Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Joe ReedyApril 14, 2017

Florida’s voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment in November that formally legalized medical marijuana for chronic pain and other ailments, but with less than a month to go in their session, Florida legislators remain far apart on how to implement it. Bills in the Senate and House don’t agree on the details of expanding access […]

Guest AuthorApril 11, 2017

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If nothing else, the intense debate over how to implement legalized medical marijuana in Florida has given many of us a crash course in business economics, government regulation and medical protocols. We’ve heard hours of discussion on such topics as vertical versus horizontal business structures, free-markets versus exclusivity, and physician discretion versus government prescription. Missing […]

Michael MolineApril 7, 2017

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No need to worry about the hit to general revenues from the Senate’s medical marijuana sales tax exemption. The state’s Revenue Estimating Conference estimated Friday that the bill might reduce tax receipts, but not enough to notice — even when accounting for the non-state residents who would qualify for cannabis cards if the bill becomes […]

Peter SchorschApril 6, 2017

I’ve not been shy about expressing my concerns about the implementation of Amendment 2, many of which stem from the fact that I’m the father of a young daughter. From that perspective, it’s imperative to me that Florida exercises necessary prudence and caution while putting in place the mandate from voters on medical marijuana. I’m […]

Peter SchorschApril 5, 2017

The Senate, with the revised version of SB 406, appears to be on what is a fairly balanced means of implementing Amendment 2. Is that my opinion? Maybe. But, as of yesterday, even the intrepid Ben Pollara sent an email saying (and I quote), “The Senate bill puts Patients First…” while most parties in attendance […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterApril 3, 2017

A Senate panel is moving forward with its version of a bill to implement the 2016 medical marijuana constitutional amendment, approving an amended version of the proposal during its meeting. The Senate Health Policy Committee approved a bill (SB 406), sponsored by Sen. Rob Bradley, that would implement the 2016 medical marijuana constitutional amendment. Facing […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterApril 3, 2017

A Senate panel is poised to approve legislation this week that could add five more medical marijuana treatment centers in Florida by October and lower the threshold for adding additional treatment centers in the future. The Senate Health Policy Committee is scheduled to discuss and vote on a bill (SB 406), sponsored by Sen. Rob […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 28, 2017

A House panel approved legislation Tuesday that would implement the 2016 medical marijuana constitutional amendment, despite concerns from some advocates the proposal doesn’t honor the spirit of the amendment. The House Health Quality Subcommittee voted overwhelmingly to approve a bill (HB 1397) that would implement the 2016 constitutional amendment. Sponsored by House Majority Leader Ray […]

Michael MolineMarch 24, 2017

Legislation that would exempt medical marijuana from sales taxes would cost $24.3 million per year to Florida’s tax receipts, according to an estimate by state economists Friday. HB 1397, by Fort Myers Republican Ray Rodrigues, is one of five medical marijuana bills to enact Amendment 2 that are circulating in the Legislature. It would impose […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 22, 2017

Sen. Rob Bradley indicated he is willing to support opening up the medical marijuana market more than he first proposed, but continues to believe vertical integration is the right system for Florida. Bradley, an Orange Park Republican, filed one of five medical marijuana implementing bills this Legislative Session. His proposal (SB 406) would, among other […]

Tag: Medical marijuana
Image via Palatka Main Street.

Legislature makes slow progress on medical pot rules

Jim DeBeaugrine: Revenue from medical marijuana for treatment, prevention would be minimal

Cost of tax exemption for medical marijuana would be minimal

New wrinkles in Florida’s medical marijuana implementation raise doubts, concerns

Is the Senate on the right path on medical marijuana?

Senate panel OKs medical marijuana bill, speeds up pace for new licenses

Senate amendment quickens pace for medical marijuana treatment center growth

House Health Quality Subcommittee approves medical marijuana implementing bill

Revenue conference prices sales tax exemption for medical marijuana

Senate begins discussion of medical marijuana implementing legislation