Florida

The 2018 Farm Bill confirms the legality of low-THC, CBD products through licensed vendors that contain no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight Even so, Florida still needs to draft the specific labeling and testing of cannabis products.
Florida farmers do not have to pay for a license when growing hemp. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services does not contact applicants about the status of their hemp cultivation license. Applicants must have an ORI number to complete routine background checks as part of the permitting process.
In 2014, the Florida legislature passed the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act , also known as Senate Bill 1030. This law legalized CBD oil treatment for qualified medical marijuana patients.

Table of contents

1. Brief Info

  •  Is CBD Legal in Florida?
The products that contain less than 0.3% THC are federally legal in Florida.
  • Who Can Buy CBD in Florida?
Depending on the store, you must be either 18 or 21 years old.
  • Who Can grow CBD products in Florida?
People that have a license issued by the Department of Agriculture.
  • Who is protected from criminal offenses regarding CBD use?
The ones who didn’t exceed the possession limits of CBD 
  • More in-depth information about the state regulations and laws

2. Florida CBD laws

The 2018 Farm Bill confirms the legality of low-THC, CBD products through licensed vendors that contain no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight Even so, Florida still needs to draft the specific labeling and testing of cannabis products. These laws describe the legalization of CBD in the state of Florida:

Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014 (SB 1030)

In 2014, the Florida legislature passed the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act, also known as Senate Bill 1030. This law legalized CBD oil treatment for qualified medical marijuana patients. This law was Florida's pioneering medical marijuana program that legalized the purchase, possession, and consumption of medical cannabis that has at least 10% CBD content but no more than 0.8% THC content. The state law entitled eligible patients to obtain a recommendation from their doctor for purchasing medical marijuana if they had terminal illnesses, muscle spasms, epilepsy, or cancer.

Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative (Amendment 2)

Though voters approved Amendment 2 in 2016 to expand Florida’s medical marijuana program, it still prohibits smoking as a form of consumption. A medical marijuana initiative was introduced to legalize the use of medical marijuana treatment for the following conditions:
  1. Epilepsy
  2. Glaucoma
  3. HIV
  4. AIDS
  5. PTSD
  6. Cancer
  7. Parkinson’s disease
  8. etc.

Licensing Requirements

Florida farmers do not have to pay for a license when growing hemp. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services does not contact applicants about the status of their hemp cultivation license. Applicants must have an ORI number to complete routine background checks as part of the permitting process. Applicants for growing hemp must present a plan detailing their containment and transportation strategies before applying for cultivation licenses. Applicants must contact the FDACS Office of Agricultural Water Policy after licensure and schedule an appointment for enrollment in agricultural best management practices (BMPs). Water quality standards are a requirement for landowners enrolled into the FDACS BMP program and are presumed when areas within Basin Management Action Plans are found.

Where to Buy CBD Products Legally In Florida

Customers can purchase quality products from health and wellness retailers or dispensaries. Consumers may also purchase CBD online directly through the website of specific brands. The following CBD stores in Florida have BBB ratings of A or higher. CBD Rethink: Miami, FL  Canna Doctors of America LLC: Tampa, FL  Total Health Guidance, LLC: Orlando, FL   

Medical Cannabis in Florida

Florida was the first state to pass medical marijuana legislation in 2014 when Governor Rick Scott signed Senate Bill 1071, which approved a single strain of non-euphoric marijuana (called “Charlotte’s Web”) for use as a medication for those who have epilepsy. Because Charlotte’s Web contains low THC, users do not experience psychoactive effects. Florida failed to pass Amendment 2 in 2014, which would have allowed marijuana use for a limited number of medical conditions. Florida law requires a supermajority of 60%, but 58% voted against the proposal. In 2016, medical marijuana became available for Florida residents in need after 71.32% of citizens voted to pass Amendment 2. Despite the Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative going into effect in January 2017, there are specific conditions that need to be met by a patient before they can receive medical marijuana.

Steps to Receive a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida

Step 1: Visit a Physician

Visit a certified physician  and get a document confirming your qualifying condition, and that treatment with cannabis is appropriate.  

Step 2: Fill in the Application 

Create and account within the state portal and fill in the application by answering some questions.   

Step 3: Receive the Card

After the application you have to provide your proof of residency, driver’s license etc., then if approved wait for the card. 

More about Medical Cannabis Card

Florida law requires that every patient be evaluated and recertified for medical marijuana use within the state Registry by their MMTC every 210 days (about 7 months). At MMTC your follow-up visit will be once every 6 months to ensure you are not without treatment.

Dosage limits

Under the measure, health care providers must “prescribe” and not just “recommend” marijuana to their patients. They can only prescribe up to 4 oz per month unless the physician opines that the greater amount is in benefit of the patient. Patients can possess more than 4 ounces if they have a prescription for it.

3. Notes

  1. Geoffrey William Guy; Brian Anthony Whittle; Philip Robson (2004). The Medicinal Uses of Cannabis and Cannabinoids. Pharmaceutical Press. pp. 74–. ISBN 978-0-85369-517-2.
  2. Bloomsbury Publishing (2010). Dictionary of Medical Terms. Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 139.