Possession
Marijuana, or cannabis, for recreational use, is still illegal in Florida. Even if you are caught with 20 grams or less, you will be charged with a misdemeanor and potentially sentenced to up to 1 year in prison and fined $1,000. Miami-Dade County, however, has made efforts to replace arrests for possession of under 20 grams of marijuana with citations. Any more than 20 grams of marijuana, and you will be facing a felony charge.
Trafficking
The penalties for trafficking marijuana are typically as follows:
- 25 pounds to 2,000 pounds: 3 years in prison & $25,000 fine.
- 2,000 to 10,000 pounds: 7 years in prison & $50,000 fine.
- 10,000 pounds or more: 15 years in prison & $200,000 fine.
Medical Marijauna
The state of Florida legalized medical marijuana use for individuals with specific debilitating diseases in 2016. Before this change, any use of the drug was considered illegal, no matter how much pain your illness caused. If you receive a medical marijuana card, you may lawfully possess as much as four ounces of medical marijuana.
- Inhalation (e.g. vapes): Daily dose amount is 350mg THC, with a 24,500mg THC 70-day supply limit.
- Edibles: Daily dose amount is 60mg THC, with a 4,200mg THC 70-day supply limit.
- Oral (e.g. capsules, tinctures): Daily dose amount is 200mg THC, with a 14,000mg THC 70-day supply limit.
Marijuana Decriminalization in Florida
Beginning in 2015, some counties across Florida have allowed for civil citations to be issued when someone is in possession of small amounts of marijuana, essentially decriminalizing weed in these areas. The reforms are specific to the areas and not to the overall State of Florida.
Across the board, an individual who is found to possess up to 20 grams of cannabis in these counties and municipalities can receive civil citations. Fines for these marijuana citations range from $75-$100 for the first offense, $150-$250 for a second offense, and $300-$500 for a third offense. Depending on the area, alternatives to fines include performing community service or attending a drug education program.
The counties and municipalities that have approved decriminalization for up to 20 grams of marijuana include:
- Miami-Dade County
- Broward County
- Palm Beach County
- Tampa
- Orlando
- Miami Beach*
- Hallandale Beach
- Key West
- West Palm Beach
- Volusia County
- Osceola County
- Alachua County
*AS of February, 2024, Miami Beach is looking at removing the civil citation option.
Where is Marijuana Legal?
As of February 2024, the above depicts what states marijuana is legal in.
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