In 2016, by a 71% vote Amendment 2 saw Florida’s stance on marijuana changed from being nearly entirely prohibited, to allowing doctors to prescribe this modern medication in most cases where a patient would benefit from its use. While recreational use is still illegal, there are as many reasons to be prescribed as there are dispensaries to fill the doctors prescriptions.
CBD-From Hemp (Not cannabis)
CBD from hemp, or hemp-derived, is legal, and has been reclassified as a schedule V (as opposed to Schedule I) drug, this basically means that any FDA approved CBD products can be purchased, possesed, and transported over state lines.
Medical Use
Amendment 2 has opened the door for doctors to connect patients with Mary-Jane in cases where it is of benefit to the patient, the qualifying conditions can be any of the following:
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Crohn’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
-A terminal condition diagnosed by a physician other than the qualified physician issuing the physician certification
-Medical conditions of the same kind or class as or comparable to those above
-Chronic nonmalignant pain caused by a qualifying medical condition or that originates from a qualifying medical condition and persists beyond the usual course of that qualifying medical condition.
A patient with these conditions can go to a qualified doctor and acquire their medical card, allowing them to use one of the dispensaries, and find relief. Even if a patient is not suffering from an above mentioned condition, the way the legislation is written, a doctor that determines that cannabis is going to be an effective treatment can prescribe it, meaning the decision as far as what it can be used for is in the hands of the doctor, and will not require the condition it is treating to be on a list the state writes and sets in stone. Other conditions that have been known as ones that the medical cards have been issued for range from ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyper-Activity Disorder) to IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) to Sickle-Cell Anemia. Generally speaking, if this treatment is one you think will help you, just talk to a qualified physician, it is likely they can help you.
Recreational Use
Recreational use of the drug is illegal, but, the possession and use has been decriminalized, to the point hat a citation is the likely result of a run in with law enforcers, and under 20g is considered a misdemeanor, but can carry a fine of up to $1000, as well as a year in jail. More than 20g can still constitute a felony, with fines in the $5000 range and up to 5 years behind bars. Cultivation too has a hefty 5 year sentence minimum, and depending on number of plants and proximity to schools, colleges, parks, and other specified buildings can be as much as 15 years in jail.
Upcoming Legislation, and What This Means to the Patient
There is much speculation as to the future of marijuana in the state, as well as Jacksonville, with many sources predicting a fully recreational vote to come along in 2022, if no sooner. Florida has some heavy penalties for recreational use, and therefore, it is very advisable to find a doctor that will understand what you need it for, and be willing to issue the MMJ card. Even though the cite and release policy is in effect, finding yourself $1000 lighter or locked away for a year because you smoked a joint, or had a few grams for personal use is a steep price to pay, when avoiding it is as easy as talking to your doctor.