Florida’s New Medical Marijuana Law
In 2014, Florida citizens legalized the use of a non-euphoric type of cannabis, referred to as Charlotte’s Web, for people who suffered from ailments such as uncontrollable seizures, cancer, and chronic muscle spasms. In 2016, the law was expanded to allow terminally ill cancer patients to use full-strength marijuana. Also in November 2016, Floridians overwhelming voted in favor of Amendment 2 to the state constitution. Amendment 2 adds to the number of medical conditions for which sufferers can legally obtain marijuana.
Amendment 2
Under Amendment 2, people who suffer from the following medical conditions, or other similar medical conditions, are now able to legally obtain marijuana:
- HIV/AIDS.
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Glaucoma.
- Crohn’s disease.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- ALS.
- Parkinson’s disease.
The Amendment calls for legislation guiding the implementation of the Amendment and the goal of issuing ID cards to users within nine months. Rules also need to be put in place for guiding growers and dispensers through the regulation maze.
How to Qualify for Medical Marijuana
For 90 days prior to being issued an ID card, patients must have been under the care of a licensed physician who is approved to prescribe marijuana. There are currently 340 approved physicians in the state of Florida with 1,495 registered patients. When patients have been registered to purchase medical marijuana, they then must obtain it through a licensed dispensary.
Where to Obtain Medical Marijuana
One controversial aspect of the new law is that there are only seven dispensing agents in the state. They are licensed to cultivate, grow and sell marijuana. This is expected not to be enough and, with so few, the prices will stay up.
Although medical marijuana is legal under Florida law, it remains illegal under federal law. Even if you are a registered medical marijuana user, you may still need the services of a Jacksonville criminal defense attorney.
You will need someone who will fight for your right to have your medical condition improved and symptoms of a disease alleviated by the use of medical marijuana. That attorney is James Davis at the Law Office of James Davis. Contact him as soon as possible.
