Marijuana is still illegal in Florida as we speak. However, recent changes in state law have legalized the use and possession of medical marijuana by qualifying patients.

 

Some Florida cities have decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana which will result in a fine rather than an arrest.

 

Growing marijuana in Florida is illegal, even for medical patients. When you’re caught growing marijuana, you’ll be charged with possession, and your penalty will depend on the number of plants in your house.

 

Traveling with marijuana is only available for patients in Florida. However, you can’t take your medicine across state lines because that will be considered drug trafficking.

 

Does that mean you need to be ill to legally enjoy marijuana in Florida?

 

Not exactly.

 

Ever heard of delta 8 THC?

 

This newly discovered cannabinoid is making big headlines in the industry. It’s milder than delta 9 THC, doesn’t get you as anxious in high doses, and the best part — it’s federally legal.

 

Join us as we uncover marijuana laws in Florida.

 

Is Marijuana Legal in Florida?

 

Florida follows federal law with regard to marijuana. While medical marijuana is legal in the sunshine state, recreational users are having a hard time enjoying high-THC cannabis.

 

Related: States Where Weed is Legal

 

Here’s the breakdown of marijuana laws in Florida.

 

Is Recreational Marijuana Legal in Florida?

 

Marijuana in Florida is illegal for recreational use. The penalties for possession vary by the amount, from financial fines to jail time.

 

Is Medical Marijuana Legal in Florida?

 

Florida has a medical marijuana program for qualifying patients. If you want to use medical marijuana, you’ll need to obtain a Medical Marijuana Use Authorization, as provided by Chapter 381 of Florida Statuses.

 

Penalties for Marijuana Possession in Florida

 

Most of the time, the possession of fewer than 20 grams is a misdemeanor punishable with a monetary fine to be determined by a judge and less than a year of jail time.

 

However, if you’re caught with more than 20 grams, it’s classified as a felony and may lead to probation, a jail sentence, and fines, depending on the amount.

 

Possession of very large amounts of marijuana falls under Trafficking laws, which involve mandatory state prison sentences and hefty fines.

 

Individual cities in Florida have decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana, so you need to look up your local laws if you want to make sure you’re in the clear.

 

What’s the Future of Cannabis Legalization in Florida?

 

A new bill introduced by the industry-led campaign in Florida was filed for the 2024 voting ballot.

 

Previous attempts to regulate marijuana for adult use have been blocked by the state Supreme Court. But the new initiative is backed by the state’s largest medical cannabis company Trulieve, in cooperation with the country band The Bellamy Brothers.

 

Under the proposal, adults 21 and older would be allowed to buy and possess up to an ounce of cannabis or five grams of marijuana concentrate products.

 

The new measure also omits equity provisions that would provide expungement to people with prior cannabis convictions.

 

Delta 8 THC: A Better and Legal Alternative to Marijuana in Florida

 

Since marijuana in Florida remains illegal for recreational use, cannabis aficionados have been looking for a legal alternative to enjoy psychoactive cannabinoids.

 

Marijuana is also banned at the federal level, so you can’t order it from one state and have it delivered to your doors.

 

But, thanks to the recent breakthroughs in extraction methods, a new cannabinoid has emerged on the market. It’s about half as strong as delta 9 from marijuana, and what’s better — it’s legal in Florida.

 

It’s called delta 8 THC.

 

Delta-8 THC vs. Delta-9 THC

 

Delta 8 is a less intoxicating version of delta 9 THC.

 

At first glance, they have a similar molecular makeup, but there’s a subtle difference in the way their atomic bonds are arranged.

 

For delta 9 THC, the atomic bond occurs at the 9th carbon chain, while for delta 8, it’s at the 8th chain.

 

This small difference makes delta 8 THC about half as potent as delta 9.

 

Cons of Delta 9 THC from Marijuana

 

Most cannabis users enjoy the high from marijuana. The psychoactive effects of delta 9 are dose-dependent. In low and moderate doses, it acts as a relaxant, pain reliever, and demonstrates nootropic properties, enhancing brain function.

 

High doses can get you high, altering your thinking patterns, attention, and perception of time. During that buzz, you may experience episodes of laughter, sleepiness, euphoria, and a creativity boost.

 

However, sensitive individuals can experience the opposite effects. When they reach a certain dose of delta 9, they may feel uncomfortable due to the following side effects:

 

Anxiety

Paranoia

Sedation

Dizziness

Increased heart rate

Sweating

Confusion

Problems with coordination

Short-term memory impairment

 

That’s why delta 8 THC is making big headlines in the cannabis space.

 

Effects and Benefits of Delta 8 THC

 

Since delta-8 THC is about 50% less potent than regular weed, the psychoactive buzz is less anxious and more mellow. In fact, anxiety is extremely rare among delta 8 users.

 

That’s why the cannabinoid is dubbed “diet weed” or “cannabis light.”

 

People use delta 8 THC for the following health benefit effects:

 

Anti-nausea

Anti-inflammatory

Pain relief

Increased appetite

Feelings of calmness and relaxation

Neuroprotection

 

While delta 9 THC can be sourced only from marijuana, delta 8 can be extracted by converting CBD with acids and heavy metal reagents.

 

Wondering where to get the best delta 8 products in Florida?

 

Here’s a concise guide.

 

Is Delta 8 THC Legal in Florida?

 

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized all hemp derivatives, including the isomers of THC other than delta 9.

 

This means that hemp-derived delta 7, delta 8, and delta 10 products are legal at the federal level.

 

The loophole created by the Farm Bill wasn’t met with enthusiasm by several states. 14 states banned delta 8 THC, but Florida laws align with the provisions of the Farm Bill. You can still legally buy, sell, produce, and possess delta 8 products if they meet the federal criteria.

 

read more:  CFAH

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