Medical marijuana is now legal in Florida, which is great news for individuals with certain medical conditions. By passing this law, people now have access to something that will allow them to experience less pain and fewer complications when dealing with certain ailments and disabling issues.
However, medical marijuana is not easy to get, and individuals who do have valid prescriptions must be careful to follow guidelines and avoid using medical cannabis improperly. Even with a prescription for medical marijuana, you may still face criminal charges if you drive while high. Individuals without a prescription may also face charges, even if it is being used for medical purposes.
Who is eligible for medical marijuana?
Only certain individuals will qualify for a prescription for medical marijuana. If you have one of the following medical conditions, you may be eligible for medicinal cannabis:
- Epilepsy
- Cancer
- HIV/AIDS
- PTSD
- Glaucoma
- Parkinson’s disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Chronic non-malignant pain
- Terminal conditions
- Multiple sclerosis
If you have one of the above medical conditions, you may be able to secure a prescription for medical marijuana. Any valid prescription must come from a doctor.
Medical use of marijuana without a prescription is a violation of controlled substances laws, and significant criminal penalties can follow.
Facing drug charges
While medical marijuana is now legal in Florida, people with prescriptions would be wise to avoid drugged driving under all circumstances. Driving while under the influence of drugs is extremely dangerous, and you could face significant criminal penalties, even with a qualifying medical condition and valid prescription. Additionally, possession of marijuana outside of the legal medical process can result in serious penalties, as can prescription fraud related to medical cannabis.
Florida takes any violation of its drug laws seriously. If convicted of possession, cultivation or distribution of marijuana, you could face penalties that may include time behind bars, fines and more.
Your need for a strong defense
No matter the specific type of drug charge you are facing, you would be wise to defend yourself appropriately. Your future, reputation and career are on the line, and acting quickly to build a strong defense is in your best interest.
It is prudent not to underestimate charges related to marijuana, but to take the steps needed to confront your situation head-on. You do not have to do this alone, but may find it useful to seek a complete explanation of your legal options as soon as possible after an arrest or after you learn of an investigation.