How to Legally Consume Cannabis in Mexico, Colombia, and USA: My Story
Cómo consumir cannabis legalmente en México, Colombia y en EEUU: mi historia
Desliza hasta abajo para la version en español.
Many people in Mexico, are keen to know how I managed to obtain a legal permit that allows me to plant, cultivate, harvest, prepare, possess, and transport cannabis for personal use. I also want to share my journey of acquiring a patient identification card that enables me to buy cannabis throughout Florida. But first, let's delve into my personal relationship with the plant.
I have always been transparent about my cannabis use and never felt ashamed talking about it despite the societal taboos and stigmas that surround the subject. From a young age, I connected with the plant in various ways: as medicine for persistent sciatica pain, as a creative tool for writing, as a recreational instrument for socializing, and as a spiritual sacrament for deepening my consciousness during meditation or tarot reading. Cannabis isn't for everyone, but it has been a constant companion through my highs and lows.
Colombia
In my home country, I took advantage of Law 30 of 1986. According to national jurisprudence, the possession and consumption of cannabis for personal use in private spaces have been decriminalized since that year. Colombia's Constitutional Court has issued rulings that allow the possession of a "minimum dose," defined as up to 20 grown plants and 20 grams of cannabis. This ruling also permits personal consumption in private spaces but prohibits it in public areas, subjecting violators to penalties.
In Miami, I obtained an MMJ card, and in Mexico, I secured a legal permit known as an "amparo," granted by COFEPRIS (Federal Commission for Protection Against Health Risks). Both processes were relatively straightforward but did cost me between $75 and $250 USD and took a considerable amount of time to get approved—especially the amparo, which requires an initial denial before applying constitutional law to reverse the decision in favor of the consumer.
Florida
What is an MMJ Card in Florida?
In Florida, a Medical Marijuana Card (MMJ Card) is an identification that patients must apply for to use marijuana for medical purposes. This card allows the user to purchase medical marijuana from a state-authorized dispensary. Although the Controlled Substances Act prohibits cannabis use in the United States, Florida's Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative allows patients with debilitating medical conditions to treat their symptoms with medical cannabis. Some of these conditions include ALS, cancer, Crohn's disease, epilepsy, and glaucoma.
Who Can Apply for an MMJ Card in Florida?
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