Florida Senator Shevrin Jones, a Democrat from Miami-Dade, has introduced a new cannabis bill aiming to reduce criminal penalties for individuals caught with 20 grams or less of cannabis for the first, second, and third offenses. The proposed legislation, known as Florida SB 94, suggests downgrading the offense to a noncriminal violation, leading to escalating fines for repeated violations—$100 for the first offense, $250 for the second, and $500 for the third.
In addition to easing penalties, the bill addresses the issue of drug paraphernalia found in connection with cannabis possession. It specifically prohibits law enforcement from treating such paraphernalia as a criminal act for first, second, and third-time offenders, thus preventing prosecution in these cases.
This move towards cannabis decriminalization comes amid a larger effort to make Florida more marijuana-friendly. Notably, voters in the state are expected to have the opportunity to vote on the legalization of recreational marijuana in the 2024 election.
The proposed constitutional amendment, set to appear on the November 5, 2024 ballot, aims to legalize personal use of marijuana for adults aged 21 and older. It would permit individuals to cultivate up to nine live marijuana plants per adult, with a maximum of eighteen plants per household. The amendment seeks to preserve existing medical marijuana laws and prevents the legislature from limiting the Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of marijuana products.
Under the proposed amendment, adults would be allowed to possess, use, process, and transport marijuana and marijuana products for personal use without facing criminal or civil liability. The bill further emphasizes that the legislature should not enact laws limiting the THC content of authorized marijuana products.
It’s important to note that the legalization of recreational marijuana, if passed, would not extend to certain areas such as correctional institutions, detention facilities, educational institutions, places of employment, or public spaces. Additionally, operating vehicles, aircraft, trains, or boats under the influence of marijuana would remain unlawful.
The effectiveness of these proposed changes is contingent upon legislative approval, with potential implementation on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in January following the general election.
