 20 grams of marijuana only comes with a $100 fine. Compare that penalty to the much more restrictive Florida marijuana law for the entire state, where the penalty for possession of up to 20 grams of marijuana is a misdemeanor that results in a $1,000 fine and up to a year of jail time.
What is marijuana paraphernalia?
“Marijuana paraphernalia” is any product used as an accessory for using marijuana, such as pipes and bongs. The possession of marijuana paraphernalia is a misdemeanor, with Florida marijuana law punishing those in possession of paraphernalia with up to one year of jail time and a $1,000 fine.
How long is a mandatory sentence for possession of marijuana in Florida?
For example, possession of between 25 and 2,000 lbs. of marijuana comes with a mandatory minimum sentence of three years, ...
How old do you have to be to have a caregiver in Florida?
The law does allow qualifying patients to have a caregiver who is at least 21 years old to assist in the collection and administering of medical cannabis. Originally, Florida marijuana laws permitted only medical cannabis oils, sprays, tinctures, edibles, and vaping materials.
How to get a prescription for marijuana in Florida?
To get a prescription for smoking medical marijuana, you must speak to a doctor. The doctor must be certified by the state of Florida to prescribe marijuana. The doctor for marijuana will examine as you discuss the conditions and symptoms that you’re facing. The discussion should also involve the medication n and treatments ...
When did Florida legalize medical marijuana?
If you quite follow the recent happenings about the laws regarding the use of medical marijuana in Florida, then most probably you are aware that in mid-March 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis signed in the Medical Use of Marijuana with the Senate Bill 182. You’re also aware that over 70 percent of Florida voters had voted in favor ...
How much marijuana can you have?
There are other restrictions regarding how much medical marijuana patients can possess. Basically, they should possess 4 ounces at a time. The dispensary or physician can order up to six supplies of marijuana per certification. After these six, you will have to get certified again.
What percentage of Florida voters approved medical marijuana in 2016?
Over 70 percent of Florida voters approved medical marijuana in 2016. Florida governor, DeSantis, qualified patients should be allowed to smoke medical marijuana, thus doing away with the smoking ban.
Why is marijuana so slow in Florida?
The medical marijuana program has developed slowly in Florida because it didn’t allow medical marijuana for smoking. This made a lot of people look for cannabis on the black market, even though they are true medical patients.
What conditions qualify you for medical marijuana?
Conditions that qualify someone for medical marijuana or for smoking medical marijuana include HIV/AIDs, epilepsy, cancer, PTSD, Arthritis, anxiety, ALS and glaucoma. Consulting with a certified doctor is the best way to discover the severity of your conditions and whether the current medical and treatment that you are on should be changed ...
How long does it take to renew a medical marijuana card?
You will be added to the Compassionate Use Registry in the state, whereby your card will come with a full prescription for 30 weeks. After 30 weeks are over you must renew the card by first consulting a doctor to sign off you on your continued use of marijuana. The bill also outlines a restriction that applies to smoking itself.
When did Florida remove the smoking ban?
He petitioned the Florida State Legislature to remove the restrictions in Amendment 2. In March of 2019 , Governor DeSantis signed Senate Bill 182 into law. This bill lifted the marijuana smoking ban. Medical marijuana patients in Florida may now choose to purchase “smokable flower” as one of their cannabis therapeutic options at licensed ...
What amendments were passed to ban smokable marijuana?
However, the DOH banned all other forms of medical marijuana with the exception of vape oils, capsules, and topical creams. The language of Amendment 2 was changed to enact a ban on the other types of products, including smokable marijuana and edibles. This was done after Florida voters had already approved Amendment 2.
Why limit dispensaries to their own cannabis?
Limiting dispensaries to their own low-THC cannabis allows for important quality and safety controls on cultivation. These include inspections and testing of the cannabis products. Many dispensaries do provide “smokable flower” to medical marijuana cardholders. However, the amount of inventory available can vary.
Is medical marijuana a controlled substance?
While medical marijuana is legalized for certified MMJ cardholders, it is still categorized as a controlled substance and Schedule I drug by the Federal Government. Charges include fines and possible jail time for first-time offenders.
