Weed Legality Right Now
Current Legal Status of Weed in Panama City Florida
As of late 2021, marijuana is illegal in Panama City, Florida. While many municipalities and counties have enacted ordinances aimed at decriminalizing small amounts of cannabis, Panama City is not one of them. Further, there is no medical marijuana dispensary in Panama City, and you will not find any doctor willing to recommend you for such a card in Panama City, as none exist.
While some would cite the passage of Amendment 2 in 2016, which allowed for an expansion of the previous medical marijuana legislation, it has produced no medical dispensaries in Panama City, and has no positive impact on the legal standing of cannabis in Panama City. Currently, if you possess any amount of cannabis in Panama City, whether recreationally or medically, you are technically committing a crime .
It is encouraging to note that for any of those possessing cannabis in Panama City, they will not be cited or arrested for possession under the new law recently put into effect by the Florida House of Representatives. Under this new law, any marijuana possession less than 20 grams and first offense will yield no penalty and you will not be charged.
Any marijuana possession over 20 grams is considered a felony, and will start with a fine of $2,500-$5,000 and a jail sentence of anywhere from 5-15 years, depending on the affiliated charges. It should be noted that any prior marijuana-related offenses will result in harsher sentences for marijuana possession, as any prior offense, including a felony, will automatically be classified as a felony on the next offense.
Medical Cannabis
Medical Marijuana Regulations in Panama City Florida
To qualify for medical marijuana use in Panama City, Florida, there are specific conditions that must be met. First, a person must have a qualifying medical condition listed under the Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative. These conditions include ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), cancer, Crohn’s disease, chronic nonmalignant pain, epilepsy, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), terminal illness, and any one of "other debilitating medical conditions comparable to those enumerated."
The person must also have the recommendation of a qualified physician who is certified by the Florida Department of Health to order the medical marijuana. Although Florida has enacted legislation regarding the legality of medical marijuana, it is still illegal under federal law. And thus, Panama City police still have the right to question a person suspected of using marijuana.
Another restriction is that a medical marijuana user is not allowed to cultivate cannabis plants. In fact, any medical marijuana user is required by law to purchase their product from a licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Center. A Medical Marijuana Refill Card is provided to the user, and the card must be carried at all times with the user’s physician’s recommendation letter.
Although the law allows for the use of medical marijuana, marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I substance under Florida’s controlled substances act. As such, a marijuana cultivation operation is illegal, and the user is subject to a maximum penalty of five years in prison for cultivation, manufacturing or intent to distribute. Additionally, any registered user is not immune from arrest for possession of marijuana, and upon arrest, it is mandatory for the user to submit to a drug test to prove they did not use marijuana for a defined period of time. Failure to take the drug test may result in loss of the license to use medical marijuana.
Despite the legality of medical marijuana use, the Panama City court system is not lenient on those found in possession of recreational marijuana. Users who are charged with misdemeanor possession are charged with a first degree misdemeanor on their record and face a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Those found in possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana may receive a civil citation or written warning but also risk a civil penalty of up to $100.
Recreational Weed and Penalties
Here in Panama City, as well as the rest of Florida, marijuana is technically illegal for recreational use. The unfortunate reality is that too many Americans are forced to go to jail for something that should not even be illegal. However, this is still a reality the people of Panama City have to deal with. If you thought for a second marijuana was legal here, think again. If a police officer catches you smoking marijuana in public or simply possessing a small amount, they may arrest you. Courts will continue to uphold these types of arrests as long as marijuana remains illegal through their eyes.
In all honesty, the reality is the courts and law enforcement agencies are more lenient than the laws might otherwise suggest. For instance, many first time offenders are charged with a lesser offense known as "ticketable offenses." This means the offender may be subject to a civil fine instead of a criminal charge, depending on how severe the offense is. If a marijuana offense is considered a ticketable offense, it will be delivered to the offender in the form of a notice to appear. The offender must then appear at a certain date, time, and venue, or pay a fine by mail to avoid any possible criminal charges.
Keep in mind that this only applies to a small amount of marijuana. Those found with a larger amount may be charged with criminal possession. A first degree misdemeanor conviction may face up to one year in jail, a fine of no more than $1,000, or both. Additionally, the penalty for second degree felony for any amount more than 20 grams is three years in prison, or no more than $5,000 in fines, or both. Possession of marijuana paraphernalia can land you a misdemeanor charge, though those charged with this offense are likely to face only a fine. Courts are keen to dismiss separately charged possession of marijuana where it was used only to penalize the possession of drug paraphernalia.
Purchasing Cannabis
Fortunately, Panama City, and Bay County, allows marijuana to be purchased at the licensed medical marijuana treatment centers (MMTC) located throughout Florida. Panama City also has medical marijuana doctors to ensure that a patient qualifies for an MMTC.
As a practical matter, these MMTC’s are the only locations that retail marijuana legally in Panama City, Florida . Once a patient has met the legal requirements for medical marijuana, the following is a list of the MMTC and their websites. After you receive a medical card, please feel free to reach out using this list. The listed MMTC may visit Panama City to deliver your order or you can have your medical marijuana delivered to your Panama City address. If you are not in Panama City, please check this list to see if any of the MMTCs service your area.
