The laws in Florida for purchase and possession of marijuana can be confusing. Even attorneys who practice criminal law are not always sure about what is and isn’t allowed. That’s why we want to highlight the laws in Sunny Isles, Florida here. It’s important that people understand what they can and cannot do when it comes to buying and using cannabis products in Sunny Isles. The last thing you want to do is end up in jail or a criminal record. The general rule is to err on the side of caution. If you don’t think you’re allowed to do something, assume you cannot.
Generally speaking, recreational use of marijuana is still illegal in Sunny Isles, Florida. Technically speaking, state-wide, it’s a crime to be caught with marijuana in your possession. However, many cities have decided to decriminalize possession of small amounts of cannabis products and paraphernalia. The question is – how does Sunny Isles view possession of cannabis?
Is it Legal to Carry Small Amounts of Marijuana in Sunny Isles, Florida?
A lot of people wonder whether it’s legal to carry small amounts of cannabis products in Sunny Isles, Florida. The short answer to this question is – no. It is not legal to have any cannabis on you in Sunny Isles. The only exception is if you have a medical marijuana card. If you do, then, of course you’re allowed to carry small amounts of cannabis. However, even if you have a medical marijuana card, it’s still illegal to smoke week in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida.
If you don’t have a medical marijuana card, you are not allowed to carry any cannabis in Sunny Isles. Here is a simple breakdown of the laws in Florida regarding marijuana:
- Possession of more than 20 grams of cannabis is considered a felony. It carries fines and up to 1 year in prison.
- It is illegal to smoke marijuana in any public place in Florida
- If you are caught with marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school, park, jail or college, it is considered a felony. This carries a fine of up to $10,000 and up to 15 years in prison.
- If you are caught selling less than 25 pounds of marijuana, it is a felony. This carries fines of up to $5,000 and up to 5 years in prison
- If you are caught possessing or delivering less than 20 grams of marijuana, it is a misdemeanor and carries fines of up to $1,000 and up to 1 year in jail.
I Thought You Only Got a Citation for Minor Possession of Marijuana in Sunny Isles?
It is true that many of the cities in Florida allow their police officers to use discretion when it comes to minor possession of cannabis and marijuana paraphernalia. For the most part, Miami and the cities in Miami-Dade County follow this rule. If you are caught with less than 20 grams of marijuana or cannabis, you will likely just receive a citation. The penalties associated with these citations are as follows:
- 1st Offense – $100 fine
- 2nd Offense – $200 fine
- 3rd Offense – $500 fine and required court appearance.
It is important to understand that this is up to the police officer’s discretion. While police are allowed to treat minor possession of marijuana (under 20 grams) as a misdemeanor, they are still able to pursue the full penalty of up to 1 year in prison and a fine of $1,000.