CBD Oil in Florida [Legalities and Where to Buy It]

Florida has recently shifted its attitude towards medical marijuana. Now, patients with a medical marijuana card can obtain high-level THC if they have a qualifying medical condition. However, a growing body of evidence suggests CBD could have similar benefits to THC without the intoxicating high. As a result, the cannabidiol industry has seen a recent spike in popularity.

Here, you will find all you need to know about obtaining CBD oil legally in Florida, with or without a medical marijuana card. We also take a brief look at where you can purchase CBD in Florida. Later, we investigate the state’s marijuana laws and penalties.

Is CBD Oil Legal in Florida?

Yes. According to Florida law, it is legal to buy, sell, possess, and use CBD oil.

The current situation was several years in the making. In 2014, Florida passed legislation allowing the use of CBD oil from marijuana for a select few conditions. Senate Bill 1030, known as the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act, specifically allowed the use of a high-CBD, low-THC oil produced from a marijuana strain called Charlotte’s Web.

Therefore, at this point, CBD was not necessarily legal in the state. However, the legalization of MMJ in Florida made it easy for qualifying patients to buy CBD products. Nonetheless, CBD wasn’t legal for all residents until July 2019, when state lawmakers passed Senate Bill 1020. It was the key piece of legislation for legalizing CBD in Florida.

SB 1020 legalized industrial hemp. Like the 2018 Farm Bill, the new law ensured that hemp with a maximum of 0.3% THC by dry weight was legal in Florida. It also made hemp extracts legal and outlined that hemp-derived cannabinoids were no longer controlled substances. Furthermore, it ensured no limits on how much you could purchase.

Where to Buy CBD Oil in Florida?

When it is time to buy CBD oil in Florida, you’ll find that there are few restrictions. You are permitted to purchase oils, edibles, vapes, topicals, and much more. It is also incredibly easy to find CBD products. They are available at gas stations, cafés, health food stores, vape shops, and dedicated CBD stores. Here are five stores with excellent online reviews that sell CBD in Florida.

However, most people find that brands such as Premium Jane sell a greater range of products online.

Unlike many other states, Florida has sought to regulate cannabidiol. This means CBD products must have a label that includes the following information:

• A statement that the product has a maximum of 0.3% THC.
• A batch number.
• A scannable barcode or QR code that shows the product’s certificate of analysis.
• The website where you can find information on the batch of CBD products.
• The amount of hemp extract in the product in mg.
• The product’s expiration date.

If a brand doesn’t supply all of the above, walk away!

What Are the Marijuana Laws in Florida?

There was little traction with regards to MMJ in Florida until relatively recently. While a growing number of states legalized the substance for medical use, The Sunshine State resolutely stuck to its anti-cannabis stance.

The tide began to turn in 2013 when over 745,000 Florida residents signed a motion to put a constitutional amendment legalizing MMJ on the ballot. Known as Amendment 2, the measure narrowly failed to achieve the 60% supermajority required to pass into law in November 2014.

Despite the defeat, it was the beginning of the end for cannabis prohibition in Florida. In March 2016, Governor Scott signed House Bill 307 into law. It expanded the Right to Try Act to ensure terminally ill patients could legally consume MMJ.

Qualifying patients can purchase up to 2.5 ounces every 35 days. They can possess a maximum of four ounces at any time.

A second attempt to pass Amendment 2 into law was successful in November 2016 as over 71% of residents voted in favor of medical cannabis in Florida. Qualifying patients can purchase up to 2.5 ounces every 35 days. They can also possess a maximum of four ounces at any one time.

However, a doctor can only certify up to six 35-day supplies of smokable marijuana during the 210-day certification period. For other forms of marijuana, a physician can certify one 70-day supply and two refills in 210 days. While the MMJ card is valid for 12 months, patients must receive recertification every 210 days.

Cannabis Penalties in Florida

Please note that Florida has NOT decriminalized the use or possession of cannabis. Therefore, possessing any amount without an MMJ card remains a misdemeanor with a maximum prison sentence of up to a year. The possession of more than 20 grams is a felony, and you could spend up to five years in jail.

The unlicensed delivery of up to 20 grams of marijuana without remuneration is a misdemeanor. Otherwise, selling the substance without a license is a felony crime in Florida.

Final Thoughts on CBD Oil in Florida

Ultimately, Florida residents have no problem when it comes to buying CBD oil in their state. CBD oil is legal as long as the product comes from hemp and has a maximum THC of 0.3%. If you have a medical marijuana card, you can also purchase CBD derived from marijuana. There are thousands of places that sell CBD products in Florida, along with hundreds of online stores.