Florida’s 2025 Medical Marijuana Bills: What You Need to Know

Protections for Public Employees (SB 142 / HB 83)

Public employers would be prohibited from taking adverse actions against employees or job applicants solely for medical marijuana use, as long as they are qualified patients. However, employees whose use impairs job performance may still face restrictions.

Parental Rights Protection (SB 146)

This bill ensures that a parent’s medical marijuana use cannot be the sole reason for losing custody or facing child endangerment claims. Courts would be prohibited from restricting parental rights based only on qualified patient status.

Smoking in Public Places (SB 226)

Reintroduced from previous sessions, this bill seeks to ban all public smoking, including marijuana, except in designated airport smoking rooms. Notably, unfiltered cigars are exempt, a provision influenced by Florida’s historic cigar industry.

Medical Marijuana Edibles Labeling (SB 512)

Proposed changes require enhanced labeling for marijuana edibles, including nutritional facts and allergen information, to improve consumer awareness and safety.

Home Cultivation of Marijuana (SB 546)

Qualified medical marijuana patients could apply for a certificate to cultivate up to two cannabis plants for personal use. However, a maximum of two plants would be allowed per residence, regardless of the number of patients living there.

Major Medical Marijuana Expansion (SB 552 / HB 555)

This bill introduces significant changes, including:

• Expanding qualifying conditions to include any condition where opioids could be prescribed

• Allowing telehealth visits for both initial and renewal consultations

• Increasing the allowable marijuana supply for smoking:

  • 70-day supply increased from 3 to 10

  • 35-day supply increased from 6 to 20

• Extending physician evaluation requirements from 30 weeks to 104 weeks

• Permitting out-of-state patients to register and obtain Florida medical marijuana ID cards

• Waiving ID card fees for honorably discharged veterans

• Restricting marijuana cultivation and processing centers from operating on the same land as retail dispensaries

Adding Opioid Addiction to Qualifying Conditions (SB 778)

This bill expands the list of qualifying medical conditions to include opioid addiction and dependence, recognizing medical marijuana as a potential alternative treatment.

Final Thoughts

These proposed changes could significantly impact Florida’s medical marijuana program by increasing patient access, improving legal protections, and expanding cultivation options. If passed, these bills would make it easier for qualified patients to obtain and use medical marijuana in a regulated and responsible manner.

Stay updated as the legislative session progresses, and keep an eye on how these bills evolve

If you’re considering medical cannabis, consult with a qualified physician to see if you qualify. Understanding the laws and regulations will help you make informed decisions and get the most out of Florida’s medical marijuana program. To get started with a medical marijuana card, contact me, Dr. Aaron Boorstein, by visiting my website https://docboorstein.com and booking your consultation today. Tell a friend and share my website so they can get the guidance they need too!