Florida House Approves Free Medical Marijuana Cards for Veterans

Florida Moves Forward with Free Medical Marijuana Cards for Veterans

In a significant win for Florida’s veteran community, the state House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill on April 28, 2025, that would eliminate medical marijuana card fees for military veterans. The vote passed 110-0, reflecting broad bipartisan support.

Introduced by Rep. Alex Andrade (R), the bill—now referred to as HB 555—originally proposed broader reforms such as allowing home cultivation and out-of-state patient reciprocity. However, those proposals were scaled back in committee, with the final version focusing on two key changes aimed at improving access and reducing costs.

What the Bill Includes:

1. No More Fees for Veterans
   Veterans will no longer be required to pay the $75 registration or renewal fees associated with medical marijuana identification cards. This change acknowledges that many veterans rely on medical cannabis at higher rates than the general population and aims to remove financial barriers to access.

2. Longer Renewal Periods for All Patients
   Instead of renewing their medical marijuana cards annually, patients will now only need to do so once every two years—cutting administrative burdens in half.

On the House floor, Rep. Daryl Campbell (D) praised the bill, emphasizing that veterans often face unique medical challenges and that easing the process of obtaining relief is a critical step forward. “This legislation reduces the red tape and allows people to focus on their well-being,” he said.

If signed into law, the changes would take effect on July 1, 2025.

Meanwhile, the Florida Senate is moving forward with legislation to tighten regulations on hemp-derived THC products, including delta-8 and THC-infused beverages. These measures aim to address safety and consistency in the hemp market by banning synthetic cannabinoids and limiting delta-9 THC to 5mg per serving or 50mg per container.

Florida lawmakers also recently voted on new agricultural regulations, including a proposal to ban mushroom spores that can produce psilocybin—another sign of the state’s evolving stance on substances with therapeutic and recreational potential.

Stay tuned for more updates as Florida’s cannabis laws continue to develop.