As the debate over marijuana legalization in the United States continues, the state of Florida is no exception. In 2023, there will be several legislative changes related to the use of cannabis in the state. This article takes a comprehensive look at the current marijuana laws in Florida, as well as the expected changes for the upcoming year.
Currently, medical marijuana and low-THC cannabis are legal in Florida for qualified patients, but possession for recreational use is a crime. The definition of “low-THC” is determined by the Florida Department of Health and is defined as containing no more than 0.8% THC concentration by weight. Dispensaries must be licensed to sell medical marijuana, and the Department of Health regulates the production and sale of medical marijuana products.
In February 2023, the Florida Senate Criminal Justice Committee approved a bill to legal recreational marijuana. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Rob Bradley, would allow adults 21 and older to purchase and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis. Additionally, the legislation establishes a Medical Cannabis production and Regulation Program, which would be overseen by the Department of Health.
The same month, a separate legal cannabis measure will also receive a hearing on Wednesday. This bill, also sponsored by Sen. Rob Bradley, would allow adults 21 and older to purchase marijuana from licensed sellers and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis. This measure would also create a regulatory framework for the production, sale, and taxation of cannabis products.
In addition to the legislative changes in Florida, several other states are also considering cannabis-related legislation this year. In Minnesota, lawmakers filed a 243-page adult-use cannabis legalization bill, House File 100, in January. In Maryland, the state is preparing to allow adult use starting on July 1 and Missouri voted to legal recreational marijuana in November.
Despite the progress made in some states, recreational marijuana use is still illegal in the Sunshine State. However, Medical use is legal and Florida is expected to see further changes in the near future. “We see Medical cannabis in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, LA, and Georgia,” said Sen. Bradley. “It’s time for us to take action.”
The latest effort to legal recreational marijuana in Florida is a ballot initiative campaign that is expected to be on the 2024 ballot. The group behind the initiative, Make It legal Florida, is working to collect enough signatures to get the measure on the ballot. The proposal has cleared an initial hurdle to the 2024 ballot.
While the future of cannabis in Florida remains uncertain, it is clear that the state is making progress towards the legalization of Medical and recreational marijuana. With the growing number of states considering cannabis-related legislation, it is likely that Florida will follow suit in the near future. “Minnesota's current laws are doing more harm than good,” said the Director of the Minnesota Department of Human Services. “2023 will be the year that medicinal marijuana becomes legal in the state.”
As Florida continues to move forward with legislative changes related to cannabis, it is important to keep an eye on the current laws and upcoming changes. This article provided a comprehensive overview of Florida's marijuana laws and the expected changes for 2023, but it is important to keep up with the news and stay informed.
