Cannabis and Marijuana laws are changing throughout America. But in Florida, there is an exception to the rules surrounding recreational drugs. Despite individual states lifting complete bans, the possession of the recreational drug and use of the same is widely in control by the state. The laws especially stay active on those who are already in drug-related charges.  

Marijuana is widely used for its health benefits and stress-relieving properties. The drug has become popular with increasing researches showing the wide benefits of consuming the product mentally and physically. 

What is Marijuana? 

The exception of Marijuana use is strictly limited to medical marijuana. But within this exception, the law is also strict on what and how of medical marijuana. Not all kinds of medical marijuana in possession are legally allowed. This means the state limits quantities of possession of medical marijuana to patients. These laws are in light of helping stop drug abuse amongst all citizens. Remeber proof of the prescriptions is always required when asked for by any official of the state. 

The path to a change in Cannabis laws in Tampa Bay 

As of 2019, lawmakers have been trying to legalize marijuana and cannabis within the state, and here are the major bills to set this change in the upcoming years. 

1. To lower the minimum sentences for recreational drug-related crimes. 

 This bill would mean that any offense related to marijuana and cannabis sales and trafficking would be sentenced more leniently. This doesn’t mean scraping off any guidelines but rather would depend on certain other factors. This also means that the cases will be reassessed before determining the sentence. Those who already are on trial for marijuana-related crimes will have their cases redone to understand what level of sentencing is appropriate under the new bill. This bill will give judges the agency in court to assess cases thoroughly. 

2. Licensing companies to see as to which companies can grow and sell cannabis in the region.  

This will ensure the licensing of medical marijuana treatment centers and the Florida Department of Health giving out such licenses. The bill also plans to lift the limit placed on permits given out. The bill will help grow a chain of such centers run under proper governance to avoid any form of drug abuse or misuse at any point in time. 

3. Reduce criminal penalties for possession of marijuana 

As per this bill, the sentences given to those in possession of cannabis products would be lenient. Also, Diversion programs will start at juveniles under the law. The other idea of impact expected from this bill is minor violations, which will be leniently sentenced. 

4. Help introduce more sellers from the medical marijuana industry. 

The bill will introduce more medical marijuana sellers in Florida and as well as add edibles, marijuana, cannabis, and marijuana delivery devices. The bill is also making it illegal for trained physicians to have any form of economic power or interest in the marijuana industry of any sort. The medical marijuana retailer facilities would strongly feel the impact of this will by giving them access to sell marijuana, edibles, and marijuana delivery devices under the new guidelines. Only approved facilities will be allowed to work the single treatment centers to procure and sell these products. 

The change will also come with the upcoming 2020 elections. 

These guidelines and bills are what lawmakers believe the public is gearing towards. This is about the 2020 elections, and the Florida ballot is pretty strong. Lawyer John Morgan is at the face of these bills along with other politicians in support of the decriminalizing of Recreational Marijuana. The proposals are, though, not completely opened to the idea of completely decriminalizing the use. But as we can see, that is where these bills are heading.