TheGrowthOp
One of the sisters handed over 11 grams of cannabis in a glass jar. Under state law, drivers possessing medical cannabis must have it contained in its original packaging.
Two Florida sisters are arguing that medical cannabis is too expensive and it’s “cheaper to find it in other places” after being arrested for marijuana possession.
The Boca Raton based-sisters, aged 18 and 20, each had medical marijuana cards that expired earlier this month, reports Village News.
They were initially pulled over during a late-night traffic stop for an inoperable headlight, but, citing the fresh smell of cannabis, police searched the vehicle and found that the 20-year-old was in possession of 11 grams of “illegal cannabis,” while the 18-year-old, who faces a felony charge, had 25 grams.
A glass bong and grinder were also recovered from the vehicle, resulting in each sister being charged with possession of drug equipment. The duo was booked and released after posting US$3,000 ($4,080) and US$2,000 ($2,720) in bond.
Florida legalized medical cannabis in 2016, but recreational cannabis remains illegal.
Possession of 20 grams or less is a misdemeanour charge with a maximum penalty of one year in prison and/or a US$1,000 ($1,360) fine. Possession of more than 20 grams, but less than 26 pounds (11.7 kilogramss), is a felony charge that can lead to a five-year prison sentence and a fine of US$5,000 ($6,800).
The state only considers cannabis products purchased by a certified patient through a licensed dispensary to be medical marijuana, reports Canna MD.
To qualify for medical cannabis in Florida, a patient must be diagnosed by a certified physician with a qualifying condition and have permanent or temporary residency in the state. Qualifying conditions include cancer, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.
Medical consumers are allowed to drive with cannabis in the vehicle, but it must be in its original packaging and they cannot cross state lines.
The sisters reportedly handed over cannabis that was contained in a glass jar. Citing the police report, Village News reports that the 18-year-old said that medical marijuana is “expensive” and it’s “cheaper to find it in other places to help with her sister’s medical disorder.”
Compassionate Healthcare of Florida reports the average price per gram of high-end medical cannabis in Florida is roughly US$11 ($15) and drops to about US$9 ($12) and US$6 ($8) a gram for medium and low-end cannabis.
H/T: www.thegrowthop.com
