Florida’s Amendment 2 took effect Tuesday, setting in motion a timeline for Florida to fully implement a voter-approved expansion from their currently restrictive program to a more comprehensive medical marijuana program.
As it stands in Florida right now, six dispensaries are allowed to provide low-THC cannabis products to patients who qualify. But with Amendment 2 taking effect, the clock is now ticking for the Department of Health to expand the program.
- Within six months, the Department must develop procedures for the registration of patients and medical marijuana dispensaries, or “Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers” as they’re called in the ballot text.
- Within nine months, the Department of Health must start registering patients and dispensaries.
The Department of Health’s Office of Compassionate Use posted the following statement on their website:
Amendment 2, and the expanded qualifying medical conditions, will become effective on January 3, 2017. Section 381.986 F.S. remains in effect and the Florida Department of Health, physicians, dispensing organizations, and patients remain bound by existing law and rule. Following Amendment 2’s effective date, the Department is directed to promulgate rules to implement Amendment 2 within 6 months, and to implement those regulations within 9 months.
Florida law permits qualified physicians to order low-THC cannabis or medical cannabis for patients diagnosed with certain conditions. There are two types of cannabis products that may be ordered by qualified physicians:
1. Low-THC Cannabis: Patients with cancer or a condition that causes chronic seizures or muscle spasms may qualify to receive low-THC cannabis. Low-THC cannabis has very low amounts of the psychoactive ingredient THC and does not usually produce the “high” commonly associated with cannabis.
2. Medical Cannabis: If a patient is suffering from a condition determined to be terminal by two physicians, he or she may qualify for medical cannabis. This product can contain significant levels of the psychoactive ingredient THC and may produce the “high” commonly associated with cannabis.
The department recommends speaking to your health care professional to determine if low-THC or medical cannabis products are right for you or your loved one. List of Physicians Who Have Completed the Required Training.
Tags: Florida, Florida Amendment 2, Florida medical marijuana, United for Care