How it Affects the Community and Economy
Legalization of cannabis, both for medical and recreational use, not only has a direct impact on the individuals who choose to consume but also a wide-ranging effect on the local community and economy. In Panama City, Florida, the legalization movement has had a variety of implications for residents and local businesses alike.
On a local level, the most immediate effect has been a shift in local attitudes towards marijuana usage. Many residents who previously opposed legalization have had to reconcile their beliefs with the existence of legal cannabis within the city or surrounding areas. New polling suggests that public support for legalization continues to grow, reflecting a shift in societal norms.
The local economy has also seen impacts from legalization. For instance, legally operating cannabis businesses, whether they are dispensaries, medical practices, or research companies, have created jobs for locals. Many of these jobs provide relatively high wages and are attractive options for individuals entering the workforce or those in need of stable employment. Additionally, by creating a formal market for the substance, employees can enjoy the protections offered to workers in other industries, such as unemployment benefits and health insurance, that may not be available to individuals working in the black market.
From a taxation perspective, legalized marijuana has also been a boon to local government budgets. The cannabis industry pays taxes, just as any other business does. Florida has implemented an excise tax on medical marijuana and generates revenue from sales taxes associated with medical marijuana purchases. Although Panama City’s current medical marijuana facilities are limited in number, as more establishments open, the resulting tax revenue will only continue to increase.
However, with the benefits of legalization also come costs. Social services often find themselves tasked with handling the ramifications of cannabis legalization. Some residents, while supportive of legalization on principle, have seen their lives and those of their loved ones negatively affected by marijuana usage. Dependence on marijuana, particularly among heavy users and adolescents, can create a variety of social and health issues that the broader community must shoulder.
Panama City has also located itself at the crossroads of a significant problem in the state of Florida: pediatric exposure to marijuana. This is unsurprising, considering the availability of medical marijuana facilities. This has led to the wide availability of "edibles," which, while permitted for adult and medical use under the law, create significant public health issues when exposed to children.
As more facilities open, these issues will become more pronounced. Although there are laws in place to ensure that medical marijuana is kept secure and out of the hands of children, a difference in the perception of medical marijuana in Panama City could result in increased reports of pediatric exposure. This, in turn, may put even more stress on local medical facilities and services, further impacting the local economy in a negative fashion.
Questions People Ask
Frequently Asked Questions about Marijuana Law in Panama City, Florida
When did Panama City Ban Pot Shops?
Before March 2014, shops selling medical marijuana were permitted in Panama city. However, after that date, the administration stopped granting licenses to potential providers from operating in the locality. Local government has enacted laws to prohibit pot shops. Ciudad Panama passed a bill into law on April 2014 that prohibits the registration, production, sale, distribution, and administration of marijuana products by private companies.
Are there fines for those who break The Cannabis Law?
A fine of $5,000 and 3 years imprisonment will be handed to establishments and individuals who conduct business without a license from the Ministry of Health. In addition, any individual who fails to comply with the regulations will pay a fine of between 1,000 and up to 5,000 dollars. Others who will be charged for buying or using the drug will pay a fine of $200 to $3,000. Those who will be sentenced to imprisonment include vendors who sell in prohibited places, those who sell pots to individual younger than 21 years, those who engaged in marketing cannabis products will pay a fine of $15,000 to $50,000.
What will happen if I’m caught with Marijuana in Panama City?
Cannabis possession is prohibited in Panama city. If you are caught in possession, you will face a fine up to $1000. You will be required to appear in court for the second offense and after the third offense you will face trial from a jury. Subsequent arrests may result in jail time.
Can I acquire CBD from online store if I’m in Panama City?
Webshops that sell CBD oil and products are known to operate in Panama City. You can buy these goods through those shops. CBD oil does not make anyone high. Suffice it to say; CBD cannot get you high. It is obtained from hemp and does not contain THC .
Do I need a prescription before I can use marijuana in Panama?
The only people qualified to get a prescription before they can use marijuana are those that have been diagnosed with the following chronic disease
The law permits only using cannabis in any of the following forms
You will not be charged with misdemeanor or felony for being diagnosed with the above-listed ailments,
I have been living in Panama City and I want to start a potshop in Panama City. Should I get a license?
No, you cannot get a license from the Ministry of Health in Panama city. The Ministry of Health has made it clear that it does not intend to use cannabis within the Panama city borders. Local government has spread the message in every nook of the city. All the same, it is good to check back on the Ministry’s website from time to time for updates on the law.
Will I be judged if I use Pot in Panama City?
Yes, marijuana is prohibited in Panama City. Many will think you are deranged for taking pots. Some will even call you names. Though some younger people will take it as normal but dear to say, Even some of them have been suffering from illness caused by marijuana misuse. To many, it is just like cigarettes.
Can using CBD OIL improve mental health?
To answer this question we have to understand what CBD oil is. CBD is a medication that helps in the treatment of certain types of seizures, anus eating cancer, profound seizures, tuberous sclerosis complex, insomnia, chronic pain, schizophrenia, and stop the spread of cancer cells. There is little evidence that shows it can contribute to the management of some symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease. CBD oil alters the brain in ways that helps in mental health. CBD oil may improve self-doubt, fear, and anxiety.
Are there treatment services in Panama City for addiction and trauma-related mental health issues?
Yes, Panama City is home to variety of addiction and trauma treatment facilities. People residing in the city who are suffering from addiction and trauma can find the help they seek from local doctors who specialized in mental disorders and addiction.
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