Recreational Marijuana in Florida
Is marijuana legal in Florida? Well, yes and no. Marijuana is legal for medicinal use in the state of Florida, but not for recreational use. However, there has been a lot of talk recently in the state legislature about legalizing recreational marijuana for Florida adults.
Colorado and Washington were the famously the first states to legalize marijuana for recreational use in 2012. Since then, 13 other states have joined them in legalizing marijuana for recreational use, including California, Illinois, Nevada and others. Most recently, New Jersey voters agreed to legalize it in November 2020, with a nearly two-thirds majority in favor.
Existing laws
Most states that have legalized recreational marijuana use have adopted laws similar to what’s in place for alcohol. For example, you must be 21 or older to purchase it, and you must show a valid government photo ID to do so. And like open container laws with alcohol, you cannot consume marijuana in public or in the workplace.
States vary, however, in regard to taxation and availability. Some states have higher taxes than others. In addition, there may be county or city taxes on top of any state taxes.
Florida laws
The Florida legislature legalized medical marijuana prescriptions for seriously ill patients in 2014. Originally, it was only allowed for patients with cancer or epilepsy, and was limited to low-THC cannabis. It was expanded in 2016 to include a much more broad list of symptoms, including Crohn’s disease, glaucoma, Parkinson’s, PTSD and other chronic pain issues.
To obtain a medical marijuana license, you must meet with a qualified physician and be diagnosed with a qualifying condition. Patients must be 18 years or older, unless an adult caregiver age 21 or older is designated by the minor. For patients under 18, a second physician will need to confirm the diagnosis. Medical marijuana cards from other states are not valid in Florida.
Medical marijuana can only be purchased at a legally licensed dispensary but some dispensaries in major metropolitan areas offer curbside pickup or even delivery services. It is still illegal to cultivate marijuana at your home.
Recreational marijuana in Florida
Legalization efforts for recreational marijuana in Florida have been heating up in recent years. In 2020, legalization bills were introduced in the state legislature—in both houses, in fact—but were not taken up before the legislature adjourned.
In January 2021, bills were introduced again in the Florida House and Senate to legalize recreational marijuana. The bills would allow residents 21 and older to purchase and consume marijuana without a medical card. It would remain illegal to consume marijuana in public under these proposed laws.
Government officials remain split on the issue, however. There is no timetable for a potential vote on these bills, and the governor as well as the house speaker are against it.
One thing remains true, however, and that is that it’s completely legal to purchase smoking devices and blown glass gifts. For the best selection of these and other smoking accessories, check out New Galaxy Gifts today.
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