Orlando, FL: Marijuana Laws and Penalties
In the news, we hear a lot about places where marijuana has been legalized. In pop culture and entertainment, marijuana is often normalized and celebrated. However, it’s important to remember that Florida still has strict marijuana laws. Whatever your views are towards cannabis, you need to understand the legal consequences for marijuana possession in Orlando, Florida. Not taking these laws seriously could result in severe consequences. Many marijuana penalties come with mandatory prison sentences, meaning the judge has no flexibility when it comes to your case.
Medical Marijuana is the Only Legal Form of Marijuana in Florida
Recreational marijuana is illegal in Florida, but Florida state law permits the use of medical marijuana for specific purposes. But having a medical prescription card does not give you free rein when it comes to marijuana use. The laws remain strict about what medical conditions allow you a prescription card, where you can buy approved medical marijuana, and how much you can buy over a given period.
Penalties for Illegal Marijuana Possession and Sale
- Possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana is a misdemeanor and can result in one year of imprisonment and a fine of $1,000.
- Possession of between 25 and 2,000 lbs. of marijuana comes with a mandatory minimum sentence of three years and is charged as a first-degree felony.
- Possession of 2,000 to 10,000 lbs. of marijuana comes with a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years of jail time.
- Possession, use, or sale of any amount over 20 grams is charged as a felony with a prison sentence ranging from five years to 30 years and up to $200,000 in fines.
- Possession of hash (the highly potent product made from the resin found on marijuana plants) is considered a felony in Florida and can result in up to five years in jail and a $5,000 fine. Selling, delivering, or manufacturing hash is also a felony, and carries the same penalties as a possession.
- Possessing “marijuana paraphernalia” is also a misdemeanor in Florida and can be punishable with up to one year of jail time and a $1,000 fine.
- Marijuana-related offenses in Florida can also result in the suspension of your driver’s license for one year.
- The cultivation of cannabis for any purpose is also charged as a felony in Florida. The cultivation of 25 plants or fewer is considered a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison and fines up to $5,000.
- If more than 25 plants are being illegally cultivated, the offense can be charged as a second-degree felony.
- The possession of 10,000 pounds or more or the cultivation of 10,000 plants or more is a first-degree felony with a minimum mandatory prison sentence of 15 years and a fine of $200,000.
- Driving under the influence of marijuana is also illegal in Florida. If you’re pulled over and marijuana or THC is detected in your system, you can be charged with DUI. Marijuana DUI penalties can be as severe as those for a drunk driver.
Florida takes its marijuana laws very seriously. Knowing the laws can help you avoid penalties that will affect your entire life. Even if you’ve been legally prescribed medical marijuana by an authorized doctor, you still need to carefully follow medical marijuana laws to avoid serious problems. You can only buy medical marijuana at a state-approved dispensary. You need to make sure your prescription card is regularly renewed and that you do not go over your approved purchase and possession limits.
If you’re accused of breaking marijuana laws in Orlando, FL, a criminal defense attorney experienced in Florida drug laws can help.
What If You’ve Already Been Arrested?
The point about taking Florida marijuana laws seriously still stands. You need to treat your case seriously and act fast if you want any chance of making your life easier. In some cases, a criminal defense attorney can help you get your penalties reduced or your charges dropped.
Because penalties for illegal marijuana possession – even for unlawful medical use – can easily escalate, it’s important to contact a criminal defense attorney ASAP after you are charged. Your future depends on it. While some marijuana laws come with mandatory penalties in Florida, a criminal defense attorney can argue against those minimums being exceeded. If you believe you are being wrongly accused, a criminal defense attorney like Donald A. Lykkebak can work to get your charges dropped.
Illegal marijuana possession (even of paraphernalia!), sale, or cultivation can result in a lifelong criminal record in Florida. You owe it to your future to get an experienced Orlando criminal defense attorney on your side. Let us fight for your best interests! Call 407-425-4044 or message us.
The Law Office of Donald A. Lykkebak
Phone: 407-425-4044
Orlando Office:
390 N. Orange Ave., Suite 2300
Orlando, FL 32801
Winter Park Office:
250 S. Park Avenue, Suite 200
Winter Park, FL 32789
