Grow Cannabis Seeds in Florida

While much of the country is rapidly progressing in its legalization of medical and recreational cannabis, conservative, red state Florida remains far behind, which all things considered is hardly surprising seeing as this is a state that recently decided to travel back in time and ban books that address important issues such as race, sex, gender, and diversity in general.

That said, in 2014 Florida State Legislature passed the Compassionate Use Act. While this act only allowed for low-THC cannabis to be sold and purchased by patients suffering with specific medical conditions, it was the first legal medical cannabis program in the state’s history.

Then, on November 8, 2016, Floridians voted “Yes” to Amendment 2, the Florida Maridcal Legalization Initiative.

Currently, 65% of Floridians do believe that recreational cannabis should be legalized, and there are several bills on the docket to try and make this happen, but cannabis activists in the regressive Sunshine State know that they have a long road ahead of them in turning these bills into actual state law.

However, before getting into the bills being proposed for legalizing recreational cannabis, let’s first look at Florida’s current laws around medical cannabis.

Ariel view of a beach and sand — It’s completely safe and legal to buy cannabis seeds in the state of Florida
Source:Unsplash

What Are Florida’s Cannabis Laws?

As of the time of this writing, there are currently more than 500 licensed medical dispensaries, located throughout the state that only those with Medical Marijuana User Registry ID cards can access.

Right now, a 70-day total supply limit of 24,500 mg of THC for “non-smokable” cannabis is allowed, and there is a 2.5-ounce limit on smokable cannabis that is purchased over the course of a 35-day limit. Provided below are some more of the caps set on various forms of medical cannabis in Florida right now: (For a complete list click here.)

Edibles: no more than 60 mg of THC daily, with no more than 4,200 mg of THC for every 70-day supply
Vape products: no more than 350 mg of THC daily, with no more than 24,500 mg of THC per 70-day supply
Smokable cannabis: no more than 2.025 grams daily

Licensed medical users are required to keep their cannabis buds or flowers in a “sealed, tamper-proof container” from a dispensary.

In terms of public possession, card-carrying medical users can possess it in public, but cannot use it in public, and it is legal to medicate with low-THC (CBD only) cannabis in public. In addition, medical users must be able to show their Medical Marijuana Use Registry ID card if asked by law enforcement, so it’s best to just always have your card with you at all times.

When it comes to recreational usage, not only is it illegal in Florida, the penalties and punishment for possessing it to remain in the Dark Ages, where being convicted of carrying less than 20 grams is a misdemeanor with a fine and less than a year of jail time. Possessing more than 20 grams is still a felony, and could lead to probation, a jail or prison sentence, and fines. Furthermore, Florida remains intent on prosecuting the possession of large amounts of cannabis under trafficking laws, which can carry mandatory state prison sentences and hefty fines.

Large group of cannabis plants — Even without legalization, you can buy Wedding Cake cannabis seeds online
Source: Pexels

Where is Florida at with Legalizing Recreational Cannabis?

After all of this bleakness, let’s get to “hope.” Right now there is a proposed constitutional amendment known as the “Adult Personal Use of Marijuana” proposal that activists are working to get on the state’s 2024 ballot. If this proposal were to ever become law, those 21 years of age and older would be allowed to “possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical personal consumption by smoking, ingestion, or otherwise.”

Backers of a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the recreational use of marijuana have passed a preliminary hurdle to get on the 2024 ballot, submitting more than enough petition signatures to trigger a Florida Supreme Court review of the measure.

If the Adult Personal Use of Marijuana proposal ends up on the 2024 ballot, 60% of voters would have to vote “Yes” on its passage, which sounds feasible seeing as 65% of state voters say they are for the legalization of recreational cannabis.

However, the road to getting this proposal and other progressive cannabis bills onto the ballot is long as it requires not just a massive amount of petition signatures being collected and submitted. Still, the state’s Supreme Court has to review and approve any measures.

Can I Grow My Own Cannabis Plants in Florida?

Growers Choice Seeds is sad to say: No, you cannot legally grow cannabis in Florida for recreational purposes. In fact, if you do and are arrested and convicted, you could be hit with a 3rd-degree felony charge and face a maximum jail sentence of 5 years and a $5,000 maximum fine, and that’s just for growing under 25 plants. If you are cultivating more than 25, you can be hit with a 2nd-degree felony and up to 15 years in prison, and even more archaic is if there are minors residing where cannabis crops are being grown, you could be slammed with a 1st-degree felony! Getting to be allowed to legally grow medical cannabis and having a grower’s license is not a simple process.

Most Popular Medical Cannabis Seed Strains in Florida

While growing and possessing recreational cannabis is illegal in these red states, here are five of the top medical strains in Florida. For those who are licensed medical users and are curious about the difference between sativas and indicas read here for more information.

Cheese Auto-Flowering Feminized Seeds:

An indica-dominant hybrid originating in the UK, Cheese Auto-Flowering feminized cannabis seeds have all the properties of the popular feminized Cheese strain, with the added benefit of an automatic flowering cycle. Users of Cheese Auto-flowering report sativa-like effects: a happy and euphoric high, followed by deep relaxation that soothes away stress.

Bubble Gum Auto-Flowering Feminized Seeds:

Relax with sweet, creamy Bubble Gum Auto-Flowering. Some users report that this strain offers a delightful reprieve from insomnia and stress. Bubble Gum is easy to grow thanks to the ruderalis in its heritage.

9 Pound Hammer Feminized Seeds:

Low-maintenance with a juicy aroma and high yield make 9 Pound Hammer marijuana an attractive indica hybrid, but beginners should exercize caution when sampling this cannabinoid rich, crystal-covered harvest.

OG Kush Feminized Seeds:

OG Kush cannabis seeds are a classic marijuana strain that dates back to the early 90s. With this sativa-dominant hybrid, you may feel a burst in energy and cerebral function. OG Kush marijuana plants produce a pine-like smell with a woodsy aroma.

Pineapple Express Feminized Seeds:

You might recognize Pineapple Express strain name from the movie. This sativa-dominant hybrid has a fruity, tropical aroma that may also energize you. Many users enjoy this strain during the morning or daylight hours as it may keep them up at night.