Increased Number Of Florida Pot Grow Houses

The Florida economy has weathered some tough economic times and unemployment rates are high

. The slow economy has led to a surprising trend in crime. Law enforcement has made an increased number of marijuana cultivation arrests. The combination of few job opportunities, an increased amount of abandoned and foreclosed homes, and the continued demand for marijuana has resulted in a drastic increase in marijuana grow houses.

Due to complaints, police have increased their seizure of evidence found at suspected marijuana grow houses. Officials have added more resources in an effort to answer community complaints of suspected grow houses. The additional law enforcement officers are now investigating areas where these suspected grow houses are located and conducting what is known as a "knock and talk.Under certain situations, police officers undergo long-term surveillance to zero in on the extent of the grow house operation.

The widespread use of hydroponic techniques has allowed the grow houses to produce vast amounts of cannabis very quickly and with little oversight. When using hydroponics, drug crime defendants unwittingly tip off law enforcement due to the very high power bill that indoor grow laps generate. Police use the high power consumption to prove their case showing the suspected cannabis grow house exists in violation of Florida law.

In previous times, cannabis grow house charges were a relatively rare allegation. With the insurgence of new arrests for grow houses, the Florida legislatures and state prosecutors have taken a much tougher stance to try and rid the grow house operations in Florida and to address the public outcry for a greater crackdown of the drug houses.

While a typical cultivation of cannabis charge is a third-degree felony, the charges can quickly escalate to a second-degree felony or even a first-degree felony. Several years ago, the Florida legislature updated the law to clearly state that any grow operation of 25 or more cannabis plants was evidence the cannabis was intended for sale or distribution.

An investigation leading to an arrest for operating a grow house is bad enough. The situation can grow worse if the cultivation operation includes 300 or more cannabis plants elevating the offense to a first-degree felony for drug trafficking. We all know what a plant is, but Florida law is very specific in providing a legal definition for a cannabis plant. It is defined as seeding or cuttings with noticeable "root formation." Dead or harvested cannabis plants are also figured into the total plant count by law enforcement. Florida drug trafficking charges carry minimum mandatory prison sentences upon a conviction.

by: Ryan Rooth

POST COMMENT

Waterproof Housing sales model failed wall cracking was questioned - wall, waterproof - construction ceramics industry House Removal Tips for Every Home How To Prepare Your House For A Quick Sale Daily House Ingredients That Remove Scars Successfully - Scar fading Suggestions Black and White Rug Brings Admiration To Your very own House E-waste: "cancer" may become "bomb" - e-waste, waste electrical appliances - household appliances industry quot;Nanjing made" Siemens home appliances brand new sail - Siemens, small household electrical appliances - HC Network Appliance Industry Quick House Sale - Going-going-gone! Developing Town Houses Producing Large Profits Your One Stop For Exceptionally Designed House Plans Walk In Fridge-For the Ideal House Proofing Your House For Holidays How to Sell Your Own House Faster without an Agent in A Buyer's Market in Gwinnett County, GA