A new law in Florida is causing concern among medical cannabis users as it threatens to strip patients of their access to treatment simply for facing drug-related charges. The law, Senate Bill 2514, has stirred backlash from patients and doctors who believe it unfairly punishes those relying on cannabis for legitimate medical needs.
John Mendez, a resident of Fort Myers, has used medical cannabis for the past three years to help manage daily life. “It helps me stay calm and focused. I can function better with it,” Mendez explained.
Now, under the new legislation, individuals with active medical cannabis prescriptions could lose their cards if they’re charged with certain drug offenses. That loss could be temporary or permanent, depending on the case.
“They’re trying to take away what helps me live my life,” Mendez said. “It feels like those in power are just playing games with people’s health.”
Attorney John Morgan, a major supporter of the 2016 campaign to legalize medical cannabis in Florida, says the move is less about safety and more about political strategy.“Governor DeSantis seems to think opposing cannabis is a smart political play,” Morgan said. “I think he’s completely off base.”
Morgan argues that big pharmaceutical companies are likely behind the push to limit marijuana access. “The same people pushing pills are the ones fighting marijuana access,” he said.
However, Florida’s GOP chair Evan Power supports the law and notes that medical cannabis should be seen as a special allowance, not a guaranteed right.
“We have to prevent people from taking advantage of the system,” Power stated. “This program was designed for specific health conditions, not as a loophole for other purposes.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Barry Gordon, who regularly prescribes medical cannabis, says the state has failed to provide any real guidance on how the new law will be enforced.
“There’s been zero clarification from health officials,” Gordon said. “We don’t know at what point enforcement begins or how different databases will be linked to monitor patients.”
Despite the uncertainty, Mendez and others plan to continue speaking up. “Somebody needs to tell the state what this means for people like me,” he said.
Florida voters may still get a chance to reshape the conversation. A proposed ballot measure for 2026 aims to legalize recreational cannabis. If it gains enough support, at least 60%, it could roll back some of the tough new rules now in effect.
The discussions in Florida on how best to protect the needs of medical marijuana patients will be closely watched by the broader cannabis industry, including Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) as the debates there are of interest to the entire pro-marijuana movement.
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