While the push to legalize recreational cannabis in Florida did not succeed in the November election, lawmakers are now focusing on expanding access to medical marijuana. A proposed piece of legislation, Senate Bill 546, aims to give medical cannabis patients the ability to cultivate their own marijuana plants at home.
If passed, the measure would allow registered patients to grow up to two plants for personal medical use.
For many patients relying on medical cannabis, accessibility remains a challenge, especially in remote areas of Florida. Some people live hours away from the nearest dispensary, making it difficult to obtain their medication conveniently. While delivery services are available, they do not offer the immediate access that a physical store would provide.
Paula Savchenko, a marijuana law attorney pointed out that this delay can be frustrating for patients who need their medication promptly.
The push for SB 546 is gaining traction among patients who see home cultivation as a practical solution. Under the proposed legislation, individuals interested in growing cannabis would be required to obtain a cultivation certificate. This process would involve registering each plant and undergoing inspections, among other stipulations.
“The response to this bill among existing medical cannabis treatment centers has been mixed. Some cannabis businesses support the idea, while others have reservations. However, within the industry as a whole, there is a strong belief that patients should have the right to cultivate their own medicine,” Savchenko explained.
A poll conducted last year for Royal Queen Seeds, a cannabis seed company based in Barcelona, found that 81% of marijuana users in the U.S. believe individuals should have the right to grow cannabis at home. Additionally, 26% of users reported having grown plants in their residence, while 21% of those who have not tried it expressed an interest in doing so.
Based in Fort Lauderdale, Savchenko has helped several dispensary businesses navigate the licensing and regulatory process required to operate legally. She noted that in some cases, businesses have waited over a year for approval, only to receive a denial that then requires an appeal, prolonging the process even further. This lengthy approval period is another reason why some patients and advocates see home cultivation as a beneficial alternative.
“Since the bill only permits two plants per cannabis patient, it is unlikely that this will entirely replace dispensary purchases. Patients will still need to visit stores for additional supply,” Savchenko added.
The measure has only been introduced and must go through further steps before becoming law. The next phase involves assigning the bill to a legislative committee for an initial reading. A specific date for this has yet to be determined.
It remains to be seen what major medical marijuana companies like Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) think about this latest effort to reform the medical marijuana landscape in Florida.
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