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Naples, Florida

Reviewing Florida’s medical marijuana laws

On Behalf of | Jan 4, 2019 | Drug Charges

The debate over the use of marijuana for medical purposes has grown significantly in recent years, to the point where many states have enacted laws allowing for it. Florida is one such state, yet a lack of understanding over the guidelines regulating it is still rampant. Misinformation about medical marijuana use could leave you facing drug charges. If you have questions about it, know that you are in a similar position to many in Naples that we here at The Caldarone Law Group, P.A. have assisted. A better understanding of legal medical marijuana use will certainly help you manage such treatment (if you wish to pursue it). 

The medical benefits of cannabis have been documented, so much so that many health care practitioners are prescribing its use. It should be known, however, that such is well regulated. For starters, Section 381.986 of the Florida state statutes says that it has only been approved to treat certain conditions. These include: 

  • Cancer (more specifically, pain relief from cancer treatments)
  • Epilepsy 
  • Glaucoma
  • Human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (once again, for pain relief)
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Parkinson’s disease

“Medical use” of marijuana is defined as that which is offered only by the prescription of a qualified physician and administered under their supervision or approval using an approved delivery device. Furthermore, medical marijuana treatments are typically provided in a treatment center, not in your home. There may be select instances where you are authorized to administer treatments on your own, but only under the direction of your physician’s prescription. Marijuana acquired from anywhere other than a treatment facility is considered illegal. Administering a dosage that is not in line with your physician’s directions is also considered unlawful. 

More information on managing prescription drug use can be found here on our site. 

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