Florida Bill Proposes Home Cannabis Cultivation for Patients While Restricting Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids

Florida Bill Seeks to Expand Medical Marijuana Rights While Restricting Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids

A newly proposed Florida bill, SB 334, aims to grant medical marijuana patients the right to grow cannabis at home while imposing stricter regulations on hemp-derived cannabinoids. Introduced by Senator Joe Gruters (R), the bill would allow qualified patients to cultivate up to two cannabis plants within a secured, enclosed space, out of public view. However, the two-plant limit would apply per household, regardless of the number of medical marijuana patients residing there. Violating this rule could result in a first-degree misdemeanor, with penalties of up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Crackdown on Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids

In addition to expanding patient rights, SB 334 seeks to regulate Florida’s growing hemp industry. The bill bans several hemp-derived cannabinoids, including:

• Delta-8 THC

• Delta-10 THC

• THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinol Acetate)

• THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)

• THCP (Tetrahydrocannabiphorol)

• HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol)

Furthermore, Delta-9 THC—the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana—would be capped at 2mg per serving and 20mg per package. The bill also clarifies that Delta-9 THC levels will be measured by combining Delta-9 THC and THCA, which converts into Delta-9 THC when heated.

Tighter Restrictions on Hemp Sales and Advertising

The legislation includes new restrictions on where and how hemp products can be sold, prohibiting:

• Street retail stalls

• Sales at festivals

• Businesses operating within 500 feet of a school, daycare, or another hemp business

• Public advertising of hemp extracts

Political Landscape & Future of Cannabis Legalization in Florida

Senator Gruters, a former chair of the Florida Republican Party, has been a key supporter of cannabis reform. He backed Amendment 3, a 2024 ballot measure aimed at legalizing recreational marijuana, though it ultimately failed to meet Florida’s 60% approval threshold. Critics of Amendment 3 argued that it favored large cannabis corporations while failing to include home cultivation rights.

Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has repeatedly opposed cannabis expansion, vetoing a bill last year that sought to ban intoxicating hemp products. However, with a revised version of Amendment 3 already in the works for 2026, Florida could still be on track for broader cannabis legalization in the near future.

What’s Next?

SB 334 represents a mixed bag for Florida’s cannabis community—offering greater cultivation freedom for medical marijuana patients while tightening regulations on hemp-derived cannabinoids and retail sales. As the legislative process unfolds, stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether home cultivation for patients becomes a reality in Florida.