Over 160 Floridians with state-issued medical cannabis cards have lost or could soon lose access to their prescriptions following a new regulation from the state health department. The rule, enacted this summer, targets patients charged with or convicted of drug-related offenses.
Bobbie Smith, who leads the state’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU), told lawmakers on October 15 that 20 people already meet the conditions for revocation under Senate Bill 2514. Another 140 remain under court review and could face similar action once convictions are finalized.
The new rule stems from a Senate Appropriations Committee measure initially tied to a student loan program for dental students. The law suspends medical cannabis cards for caregivers and patients accused or convicted of possessing illegal drugs. Once convicted or entering a no-contest plea, their cards are revoked.
Those affected can reapply only after completing their sentences and submitting a notarized affidavit confirming compliance with all court requirements.
Governor Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law on July 3. Within weeks, the health department expedited rulemaking, pushing the measure through the state’s usual administrative hurdles in record time—a pace far faster than the usual months-long regulatory process that includes public input and reviews.
The move marks a significant tightening of Florida’s medical cannabis program as advocates prepare a 2026 ballot initiative seeking to legalize recreational use. Meanwhile, a grand jury in Leon County is investigating allegations that figures tied to the DeSantis administration helped finance opposition to a similar 2024 proposal that voters ultimately rejected.
Orlando lawyer John Morgan, who bankrolled the 2016 campaign that legalized medical cannabis and is often called “Pot Daddy,” criticized the governor’s stance. “DeSantis believes opposing medical marijuana is politically smart. I think he’s wrong,” Morgan said. He has hinted at a possible independent run for governor after the 2025 primaries.
Patient advocates argue the rule unfairly punishes people by cutting off access to necessary treatment.
According to the DOH’s 2025 OMMU report, the number of Floridians with state-issued medical cannabis cards has surged to 925,000, more than doubling since 2020. Among patients, 42 percent are diagnosed with PTSD, 29 percent qualify under listed medical conditions, and 13 percent use cannabis to manage chronic pain. Nearly six in ten cardholders are older than 35, with those aged 35 to 44 and over 65 representing the largest groups.
While marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, Florida’s Amendment 2 continues to protect patients who meet the state’s medical criteria—a program now facing its most restrictive phase yet.
The wider marijuana industry, including leading entities like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF), will be unhappy that people who badly need medical cannabis may end up being denied the treatments they need due to the new law.
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