Florida Governor Signs Medical Cannabis Expansion into Law
On Friday, Gov. Rick Scott signed into law a bill that broadens and defines Florida’s medical cannabis program. The law was among 38 total bills that the governor signed on June 23. The new law allows patients with HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, ALS, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis and more to qualify for medical cannabis.
After failing to pass SB 8-A in May, lawmakers passed the bill in a special session to implement Amendment 2, a constitutional amendment, which was passed by voters last November. Under Amendment 2, patients can be prescribed cannabis pills, oils, edibles and vape pens, but smoking medical cannabis is not permitted.
The law outlines 10 additional Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTC) to be added to the existing seven centers in operation by October 3, bringing the total number to 17. Under Amendment 2, health officials have until July 3 to establish rules and they have until October 3 to put the rules and regulations into effect. The bill also allows four new MMTC’s for every 100,000 additional patients that are prescribed medical cannabis. Each MMTC can open up to 25 retail locations across the state.
Before the latest expansion, patients with epilepsy, chronic muscle spasms, cancer and other terminal illnesses were allowed to receive either low-THC or full-strength cannabis under measures that were approved in 2014 and 2016.
Attorney John Morgan, who helped fund the Amendment 2 campaign, plans on suing over the ban on smoking in the Leon County Circuit Court. “Great Scott,” Morgan told the Miami Herald. “It’s a no-brainer. Gov. Scott wants to run for U.S. Senate. If he didn’t sign this bill, he couldn’t run for dog catcher. It’s not perfect. I’m going to sue for the smoking but I know there are sick people who will see relief starting in July.’’ Tampa strip club owner Joe Redner plans on suing as well over the ban on personal cultivation.
Florida is poised to becoming one of the largest providers of medical cannabis, despite the fact that no smokable medical cannabis will be permitted.