Can dispensaries buy THC?
The State of Florida allows dispensaries to produce their own low-THC cannabis within extremely strict guidelines. Dispensaries cannot purchase cannabis through a supply chain. This may sound difficult for dispensaries, but it is an important step that Florida has taken to reduce risks and crime.
Can you smoke medical marijuana in Florida?
Unfortunately, the right to smoke medical marijuana in Florida was not that easy to gain. The Florida Marijuana Legalization Initiative allowed residents of Florida to vote on whether medical cannabis should be provided to residents and seasonal residents. In November of 2016, 72% of residents voted on the initiative, also known as Amendment 2.
Does cannabis cause respiratory inflammation?
Particularly for patients who suffer from respiratory disorders like emphysema, lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, or pneumonia. All cannabis inhalation methods do result in some residue which creates the potential for respiratory inflammation.
When did medical marijuana become legal in Florida?
Medical marijuana became legal in the state of Florida with the passage of Amendment 2, which garnered support from over 71% of voters in 2016. Shortly afterwards, Senate Bill 8A was passed, which defined many of the regulations that pertain to the use of medical marijuana. These laws describe the conditions that can qualify a patient ...
What is the medical marijuana law?
These laws describe the conditions that can qualify a patient for medical marijuana treatment, as well as the process that must be completed before a patient can begin treatment. Patients who suffer from a qualifying condition must visit a certified medical cannabis physician in order to receive a recommendation.
What are the signs of marijuana impairment?
Police are training throughout the state to recognize signs of marijuana impairment, such as bloodshot eyes, sluggish reactions or difficulty multitasking. Observing officers will have to testify in court in order to make a case for impairment.
Can a Florida police officer test for marijuana?
What Florida Lawyers Say. As previously mentioned, there is no test that can prove marijuana impairment. According to Florida lawyers Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum, LLP, the only way a police officer will be able to prove that you are under the influence is by the impairment of normal abilities and actions.
Is medical marijuana legal in public?
According to Senate Bill 8A, medical marijuana use and/or administration is strictly prohibited in the following places: On any form of public transportation *. In any public place *. In the patient’s place of employment (unless permitted by his or her employer) In a state correctional institution.
Can you drive with medical marijuana?
If you are a registered medical marijuana patient, you are allowed to drive with medical marijuana products in your possession. This means if you are driving home from a medical marijuana dispensary or need to bring your treatment with you somewhere, you are legally allowed to do so. However, you are not allowed to use or administer medical ...
Can you purchase medical marijuana with a state card?
The state then reviews this recommendation before allowing the patient to register for medical marijuana treatment. Once approved and registered, patients are able to purchase medication from a medical marijuana treatment center with a state-issued medical marijuana card.
What is a medical marijuana registry in Florida?
Medical Marijuana purchases in Florida are tracked into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR). Required by the law, the MMUR keeps a record of physician recommendations, patient dispensation history, patient adverse events, controlled substance reductions , and card status information & applications. It can be accessed by patients (their own record only), dispensary personnel, recommending physicians, and law enforcement. The MMUR is overseen by the Department of Health.
How much marijuana can you smoke in Florida?
Patients in Florida can buy up to 2.5 ounces of smokable flower within a 35-day period, and can have no greater than 4 ounces ...
Can you purchase cannabis at a dispensary?
At the dispensary, you will be able to purchase any combination of products and strains as long as you stay within your order type, delivery method, and milligram limit. Staff will be able to tell you if your order exceeds your available allotment.
Can caregivers access MMUR?
Caregivers who are also patients can access both their own patient profiles and caregiver-patient profiles within the MMUR. All orders end on the date indicated. Any pre-scheduled orders will begin automatically, but will not start early if the patient exhausts their milligram allotment.
Is there a limit on smoking marijuana?
Unlike ‘Smoking Marijuana’, there is no Statute defined limit on this amount.
Can distillate be dispensed in Florida?
Distillate, for example, can be dispensed as an oral, sublingual, inhalation, or topical product. If you’d like your product dispensed under a specific route discuss with the dispensary personnel. We hope this post helps you to have a better understanding of how the Florida medical marijuana program works, how much medical cannabis you can ...
