Changing Attitude Toward Cannabis by Florida Law Makers, Filing Bills to Decriminalize Small Amounts of Marijuana
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Loggerhead Sea Turtle (credit: Charles Grosvenor) -
Cannabis leaves affected by wind burn (credit: Nebula Haze) -
Sea Turtle (credit: jose assenco) -
Healthy Cannabis leaf (credit: Nebula Haze) -
Marijuana (credit: Matthew Maaskant)
Dear Friends & Neighbors,
Cannabis leaves affected by wind burn (credit: Nebula Haze)
Healthy Cannabis leaf (credit: Nebula Haze)
Marijuana (credit: Matthew Maaskant)
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On Wednesday of last week, March 8, 2017, two Florida law makers filed companion bills (indicated below) that would help to stop people from being arrested for possessing an ounce or less of marijuana, in order to “overhaul Florida’s draconian marijuana possession laws”, according to a press release. Under the current Florida law, possessing small amounts of marijuana is a misdemeanor charge that can cost you $1000 fine or land you in jail for a year.
HB 1403: Cannabis
GENERAL BILL by Smith (State Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando)
Cannabis; Provides that possession of personal use quantity of cannabis or cannabis accessory by adult or minor is civil violation; provides for fines or community service; provides for minor violators to perform community service, attend drug awareness program, or both; prohibits arrests; limits collateral use of violation; prohibits state or local penalties or obligations other than specified penalties or obligations; prohibits additional state or local penalties or obligations for having cannabinoids or cannabinoid metabolites in tissue or fluid of body; provides distribution of revenue of civil penalties.
Last Action: 3/10/2017 House – Referred to Criminal Justice Subcommittee; Justice Appropriations Subcommittee; Judiciary Committee
Location: In committee/council (CRJ)
Bill Text: PDF
SB 1662: Cannabis
GENERAL BILL by Clemens (State Senator Jeff Clemens, D-Lake Worth)
Cannabis; Providing that possession of a personal use quantity of cannabis or a cannabis accessory by an adult is a civil violation; providing that such possession by a minor is a civil violation; prohibiting state or local penalties or obligations other than specified penalties or obligations concerning possession of personal use quantities of cannabis or cannabis accessories; specifying that certain violations may not be considered probation or parole violations, etc.
Cannabis, also known as marijuana among several other names, is a preparation of the Cannabis plant intended for use as a psychoactive drug or medicine. The main psychoactive part of cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); one of 483 known compounds in the plant, including at least 65 other cannabinoids. Cannabis can be used by smoking, vaporization, within food, or as an extract.
Cannabis is often used for its mental and physical effects, such as a “high” or “stoned” feeling, a general change in perception, euphoria (heightened mood), and an increase in appetite. Short term side effects may include a decrease in short-term memory, dry mouth, impaired motor skills, red eyes, and feelings of paranoia or anxiety. Long term side effects may include addiction, decreased mental ability in those who started as teenagers, and behavioral problems in children whose mothers used cannabis during pregnancy. Onset of effects is within minutes when smoked and about 30 to 60 minutes when cooked and eaten. They last for between two and six hours.
Cannabis is mostly used recreationally or as a medicinal drug. It may also be used for religious or spiritual purposes. In 2013, between 128 and 232 million people used cannabis (2.7% to 4.9% of the global population between the ages of 15 and 65). In 2015, 43% of Americans had used cannabis, which increased to 51% in 2016. About 12% have used it in the past year, and 7.3% have used it in the past month . This makes it the most commonly used illegal drug both in the world and the United States.
The earliest recorded uses date from the 3rd millennium BC. Since the early 20th century, cannabis has been subject to legal restrictions. The possession, use, and sale of cannabis is illegal in most countries of the world. Medical cannabis refers to the physician-recommended use of cannabis, which is taking place in Canada, Belgium, Australia, the Netherlands, Spain, and 23 U.S. states. Cannabis use started to become popular in the US in the 1970s. Support for legalization has increased in the United States and several US states have legalized recreational or medical use.
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