Florida’s hopes for a recreational cannabis market took a hit last November when Amendment 3 was narrowly defeated. This setback, combined with the state’s legislative efforts to limit future ballot initiatives and to regulate hemp-derived products like Delta-9, suggests that obtaining a medical marijuana card might be the only way for residents to access legal cannabis in the Sunshine State for the foreseeable future.
This situation has sparked a renewed interest in Florida’s medical marijuana (MMJ) program. Leafwell clinics have partnered with Insa and other local dispensaries to promote this program through a series of in-person events. These events provide free evaluations for medical marijuana cards, excluding the $75 state fee, catering to both individuals who have let their cards lapse and newcomers interested in cannabis.
I attended the first pop-up clinic in Orlando at the Celeste Hotel, which is near the University of Central Florida (UCF). The event was held on Wednesday, April 9, from 3 PM to 8 PM, and drew nearly 400 attendees who were approved for their medical recommendations, which are valid for four months and 20 days. During the event, I had the opportunity to conduct a Q&A with Insa’s CEO and co-founder, Pete Gallagher, and Leafwell’s event partnership manager, Corey Lyons.
Gallagher shared his background, explaining that prior to entering the cannabis sector, he worked in investment management. He and his childhood friend, Pat Gottschlicht, who took a more entrepreneurial path, decided to start a company together after discussing the potential of the cannabis industry. Gallagher noted that his interest in cannabis was sparked in 2013 after reading an article in the New York Times about cannabis legalization in Colorado.
This collaboration between Leafwell and Insa aims to make medical marijuana more accessible to Floridians, especially in light of the current legal landscape. The push for medical marijuana card acquisition highlights the ongoing challenges for those seeking to use cannabis recreationally in Florida.
English 
Spanish 
German 
Czech