1. Florida
Minimum possession of marijuana to constitute a felony: >0.705
Ranking according to minimum possession of marijuana to constitute a felony: 3
Minimum sentence for 4 ounces or more of marijuana: 5 years
Ranking according to minimum sentence for 4 ounces or more of marijuana: 3
Three strikes law applicable: Yes
Overall score: 3
Florida is the US state with the toughest drug laws. Florida has low tolerance towards drugs as evidenced in their laws. In Florida, being caught with less than 0.7 ounces will lead to a misdemeanor and not a felony. Even so, you will be facing a minimum sentence of at least 1 year and can be fined up to $1,000. Anything more will result in 5 years of imprisonment and a maximum possible fine of $5,000. There are separate laws for the sale of marijuana, which of course are far stricter as they deal with a far more serious offence, such as 15 years for selling more than 25 pounds of marijuana.
On the other hand, if you possess any amount of hashish, it is considered to be a third degree felony, and hence, will result in a minimum sentence of 5 years while the fine can be as high as $5,000. If the charge is a second degree felony, then the sentence will be 15 years while the fine can be $10,000.
In other words, being in possession of any drugs in Florida is simply not worth the punishment you get if you are caught. And unless the laws become lenient, which times suggest may be possible in the near future, avoiding drugs in the state may be the best decision you end up making.
