Limited Medical Marijuana Bill in Florida

The Florida Legislature passed a bill nicknamed "Charlotte's Web" in June 2014, after the House approved an amended version of the Senate bill by a 111-7 vote. The Senate bill, SB 1030 "Low-THC Marijuana and Cannabis" by Sen. Rob Bradley (R-Orange Park), originally would legalize a non-euphoric marijuana extract, known as "Charlotte's Web," to treat children who suffer from intractable epilepsy. The House sponsor, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Shalimar), amended the SB 1030 on the House Floor to add language to cover cancer, persistent muscle spasms, and other chronic conditions. Authorized patients will also be allowed access to the non-euphoric drug through oil or vapor form, but it may not be smoked.

The bill was amended to increase the number of dispensaries organizations (from 4 to 5) to ensure reasonable statewide accessibility, and one each in the following regions: Northwest Florida, Northeast Florida, Central Florida, Southeast Florida, and Southwest Florida. Also, language was added that would require an application form and annual license fee for the dispensaries to be developed by the state Department of Health. Applicants for the dispensaries must possess a certificate of registration from the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services that is issued for the cultivation of more than 400,000 plants and must be operated by nurserymen who have been registered in Florida for at least 30 years. The dispensary applicants must show they can cultivate non-euphoric marijuana, have suitable financial stability, and perform background checks on its operators.