Florida’s New Law Threatens Medical Marijuana Users with Card Suspension or Revocation
A new law in Florida, effective this month, has raised concerns among medical marijuana users and advocates. The law, SB 2514, allows the state to temporarily or permanently suspend or revoke medical marijuana cards for individuals who violate the state’s “Drug Abuse Prevention and Control” laws. This law applies to nearly one million people in Florida who have prescriptions to buy medical marijuana.
According to local attorney John Morgan, who bankrolled the 2016 campaign to legalize medical marijuana, the law is a result of massive Republican campaign contributions from pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and big chain pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens. Morgan believes that these companies are opposed to medical marijuana because it reduces the demand for their addictive medications.
Morgan also pointed out that the pharmaceutical industry has a history of promoting opioids, which have contributed to the opioid crisis that has killed many people. He argues that the industry’s opposition to medical marijuana is motivated by a desire to maintain their profits.
Republican Party of Florida Chair Evan Power defended the new law, stating that medical marijuana is a privilege and that there can be responsibilities added to it. However, many argue that medical marijuana is a constitutional right that was approved by voters in 2016.
Dr. Joseph Rosado, a local medical marijuana prescriber, opposes the new law, comparing it to someone being arrested for driving under the influence and having their driving privileges restored. He believes that the law penalizes and criminalizes medical marijuana users unfairly.
The new law’s implications are unclear if a new effort to place recreational marijuana on the ballot next year succeeds and is approved by 60% of Florida voters. For now, medical marijuana users in Florida are left to navigate the new law and its potential consequences.
