Clearwater, FL is a part of Florida and so the marijuana laws of Florida would also be levied on Clearwater. According to Florida laws, only the medical use of marijuana is allowed not recreational use. Recreational cannabis use is treated as a civil offense rather than a crime. Moreover, patients need a physician’s approval to use marijuana legally. But there’s no restriction on how patients are able to consume it. This means the weed can be smoked, eaten or consumed in any other way deemed by the patient as comfortable. But there are other laws which you have to follow in Florida to consume weed:
Edibles allowed: Along with smoking weed, edibles are also legal in Florida and can be consumed without any legal repercussions. But it can only be consumed by a person who has been approved to use medical marijuana. Apart from this, it’s also legal to use sprays, oils and pills. Actually, Florida legalized using edibles for medical purposes first rather than smoking weed. That came later.
Conditions for getting weed: You will qualify to get medical marijuana if you suffer from Cancer, Glaucoma, Epilepsy, HIV, PTSD, Crohn’s disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple sclerosis, Chronic pain and other kind of similar or terminal medical conditions. Chronic pain is actually the most common medical condition which is used to get a medical marijuana card. But if someone falsely uses chronic pain to get hold of marijuana, then they can face misdemeanor charges.
Minor card: Florida laws permit you to get a medical marijuana card even if you are under 18 years. But to get that card you will have to be diagnosed with severe medical illness. Moreover, a minor who wants to use medical for medical reasons must have approval from two qualified physicians. Apart from this, the minor’s parents must also consent to their child using marijuana for medical reasons.
Penalties: If you are caught having marijuana on you in Florida then your penalty or punishment will depend on just how much marijuana you have with you. Know that if you less than 20 grams on you then it will be classified as a misdemeanor. This misdemeanor will be punishable by a year in jail. If more marijuana is found, then your punishment will increase proportionately. The top punishment for possessing cannabis in Florida is 30 years in jail. There are some cities in Florida, which opted to issue civil infractions rather than levy misdemeanor charges for having weed on them.
No driving: Know that it’s not legal to drive after smoking weed in Florida. This is not permitted even if you hold a medical marijuana permit. If you are caught then you will have to face criminal charges. If your actions cause an accident, then you could be financially responsible for the injuries of the victims.
Defenses: If you are caught with marijuana, then you will be able to give various defenses. One of this includes straight up saying that the marijuana wasn’t actually in your possession of that as a medical patient you have the right to lawfully possess marijuana. You can give a defense that you have a right to keep marijuana on you as a caregiver. Remember that whatever your penalties or punishments were going to be, there’s a possibility that it will be drastically reduced if you have your medical weed permit with you.
It’s important to keep all these laws in mind while you are in Florida and want to use marijuana. Always keep your medical marijuana permit on you and also a valid ID. Make sure that you never have more than the permissible limit of marijuana on you. If you do then you will be in some serious trouble. You will have to pay fines apart from having jail time.