Happy 4/20! Today’s the day many cannabis fans celebrate marijuana’s unofficial holiday by, well, consuming more cannabis (and more snacks).
However, whether you plan to indulge today or simply use your medical marijuana to manage your health conditions, keep it private. Recreational marijuana is illegal in Florida, and medical marijuana has strict restrictions on where and how you can use it.
Here’s what to know before you light up.
Yes, but only for people diagnosed with one or more of a list of medical conditions who have been recommended by a licensed doctor and approved by the state. Using weed for fun is not allowed.
No. Medical marijuana users are prohibited from consuming their legal weed, in whatever form:
Doing so is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and up to a $1,000 fine.
However, many communities and municipalities have decriminalized possession of up to 20 grams of marijuana, meaning if you get busted, you’ll get a fine (which will go up each time), and you may be required to attend a drug education program or do community service rather than jail time.
In some cases, you may publicly use “low-THC cannabis not in a form for smoking,” according to Florida Statutes.
No. Florida law only permits the sale of marijuana products from licensed dispensaries that get it from licensed medical marijuana treatment centers.
Even if you have a medical marijuana card, you can’t grow your own (a bill to allow it died in committee this year). It’s a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine to begin with, and may lead to other charges if you are suspected of selling or distributing it.
Yes, if you are legally allowed to have it, under these conditions:
Just don’t cross state lines. Then it becomes a federal drug trafficking offense, even if you pass between two states where marijuana is legal.
Yes. Drivers under the influence of drugs, including marijuana, face the same penalties as drunk drivers in Florida. That ranges from up to six months of jail time, a fine between $500 and $1,000, a license suspension, 50 hours of community service, and a 10-day vehicle impoundment (for the first offense) to up to five years in prison, up to $5,000 in fines, lifetime license revocation, and more for the fourth offense.
Penalties go up fast if there is a minor in the vehicle or you cause property damage, injury, or death.
If you are caught with pot and don’t have a valid medical marijuana card or medical marijuana caregiver card (or if you do have a card but are carrying way more than you’re allowed to), the marijuana advocacy group NORML lists the following penalties under Florida statutes:
C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.