Florida's Harsh New Law Threatens Medical Marijuana Access for Patients

New Florida Law Puts Medical Marijuana Patients at Risk of Losing Access

Florida’s nearly one million medical marijuana patients could lose their legal access under a controversial new law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on June 30, 2025.

The law, Senate Bill 2514, gives state health officials the authority to permanently revoke the registration of any patient or caregiver who is convicted of certain drug offenses—or even just charged with one. No conviction is required for a suspension.

This sweeping measure emphasizes what state officials now call a “privilege” rather than a right when it comes to medical cannabis access.

“It’s a place where we don’t want people abusing the medical marijuana process to achieve other goals,” said Evan Power, chairperson of Florida’s Republican Party.

Governor DeSantis has taken a hardline stance against cannabis, in stark contrast to former President Donald Trump, who supported Florida’s Amendment 3—an adult-use legalization initiative backed by Trulieve Cannabis with $150 million in funding. The initiative ultimately failed to pass in 2024, but efforts are already underway for another attempt in 2026.

Critics argue the new law is not about safety but about protecting the pharmaceutical industry. Attorney John Morgan believes major drug companies are fueling opposition to medical marijuana in the state:

“The people who do not want medical marijuana are the same people who make OxyContin, Percocet, and Xanax,” Morgan said. “What happened with the opioid crisis was criminal—and it killed so many people.”

As Florida tightens its grip on medical cannabis, patients and advocates worry about access, fairness, and the broader implications of criminalizing those who depend on marijuana for relief.