Florida Senator Joe Gruters Files Bill to Allow Home-Grown Marijuana, But Expecting Little Support
Florida Senator Joe Gruters has introduced a bill that would allow medical marijuana patients aged 21 and older to grow up to two cannabis plants for personal use. However, the Republican senator from Sarasota doesn’t expect much support from his colleagues for the proposal.
Gruters filed the bill, SB 546, after a proposed constitutional amendment to legalize recreational marijuana failed to pass in November. He believes that allowing people to grow their own marijuana is similar to making their own beer, and that it should be done in a regulated manner.
Under the proposal, medical marijuana patients would need to apply to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for a certificate to grow their own cannabis. The plants would need to be located in a place where they cannot be easily seen from the street or neighboring property.
Gruters acknowledged that there is little interest among his Republican colleagues in moving forward with marijuana-related legislation. He expressed hope that his proposal would still be considered, but is not optimistic about its chances.
The bill is expected to be introduced during the upcoming legislative session, which begins on March 4.
