Cocoa, Clearwater, & Cannabidiol? — Is CBD Oil Legal In Florida?

Not too long ago, you probably saw the clickbait headline claiming a grandma got arrested in Florida for carrying doctor-approved CBD. What made this story so buzz-worthy was that it happened in the “Happiest Place on Earth.” Yes, Walt Disney World sent cops to escort an elderly tourist off property because she had some CBD.

Given the sensational nature of this news, many readers assumed Florida must have the nation’s strictest CBD laws. However, when you actually look at the Sunshine State’s policies, you’ll realize that Florida isn’t harsh on hemp. In fact, Floridians don’t have to worry about buying, selling, or using federally-approved hemp products. Visitors just have to be cautious about using CBD in one of Florida’s many tourist attractions.

Is It Legal To Use CBD In Florida?

Roughly one year after the 2018 US Farm Bill passed, Tallahassee legislators approved revisions to Florida’s hemp standards. Under SB 1020, the cultivation, sale, and use of recreational hemp goods is no longer illegal in Florida. The state only asks that all hemp products contain ≤ 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis. Other than that, there are no special restrictions on specific CBD products like edibles, vape juices, or smokable flowers.

So, why did that tourist get arrested for carrying CBD in the Magic Kingdom? Simple: Walt Disney World doesn’t allow any cannabis products on its premises. This is also true for other top Florida attractions like Universal Orlando Resort. No matter where you are in the USA, private companies could override a state’s CBD policies. If you plan on traveling to a popular attraction or resort, please double-check their CBD policies before packing your luggage.

What About Smoking CBD Hemp In Florida?

Some Floridians are still hesitant about smoking CBD hemp flowers at home. This trepedation is probably due to Florida’s long-standing ban on smokable marijuana. Even when Florida legalized medical marijuana, it enacted a strict prohibition on smokable products. However, as of 2019, the state abolished this anti-smoking policy for all registered MMJ patients.

Although Florida doesn’t have specific laws governing smokable CBD flowers, there’s no reason to assume it’s illegal. Indeed, SB 1020 includes all hemp products that have ≤ 0.3 percent THC. As long as you have lab reports that prove you’re smoking low-THC hemp flowers, you can enjoy these nugs.

However, it’s probably not the best idea to flaunt your CBD smoking in public. Florida still has strict anti-marijuana policies, and it’s notoriously difficult to tell the difference between hemp and illegal cannabis strains. For the time being, it’s best to reserve CBD hemp flowers for use in the privacy of your home.

Is Any Other Form Of Cannabis Legal In Florida?

Despite attempts to add new cannabis provisions to Florida’s ballot, recreational weed is illegal in the Sunshine State. However, as early as 2014, Florida introduced many reforms to its medical marijuana statutes.

Initially, lawmakers only allowed doctors to prescribe high-CBD oils to patients with epilepsy, but these laws have expanded throughout the years. As of 2019, dozens of medical conditions meet Florida’s requirements for an MMJ card. After patients register with Florida’s Department of Health, they can purchase cannabis products from state-approved dispensaries. Patients are only allowed to buy as much cannabis as their doctor recommends.

Floridians with 20 grams or less of recreational marijuana could face a misdemeanor charge punishable with up to one year in prison and a max fine of $1,000. However, many counties in Florida have recently reduced their penalties for low pot possession. For instance, Osceola, Palm Beach, and Broward counties treat first-time petty possession offenders with “cite & release.” Other big cities like Tampa and Orlando have reduced fines for first-time offenders.

Need Legal CBD In The Sunshine State? Call Organic CBD Nugs!

Since hemp nugs look like illegal cannabis, many Florida retailers aren’t keen on adding them to their shelves. Sure, you could hunt down a few FL vape shops offering these products, but nothing beats the convenience of ordering CBD strains online. Not only is it easier to find the flowers you want, you don’t have to worry about driving around Florida with suspicious-looking CBD flowers.

Organic CBD Nugs now offers all of our trichome-rich CBD flowers, vape carts, and edibles to residents of the Sunshine State. For those who are more adventurous, we also offer hot flowers and vape carts with alternative cannabinoids like delta 8 THC and CBG. Everything you see on Organic CBD Nugs will arrive on your doorstep wrapped in discreet, smell-proof packaging and contain third-party lab results.