There is a still a great deal of uncertainty surrounding Florida’s slow-moving efforts to implement the legalization of medical marijuana. Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment last November stating that the “medical use of marijuana by a qualifying patient or caregiver” should not be subject to civil or criminal liability under state law. But Florida lawmakers, in adopting rules...
Continue ReadingFlorida legislators continue to struggle with last year’s decision by voters to legalize medicinal cannabis through an amendment to the state constitution. Some legislators, concerned that medical marijuana might lead to a rash of people “driving while stoned,” have proposed new laws to expand existing DUI laws to cover THC, the active ingredient in cannabis. However, medical and law...
Continue ReadingWith Florida voting to legalize medical marijuana by amending the constitution our legislators are at work trying to craft laws that will regulate this new industry. At this time we are still in the infancy of this process. Both senate and house bills are working their way through various committees and being amended. In fact it appears that there...
Continue ReadingThe LEGAL marijuana business is a $6 billion dollar industry. Yes, that billion with a “B”. No that doesn’t include the ounce you bought off the guy on the street. I am talking strictly about the legal commercialization of cannabis for both medical and recreational use. This relatively new legal market will continue to gain new customers who were...
Continue ReadingSubstance and drug crimes are a major concern for Florida law enforcement. In Orlando and around the state there have been a number of major drug busts recently targeting heroin, cocaine, marijuana, amphetamines, and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). The message is clear: possessing and distributing dangerous narcotics will put you in serious legal jeopardy. Here are just some of...
Continue ReadingAt first glance, it sounds like nothing more than a funny misunderstanding: Orlando police officers cannot tell the difference between donut glaze and illegal drugs. After all, if anyone should know donuts by sight, it is a cop. But last year, an Orlando man was on his way home from a local convenience store – where he had purchased...
Continue ReadingOn January 3, 2017, Amendment 2 expanded the qualifying medical conditions for obtaining medical marijuana. The Department of Health Office of Compassionate Use is the government agency responsible for creating the regulatory structure for Medical Marijuana. The development of these new regulations are still in the works. So, in the meantime, we are still stuck with the old Florida...
Continue ReadingThe War on Drugs My name is Emily Kenney and I am a future paralegal. I am applying for this scholarship for the relief that it will provide for the cost of higher education, but because the topic of drugs and the criminal justice system is fascinatingly frustrating. I graduated high school in 2006 and started a criminal justice...
Continue ReadingIt was a typical Friday afternoon for D.R., or at least he thought it was going to be a typical Friday afternoon. He was driving in his car. Stopped into a 7-11. Then left the store and was heading home. Apparently Officers believed that this was a high crime area and D.R. was acting suspicious. That’s when his typical...
Continue ReadingWhen we are young, we tend to be wild and free. Most youth do not question nor consider the impact of that their actions presently will have on their future. However, youthful bliss and its carefree nature can leave you with life altering consequences. For instance when you are arrested and/or charged with a crime you will have a...
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