florida marijuana Archives

Florida Attorney Who Helped Legalize Medical Marijuana Looking to Put Full Legalization to a Vote in 2020

June 26, 2018 by Anthony Martinelli

John Morgan, who was the driving force behind Florida’s successful medical marijuana legalization campaign, is looking to put the full legalization of marijuana to a vote of the people by 2020.

Attorney John Morgan is the founder of United for Care, a nonprofit organization that successful placed an initiative to legalize marijuana on the 2016 ballot, which was subsequently approved by voters. Responding to state lawmakers working to restrict the voter-approved law, Morgan says he’s working to legalize marijuana for all adults.

“Maybe it’s time for full legalization”, Morgan said in a recent Tweet. “It would pass with Flying Colors!” Morgan goes on to say that “I’m going to look at starting a fund where we all can donate to get full marijuana legalization on the ballot in 2020”.

Companion Bills to Decriminalize Marijuana Filed in Florida’s House and Senate

March 8, 2017 by Anthony Martinelli

Legislation that would decriminalize marijuana possession has been filed in the Florida Legislature.

House Bill 1403 was filed by State Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith (D), and the identical Senate Bill 1662 was filed by Senator Jeff Clemens (D). Under the proposed legislation, those caught possessing up to an ounce of cannabis will be charged with a maximum of an $100 fine, payable by 15 hours community service. There would be no arrest or criminal charge.

Under current law possessing even 0.1 of a gram is punishable by a misdemeanor and up to a year in jail.

“These draconian marijuana possession laws have wasted taxpayer dollars, unnecessarily filled up our state prison system, and distracted law enforcement from focusing on apprehending dangerous criminals,” Representative Smith said in a press release. “We should be creating opportunities for people to succeed – not creating obstacles and ruining lives over minor infractions or youthful indiscretions. It is past time for the legislature to end the unjust incarceration of Floridians for non-violent drug offenses.”

Medical Marijuana Now Legal in Florida

January 3, 2017 by Anthony Martinelli

**Medical marijuana is now legal in Florida thanks to portions of Amendment 2 taking effect.**

The new law allows those who receive a recommendation from a physician to possess and use cannabis and cannabis products for medical use. It also legalizes a regulated system of dispensaries to distribute the medicine.

Although this system isn’t expected to be in full operation until next year; the state does currently have some medical cannabis dispensaries thanks to a 2014 law. However, they are currently only allowed to distribute cannabis products that are low in THC.

Medical Cannabis Legislation Passed by Florida Legislature, Heads to Governor

March 7, 2016 by Anthony Martinelli

By Associated Press

Florida’s contentious medical marijuana legislation is headed to Gov. Rick Scott.

The Florida Senate approved a House version of a bill (HB 307) that expands the use of the Right to Try Act, allowing medical marijuana use for patients with terminal conditions. A similar measure, which allows all strengths and doses, didn’t pass last year.

Lawmakers in Palm Beach County, Florida Pass Cannabis Decrim Measure

December 16, 2015December 16, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

Lawmakers in Palm Beach County, Florida have voted 4 to 1 to pass a measure that establishes a ticket for those caught possessing up to 20 grams of cannabis, similar to laws passed recently in Miami-Dade, Florida’s largest county, as well as Broward County, Key West, West Palm Beach and Hallandale Beach.

Under the new law, police officers will have the option of issuing a $100 civil citation to someone caught with 20 grams or less of cannabis rather than being legally forced to issue a misdemeanor (punishable by up to a year in prison) as the current law stands.

Poll: 87% of Florida Voters Support Legalizing Medical Cannabis, 51% Support Legalizing Recreational Cannabis

October 9, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

A new Quinnipiac University Swing State Poll has found that a drastic majority of Florida voters support legalizing cannabis for medical purposes, while also finding a majority of voters to be in support of legalizing recreational cannabis.

According to the poll released Thursday, a whopping 87% of registered Florida voters support legalizing medical cannabis, with just 12% opposed to the move. Only 1% of voters are undecided on the issue.

Legislation to Remove Cannabis from Controlled Substances List Filed in Florida Legislature

September 29, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

Florida State Representative Michelle Rehwinke Vasilinda (D-Tallahassee) has filed legislation in the Florida Legislature to legalize the possession, use and distribution of recreational cannabis by removing it from the state’s list of controlled substances.

The filing of the proposal comes a month after the group Regulate Florida received approval from the state to begin collecting signatures on their initiative to legalize cannabis, which they’re hoping to put to a vote during the 2016 general election.

Lawmakers in West Palm Beach, Florida Unanimously Pass Cannabis Decriminalization Measure

September 17, 2015September 16, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

Lawmakers in West Palm Beach, Florida have unanimously given approval to legislation that will establish an $100 ticket for the possession of small amounts of cannabis. Similar proposals were approved recently in Miami-Dade, Florida’s largest county, in Miami Beach and in Key West.

Under the new law, police who catch someone in possession of up to 20 grams of cannabis will have the option of issuing them an $100 fine, rather than arresting and prosecuting them. Under current law, the possession of up to 20 grams of cannabis is a guaranteed misdemeanor which can result in a year-long prison sentence.

Florida Initiative to Legalize Recreational Cannabis Receives Approval from State

December 17, 2015August 26, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

An initiative to legalize recreational cannabis in Florida, put forth by the group Regulate Florida, has received approval from the state, giving advocates the go-ahead to begin collecting signatures in an attempt to place it on next year’s ballot.

The initiative – titled the Florida Cannabis Act – would make it so that “possessing, using, displaying, purchasing, or transporting one ounce or less of cannabis” is entirely legal for those 21 and older.

The personal cultivation of up to six cannabis plants would also be allowed, and state-licensed retail outlets would be authorized to distribute the plant.

Cannabis Decriminalization Bill Approved in Hallandale Beach, Florida

August 8, 2015August 6, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

Hallandale Beach, Florida has a population of 37,113 (2010 Census).

Lawmakers in Hallandale Beach, Florida have unanimously passed a measure that will establish an $100 fine for those caught possessing small amounts of cannabis. The vote comes just weeks after a similar proposal was approved in Miami-Dade, Florida’s largest county, and Miami Beach.

Under the new law, police will have the option of issuing a $100 fine to those caught possessing no more than 20 grams of cannabis, rather than arresting and prosecuting them. Under current law, the possession of up to 20 grams of cannabis is a misdemeanor which can result in a year-long prison sentence.