Not to be blunt, but tomorrow is April 20 – a.k.a. 420 – which has become known as “weed day” throughout the U.S. It’s also a perfect time to look into the latest news on F.L.’s marijuana laws + how they’re affecting Polk County.

🌿 Is marijuana legal in Fla.?

In Florida, the recreational use of marijuana is still illegal, but medical marijuana was legalized in 2016. Recently, F.L. lawmakers have updated medical marijuana laws, such as ending the ban on smoking medical marijuana + finalizing the rules on medical cannabis-infused edible products. As of last week, the latest bill to legalize recreational marijuana was killed before it had its first hearing.

🌿 How do we compare to other states in the South?

💨 In Florida, illegal possession (meaning, not doctor-approved + prescribed) of 20 grams or less is a misdemeanor punishable by one-year imprisonment and a $1,000 fine.

💨 In South Carolina, possessing one ounce or less (first offense) can result in 30 days incarceration or a maximum $200 fine.

💨In Georgia, possessing one ounce or less of marijuana is considered a misdemeanor, with up to a year of imprisonment or a $1,000 fine.

💨 In Tennessee, possessing a ½ ounce or less is a misdemeanor, with up to a year of imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250.

Over 30 states now allow medical marijuana to treat dozens of health problems. Allowable conditions vary around the U.S., but doctors must certify that a patient has an approved diagnosis.

🌿 What’s the marijuana industry in Lakeland look like?

Two facilities operated in Polk County are making big waves in the medical marijuana industry. Directly after F.L. legislators updated the law, Curaleaf in North Lakeland changed their packaging + sold the first form of smokable medical marijuana in the county.

And earlier last week, Sunshine Growers (a local plant supplier to Publix) announced the selling of their 32-acre nursery (near the Carillon Lakes neighborhood) to Surterra Wellness for $3.3 million – making it Lakeland’s first state-licensed facility for growing medical marijuana.

🌿 What do you think?

What are your thoughts on the new changes of medical marijuana in Florida + Lakeland’s part in it? Do you believe the most recent bill to decriminalize the drug should have been passed? Let us know.

Quiz

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– LALtoday team (Jessica and Kaylee)