This week the State of Florida has been named the U.S. leader for indoor marijuana production. Indoor growers are successful by the popular innovation of a hydroponic system; which uses little soil, powerful lighting and special chemicals. Florida authorities have discovered over 1,000 marijuana grow houses just last year alone. This is quite a jump from the 480 grow houses ceased in the year 2006.
Business is big and so are the plants. Scientists state that the hydroponic marijuana of today is more potent and powerful than that used in the 1970's. Marijuana now contains an average of 25% THC compared to 7% thirty years ago. The illegal plants constant exposure to special lighting and growth chemicals cause these plants to skyrocket in growth and THC levels to spike. THC is the primary intoxicant found in cannabis and gives its users the "high". With levels on the rise, individuals who smoke this hydroponic grown marijuana could experience paranoia, euphoria and/or hallucinations.
Marijuana grow houses are sprouting up all over Florida suburbia. Disguised as single family houses in residential neighborhoods, these grow houses are equipped with high tech lighting, water and fertilizing systems. Authorities are partnering up with Florida electrical companies, looking for spikes or questionable use of electrical meters that are considered suspicious.
Those convicted of operating marijuana grow houses are now facing stricter penalties due to the induction of the Florida Marijuana Grow House Eradication Act. This law states that defendants caught with over 25 plants will now be charged with a second degree felony and if convicted, will be sentenced up to 10 years in prison. This is only one of many criminal charges that individuals accused of operating marijuana grow houses may deal with. Defendants likely face a multitude of other charges, like intent to distribute, possession of marijuana and/or possession of drug paraphernalia. Defendants can expect to do serious time in prison if they are convicted.
I am a criminal attorney who has experience in representing individuals accused of operating a marijuana grow houses in Florida. I have offices statewide and a team of attorneys with over 100 years of combined legal experience. The State works strategically to arrest and prosecute alleged grow house operators. Do not let their tactics be intimidating; contact a knowledgeable Florida drug attorney to fight the charges against you.
