Medical Marijuana Misuse: When Does it Become a Crime in Florida?
Medical use of marijuana became legal in Florida in 2016 for patients with specific conditions. However, despite its conditional legality, there are still strict regulations governing its use and distribution, even if only for medical use, and misuse or abuse of medical marijuana can lead to serious legal consequences.
If you have been charged with medical marijuana misuse, seek out expert representation from a top drug defense attorney in Tampa with The Rickman Law Firm for your protection.
The Legal Framework for Medical Marijuana in Florida
Florida’s medical marijuana laws are specifically designed to make sure that patients using cannabis are doing so under appropriate medical supervision. To legally use medical marijuana, individuals must have:
- A qualified medical condition,
- A recommendation from a certified physician, and
- Registration with the Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry
Some of the Most Common Forms of Medical Marijuana Misuse
Medical marijuana use becomes a crime in Florida when it is not used according to the legal regulations, and there are several scenarios that can lead to criminal charges:
1. Possessing More Than the Legal Limit
In Florida, patients with a medical marijuana card are only allowed to possess a specific amount of cannabis. Typically, a patient may possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana in a 35-day period. Possessing any more than this amount, unless it is legally prescribed by a doctor, is considered illegal.
2. Using Medical Marijuana in Public Spaces
While medical marijuana is legal for patients with a valid card, using it is still prohibited in public places. This includes areas such as schools, parks, and government buildings. Individuals who use medical marijuana should do so on their own private property to avoid any incriminating usage.
3. Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana
As the top drug defense lawyers in Tampa, the team at The Rickman Law Firm has seen the common misconception that a DUI charge is only for alcohol use before driving. However, driving under the influence of any controlled substance, including marijuana, is illegal in Florida. Even if the marijuana was prescribed for medical use, patients must avoid operating a vehicle if they are impaired, or they may otherwise get a DUI.
4. Selling or Distributing Medical Marijuana
Selling or distributing medical marijuana is strictly regulated. Even if an individual has a medical marijuana card, it is illegal to sell or give away cannabis to others, and it can result in trafficking or distribution charges, which are very serious criminal offenses in Florida.
5. Using Medical Marijuana Without a Prescription
Medical marijuana is only legal in Florida when prescribed by a certified physician for a qualifying condition. Using marijuana without a prescription or obtaining marijuana from illegal sources is a serious crime, and possessing marijuana without a medical card is considered illegal.
Contact The Experienced Team with The Rickman Law Firm
While medical marijuana use is legal in Florida for qualifying patients, violating the legal regulations can result in serious criminal charges and potentially devastating consequences. If you are facing any sort of a medical marijuana-related charge, the best thing you can do is protect yourself with counsel and representation from a top drug defense attorney in Tampa with The Rickman Law Firm.
If you would like to receive a complimentary case consultation with one of the best drug defense lawyers in Tampa with The Rickman Law Firm, you can call our office at (813) 370-1185 or fill out a consultation form today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.