Sheppard White Kachergus + DeMaggio, P.A.
Sheppard White Kachergus + DeMaggio, P.A.

Call 904-356-9661
To Schedule an Appointment

  • Home
  • About
    • In The News
    • Founder
  • Attorneys
    • Bryan E. DeMaggio
    • Matthew R. Kachergus
    • Camille E. Sheppard
    • Elizabeth “Betsy” L. White
  • Practice Areas
    • Criminal Defense
    • Family Law
    • Civil Rights
    • Appeals
  • Testimonials
  • Video Library
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Home
  • About
    • In The News
    • Founder
  • Attorneys
    • Bryan E. DeMaggio
    • Matthew R. Kachergus
    • Camille E. Sheppard
    • Elizabeth “Betsy” L. White
  • Practice Areas
    • Criminal Defense
    • Family Law
    • Civil Rights
    • Appeals
  • Testimonials
  • Video Library
  • Blog
  • Contact
Email
CALL

No Case Is More Important Than Yours

  1. Home
  2.  » 
  3. Criminal Defense
  4.  » 
  5. Florida’s changing marijuana laws

Florida’s changing marijuana laws

On Behalf of Sheppard, White, Kachergus & DeMaggio, P.A. Attorneys & Counselors at Law | Nov 16, 2017 | Criminal Defense

Laws surrounding marijuana have changed significantly in recent years. Florida is one of many states reconsidering the penalties for possession; some officials believe the consequences that come with minor drug offenses such as possession of marijuana are far too harsh. Yet even with the state’s gradual shift toward legalization, there may still be a long way to go.

There is much debate over whether medical marijuana laws should end there, or if the state should allow recreational use, as well. What might the future of marijuana look like in Florida, and is a happy medium possible? Regardless of views, the penalties for recreational possession can last much longer than one might think.

Current Regulations

While the laws may differ depending on the state, NORML shares that Florida’s qualifying conditions for medical marijuana are cancer, muscle spasms, seizures and terminal illness. Furthermore, there are patient limits for all qualifying illnesses, with the exception of terminal illness. When it comes to recreational use, NORML also clarifies that, with 20 grams or less, a person may face a misdemeanor charge, one year of jail time and a $1,000 fee. Someone caught with more than 20 grams could end up with a 5-year incarceration sentence and a maximum fine of $5,000.

Florida’s Outlook

The medical marijuana laws in the state may appear strict, but according to the Marijuana Policy Project, the future is bright in the sunshine state. According to MPP, an update last month confirmed that a wider range of patients may soon qualify for medical marijuana licenses. Applicants must provide financial statements and pass a background check, but a law regulating Amendment 2 allows an expansion of the number of licenses to growers in the state. The steps may be small, but it is clear that Florida’s views toward the issue as a whole are changing.

Recent Posts

  • Can drivers legally try to avoid DUI checkpoints?
  • Constructive Possession: What it Means and How it Can Affect You
  • Can drivers refuse to perform field sobriety tests?
  • Can the Police Take My Blood Without My Consent?
  • How the law protects those who seek help for an overdose

Archives

Categories

  • Advice
  • Cases of Interest
  • civil rights
  • Criminal Appeals
  • Criminal Defense
  • Drug Crimes
  • DUI Defense
  • Firm News
  • In the News
  • Trials
  • Videos

RSS Feed

Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed

Contact Us

Office Location

Sheppard, White, Kachergus, & DeMaggio, P.A. Attorneys & Counselors at Law

215 N. Washington Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202

Jacksonville Office

Phone: 904-356-9661

Fax: 904-356-9667

Email: [email protected]

Review The Firm
  • Follow
  • Follow

How Can Our Team Help You?

© 2025 Sheppard, White, Kachergus, & DeMaggio, P.A. Attorneys & Counselors at Law • All Rights Reserved

Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Business Development Solutions by FindLaw