The Florida voters did not approve Amendment 2 on November 4, 2014. This means smokable, euphoric medical marijuana use and possession will not be legal in Florida. However, this "no vote" on Amendment 2 does not impact the already legal non-euphoric use and possession of low-THC cannabis under SB 1030, the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014, commonly referred to as "Charlotte's Web."
Charlotte's Web, which became legal over the summer on June 16, 2014 when Governor Rick Scott signed it into law, authorizes physicians licensed under the Florida Statutes 458 (medical doctors) and 459 (doctors of osteopathy) to order low-THC cannabis beginning January 1, 2015 to treat qualifying patients with cancer and physical medical conditions that chronically result in seizures or severe and persistent muscle spasms, as well as symptoms related to these conditions. Low-THC cannabis contains 0.8 percent or less of tetrahydrocannabinol ("THC") and more than 10 percent of cannabidiol ("CBD"), making this type of marijuana non-euphoric.
GrayRobinson, P.A. will continue to counsel and advise clients regarding Charlotte's Web and any future developments that may arise regarding a broader, legal use of medical marijuana. For additional news and information about marijuana in Florida, including the status of the rules to implement SB 1030, please review the articles here. For more information about Charlotte's Web or the implications of Amendment 2 failing to pass, please contact the member of the GrayRobinson Regulated Products Industry Group with whom you work.