Cannabis/Marijuana Laws

In Florida, cannabis and marijuana are only legal if someone has a medical marijuana card. However, many illegal businesses cultivate cannabis to help meet the demand of those suffering from medical issues that need marijuana.

Coplan-Gardner & Gardner, PA, has experience working with businesses accused of growing marijuana, as well as defending those individuals charged with possessing, selling or trafficking marijuana.

Cultivation of Cannabis and Marijuana in Florida

If you want to start a marijuana business, you must understand the business laws and legal issues associated with this in Florida. While many states have legalized personally growing marijuana, Florida has not, which means that this is a felony and carries a long prison sentence. While possessing and selling marijuana convictions can be sealed or expunged, cultivation cannot.

Operating a grow house, cultivating, owning or leasing an operation that involves marijuana plants in Florida is illegal. The state of Florida expends significant resources and effort hunting down marijuana growing operations. They will often turn to informants, such as your relatives, neighbors or friends and conduct stakeouts, wiretapping, sending in undercover officers and even review your financial records.

Possession, Sale and Trafficking Laws

Possessing marijuana in Florida is a crime unless you have a medical marijuana card.

If you are caught possessing 20 or fewer grams of marijuana for personal use without a marijuana card, you will be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor, which can be punishable with a fine of $1,000 and up to one year in jail.

If you are caught purchasing or possessing 20 or more grams of marijuana, it is a third-degree felony, which is punishable with a fine of up to $5,000 and up to five years in prison.

Medical Marijuana Use

Licensed medical marijuana treatment centers are the only businesses in the state that are authorized to grow, process and dispense medical marijuana. Additionally, patients that want a medical marijuana card must first qualify through a physician and then apply for their card.

To obtain a medical marijuana card in Florida, you must:

• Be a permanent or seasonal resident in Florida
• Have a qualifying medical condition and a qualified physician diagnosis
• Be in the Medical Marijuana Use Registry
• Obtain a Medical Marijuana Use Registry Identification Card

Dedicated Legal Team Serving Jacksonville Beach, Florida

Coplan-Gardner & Gardner stays updated on Florida’s ever-changing and progressing marijuana laws. If you are charged with a marijuana misdemeanor or felony, contact us to schedule an appointment with our criminal defense attorney.

We also offer military, first responders, police, firefighters and educators a preferred discount and a free consultation, so contact us today to learn more!