Will smoking in public places be legal? What’s worth knowing

If enough voters go for it in November, recreational marijuana for adult use will become legal in Florida.

Critics and politicians – led by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis – have argued about the potential problems associated with legalizing marijuana, arguing that “no restrictions” regarding places where marijuana can be used in public places. But is it true?

Here’s what you need to know if Amendment 3 will pass and where residents will be able to smoke in public places and where they won’t.

What is recreational marijuana?

Recreational marijuana, or adult-use marijuana, is intended for adults 21 years of age and older who are used for pleasure rather than for health benefits. Merriam-Webster claims that recreational drugs are often “used without medical justification” because of their effects.

Experts also say that adult-use cannabis is used to make healthier life choices, such as improving mental health, effective substitute for alcoholand can be used for spiritual practiceaccording to the latest research.

According to Good Rx, medical and recreational marijuana are two categories of cannabis legalized in some US states.

If voters pass the amendment in November, Florida will become a republic The 25th state to legalize marijuana use for fun, not just for medical use. Users will still be required to purchase marijuana from licensed pharmacies.

The proposed amendment would do the following:

Prevent lawmakers from limiting the percentage of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana.
Legalize marijuana for adults 21 and older for personal use.
Legalize the possession, use, processing and transportation of marijuana, marijuana products and marijuana paraphernalia.
Preserving current medical marijuana law through repeal 2020 Note 1 A. Florida Statute 381.986which would otherwise cause it to expire six months after the adoption of a “cannabis or marijuana constitutional amendment.”
Prevent lawmakers from limiting the percentage of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana.

If Amendment 3 is passed, will you be able to smoke marijuana wherever you want? NO

Despite comments from the governor and other critics, adults will not be allowed to smoke in public places wherever they want.

According to Proprietary voting language for Amendment 3this would enable the adoption of coherent legislation. Even if the amendment wins at the November polls, marijuana will not immediately become legal in Florida.

The process of conducting a successful referendum and implementing it can take months. Even if the referendum passes, the state Legislature will have to make decisions about exactly how the law will be implemented, including detailed rules on how much marijuana can be purchased at one time, potency limits, marketing rules and any other concerns that arise during the referendum. process, for example where smoking is allowed.

Florida’s 2025 regular legislative session begins on March 4 and ends on May 2.

Smart & Safe Florida also shared on its website that the Legislature retains power introducing regulations to ensure clean, family-friendly public spaces, as is the case with tobacco and alcohol.

“Smart & Safe Florida is committed to ensuring safe access to cannabis products while empowering the Legislature to enact comprehensive regulations covering cultivation and consumption, including where you can smoke in public places. Such protections are customary in the implementation of any policy in our state, regardless of industry.” he said Smart & Safe Florida spokesman Morgan Hill earlier this year.

Is weed legal in Florida?

Yes, marijuana is legal, but only in certain circumstances.

Marijuana is currently only legal in Florida for those who have Medical marijuana ID cardgiven to people who have been diagnosed with a qualifying condition by a doctor and can afford it. The amendment regarding medical marijuana concerned, among others: passed by Florida voters in 2016 by a majority of 71% to 29%.

Getting florida medical marijuana card is a three-step process that involves a qualified medical professional making a diagnosis of specific medical conditions, registering with the Florida Registry of Medical Marijuana Use, and applying for a registry ID.

The cards cost $75 and must be renewed annually within 45 days of the card’s expiration date for an additional $75 on top of the potential cost of a doctor’s visit.

Although possession in public places is still legal, you can’t smoke medical marijuana anywhere in public places or vehicles.

Possessing marijuana under Florida law is still a crime for people without a card. Anyone found in possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana could face up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.

If pot becomes legal, will people with a Medical Marijuana card still need it?

Yes.

“The addition of adult use, if adopted, will be just that: an addition,” Hill wrote in an email earlier this year. “The medical marijuana program will remain unchanged, in fact the state legislature will continue to have the opportunity to improve the medical marijuana program in the coming years.”

If the amendment passes, then yes is still in the hands of the Florida Legislature to set rules and regulations for its sale, and lawmakers could decide to impose more restrictions on recreational marijuana than on the medical variety, as other states have done.

The power will be the same, but it may cost more and there may be limits on how much you can buy.

“It is possible that, as has been the case in other states, the legislature will create special regulations to ensure that medical care customers are not disrupted by adult drug customers,” Hill said.

When does early voting start? Deadlines to keep in mind ahead of the 2024 Florida general election

Early voting has already started! There are just two more critical dates to remember this election season:

Tuesday, November 5: Election day. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in your time zone. Any voter still in line at 7 p.m. will be able to vote, no matter how long it takes.
Saturday, November 2: Early voting ends statewide; however, some counties offer an additional day on November 3.

Contribution: CA BridgesUSA TODAY NETWORK – Florida