If you live in any major city in Florida, then you may know that the laws in your city may be a bit different than the state laws when it comes to buying and using marijuana. Generally speaking, no matter what part of Florida you live in, it’s illegal to use marijuana recreationally. While the law may change by the end of 2020, for now, it’s still illegal. However, it is legal to use marijuana for medicinal purposes. Of course, you can only do this if you have a valid and current medical marijuana card. You can’t simply declare that you’re in pain and need to smoke weed to feel better.
Florida is also pretty strict when it comes to getting a medical marijuana card. In order to be approved, you need to do the following:
- Make an appointment with an approved and licensed medical marijuana doctor
- Demonstrate that you have a qualifying medical condition. The qualifying conditions in Florida include:
- Glaucoma
- Cancer
- HIV/AIDS
- Terminal Illness
- Intractable Pain
- You must also prove that you’ve tried other treatments and they didn’t work
- Once approved, you need to pay the state fees
- You cannot purchase or legally use cannabis until you’ve received your medical marijuana card
Recreational Marijuana Use in Florida is Illegal
Florida state law dictates that using marijuana for recreational purposes is illegal. However, a lot of cities, including Tampa Bay, have decriminalized possession of small amounts of the drug. Now, there is a big difference between legalization of a drug and decriminalization of a drug. Legalization of a drug means that the state approves free purchase and use of a drug. They can still put some limitations on it, but, for the most part, it’s no longer illegal. For example, alcohol and cigarettes are legal drugs. Sure, you have to be a certain age to buy it, but, generally speaking, it’s legal. Decriminalize a drug is different. When a city or state decriminalizes a drug, it simply means that they will punish offenders civilly rather than criminally. For example, in cities like Tampa and Miami, you will no longer be charged with an actual crime if you’re caught with a small amount of weed (less than 20 grams.) Instead, you’ll be issued a citation and a fine. However, there are still exceptions to this rule and police have discretion when deciding whether to charge you criminally or to issue a citation.
What is the Law in Tampa Bay for Marijuana Possession?
In March of 2016, Tampa passed a new law regarding possession of marijuana. Florida state law says it is still a crime to possess any amount of marijuana, no matter how small. If you’re caught with less than 20 grams of weed in Florida, you face up to 1 year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000. In Tampa, however, the law is different. Tampa decided to decriminalize minor possession of the drug.
If you’re caught with less than 20 grams of marijuana within the city limits of Tampa Bay, Florida, you will receive a citation instead of being charged with a crime. The fines are as follows:
- 1st offense – $100 fine
- 2nd offense – $150 fine
- 3rd offense – $300
- 4th offense – $450 fine
Keep in mind, there are a few exceptions to this law. If you’re under 18, you can still be charged with a crime. The same thing applies to people who have a recent history of drug-related crimes, people with a lot of marijuana citations, or people with unpaid prior citations.