When FL Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill last month that legalizes the use of a non-euphoric strain of marijuana to treat serious medical conditions (epilepsy, Lou Gehrig’s disease, cancer, etc.), he opened up a new era in the drug war.
The bill he signed is nicknamed “Charlotte’s Web”. Even though Scott is very much against legalizing drugs, he saw an opportunity to help those suffering with diseases, as well as join the popular movement of legalizing weed. The bill legalizes certain strains of marijuana that are high in cannabidiol, but low in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the compound that produces a high from using marijuana.
So what does this mean for you? Well, physicians in Florida who’ve been authorized to order this strain of medical marijuana can start writing prescriptions in the new year (1/1/15). It will be sold through dispensaries licensed by the state Department of Health. Now the confusing part comes with the fact that just because he signed the bill, doesn’t mean Scott and the state are going to go easy on marijuana use. So regardless of your personal belief about using marijuana, Florida police continue to crack down on citizens who are in possession of cannabis.
Being caught with less than 20 grams is still a misdemeanor, but being caught with 20 grams or more can result in a felony charge of possession of cannabis. So while laws seems to be changing for the better, you will still need to know and understand the law.
