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Florida still treats medical marijuana patients as criminals

Last update: July 11, 2007

Not only is Florida still one of the 38 states that has yet to pass legislation protecting medical marijuana patients, it also has the nation's harshest penalties for those found to be in possession of even a nominal amount of marijuana. In Florida, a person can be sentenced to one year in jail and fined $1,000 for possessing less than 20 grams of marijuana.

For those who have been convicted of violating Florida's outdated marijuana laws, life can be a nightmare for years to come. Public housing eligibility, the ability to adopt or foster a child, the right to vote, and the ability to receive student aid — to name a few — can be affected by a marijuana conviction. These punishments can linger for years after a person has been convicted of a minor marijuana offense.

Although Florida's lawmakers have yet to realize that it is time to change the Sunshine State's failed policies towards marijuana, many surrounding states are moving forward. Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Missouri all saw medical marijuana bills introduced during the 2007 session, while cities like Eureka Springs, Ark. and Columbia, Mo., have passed local ordinances that reduce the harm associated with simple marijuana possession.

Please contact your legislators today and tell them that it is time for Florida to rethink the way it treats those who use marijuana.

Reference: Marijuana Policy Project
If you have any questions concerning the status of marijuana reform in Florida, you can contact MPP Legislative Analyst Nathan Miller at (202) 462-5747, ext. 118, or at Nathan@mpp.org.