Heading to Florida for vacation this year, or coming back to the state after being away? Better leave the weed behind.
Medical marijuana is legal for people in Florida, but only for residents with approved medical marijuana cards. Recreational marijuana is legal in about half the country, but it’s still against the law in the Sunshine State.
Here’s what to know before you cross state lines.
Yes, but only for some people.
Medical marijuana is legal in Florida for residents diagnosed with a specific set of conditions who have applied for and received a medical marijuana ID card or caregivers who have received a medical marijuana caregiver card.
Recreational possession or use of marijuana is illegal.
No. The state of Florida does not offer reciprocity. Florida dispensaries will only recognize medical marijuana cards that were issued to residents from the state of Florida. Your out-of-state medical marijuana card will not protect you if law enforcement catches you with weed.
No. While some states offer temporary cards or visitor passes for visitors and tourists, Florida does not.
However, if you’ll be here for a while, Florida medical marijuana cards may be available if you can provide documentation to prove you have a residential address.
On top of Florida laws against possession, marijuana with more than 0.3% THC is still a “schedule III drug” under the federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970, and TSA checkpoints are federally controlled.
The TSA’s official policy is that officers do not search for marijuana or other drugs in your carry-on or checked bags. However, if they discover any during your security screening, they are required by law to refer the matter to law enforcement, and that could lead to criminal drug trafficking charges.
Airports have their own policies. Marijuana, even medical marijuana, is prohibited at Orlando International Airport, while representatives from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport told WTXL that if passengers have the proper documents, medical marijuana is allowed. Check with your airport before you pack.
No. You’d be fine with state law, but would still be violating federal law.
Legally, no. That would be crossing state lines with a controlled substance, even if both states on the border legalized weed, and that violates the federal interstate transport rule.
Yes, if you are legally allowed to have it, under these conditions:
Just don’t cross state lines.
If you are caught with pot and don’t have a valid medical marijuana card or medical marijuana caregiver card, the marijuana advocacy group NORML lists the following penalties under Florida statutes:
However, many communities and municipalities have decriminalized possession of up to 20 grams or marijuana, meaning if you’re 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.
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.