Florida Senate Committee Approves Bill to Regulate Medical Marijuana

With quite a bit of adjusting, Senate Bill 406 passed unanimously in the Florida Senate Committee. The bill will regulate and expand the Florida medical marijuana program, the way that the voters approved the measure in November. The bill’s sponsor, Senator Rob Bradley, wanted to incorporate “the will of the voters” when making amendments to his bill.

Senate Bill 406 went through eight amendments before it was approved, according to Sunshine State News. A coalition will be created to research medical marijuana via the Tampa H. Lee Moffitt Center and Research Institute. Part of the reason for this amendment is to help guide policy to create a statewide policy regarding dosing practices specifically for medical marijuana.

An education board will also create a plan regarding medical marijuana research no later than February 15 annually. This board will provide a report to the state’s governor, Senate President and Speaker of the House. This report will be in regards to the research being conducted along with community outreach programs and plans for the future of medical marijuana in Florida.

Florida will become a reciprocating state, allowing for out-of-state patients to access their medical marijuana, as long as their qualifying condition is on Florida’s list. The Department of Health will have to implement a seed-to-sale software program in place as well.

Also included in the amendments is the requirement for independent laboratory testing of medical marijuana prior to distribution to patients.

Diversity in business ownership is also important. The state will now require that at least one dispensary in the state to be operated by an African American owner.

The Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee will review the bill, including its multiple amendments. To continue the forward movement of Senate Bill 406, the bill needs to be approved by this committee.