Legislative Update by Realm of Caring Florida:
SB1030 also known as the “Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014” was passed by the Florida legislature last session and signed into law by Governor Rick Scott on June 16, 2014. The bill stated that physicians should have been able to order low-THC cannabis oil for patients suffering from cancer, seizures, or muscle spasms beginning on Jan. 1, 2015. However, because of challenges to the Department of Health’s proposed Rules, the law has not been implemented. Two challenges remain and are scheduled for a hearing April 23 in Tallahassee. To follow the rulemaking process, visit the Office of Compassionate Use at http://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/office-of-compassionate-use/index.html
On March 24, the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries, chaired by Senator Rob Bradley, passed Senate Proposed Bill 7066, Low-THC Cannabis, to clarify and revise the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014. “The purpose of this bill is to end the legal challenges and to fulfill a promise we made to these families,’’ Bradley said.
SB7066 has since passed the Health Policy committee and Rules committee. It was placed on the Special Orders Calendar for the Senate floor for tomorrow (April 14, 2015). We expect the bill to be amended on the floor and before it comes up for a vote either later this week or next week.
The House does not have a companion bill, but leadership in the House has said they are waiting to see what happens with the Senate proposal. Track Senate bill 7066 here: http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2015/7066