Florida’s medical marijuana program is currently the largest in the United States, boasting over 900,000 registered patients. Although a 2024 measure to legalize adult-use marijuana in Florida fell short of the 60% threshold required for passage, it still received considerable bipartisan support. Meanwhile, the medical program has continued to grow rapidly.
As the 2025 legislative session begins, various bills have emerged from lawmakers across party lines. This indicates a growing bipartisan interest in enhancing access and affordability for patients enrolled in the medical marijuana program.
Among the proposed legislation are measures to legalize home cultivation for medical patients and provide protections for public employees who are also medical patients. Notably, a comprehensive bill, SB 552, introduced by Senator Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota), aims to eliminate many barriers that currently hinder patient access. These reforms could significantly improve the lives of many Floridians relying on medical marijuana.
SB 552 is designed to lower costs for patients and alleviate transportation challenges. It proposes that patients only need to renew their registration every two years instead of annually. Additionally, the bill would allow physicians to recommend larger quantities of marijuana, reduce the frequency of required evaluations, and permit telehealth visits with doctors instead of mandating in-person appointments.
Importantly, the bill also waives registration and renewal fees for veterans, ensuring these individuals have the best possible access to treatments, including plant-based medicine.
Through my experience with Surterra in various Florida communities, I’ve witnessed that the main barriers for patients seeking medical cards are high costs and the difficulty in accessing transportation for necessary in-person physician certifications. Therefore, reducing costs and minimizing in-person visits are crucial steps.
The proposed legislation also seeks to expand the list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana patients and enable reciprocity. This would allow patients from other states with medical marijuana programs to access their medicine at Florida dispensaries. Such measures would be a significant relief for patients traveling into Florida, who currently face challenges in obtaining their medication.
For instance, a child with epilepsy who depends on medical marijuana to manage symptoms should be able to vacation in Florida without the worry of accessing their medication. Currently, these families risk criminal charges for traveling with their medication or must resort to unregulated THC hemp products, which raises concerns about safety and quality.
I am heartened to see Florida lawmakers recognizing the need for meaningful policy solutions that empower patients. These initiatives aim to expand access, protect patients in their workplaces, and grant patients the right to grow their own medicine at home—a measure that Surterra has long supported.
The bottom line is that making medical marijuana more accessible and affordable will enhance the lives of patients throughout Florida.
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