Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Bans Medical Cannabis Use in Care Facilities

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has officially signed a bill prohibiting the use of medical cannabis in care facilities across the state. This ban applies even to residents who have been prescribed cannabis by a physician, highlighting DeSantis's stringent stance on cannabis regulation

The decision comes on the heels of DeSantis's declaration that he would not support federal cannabis decriminalization if he were to win the 2024 presidential election. He cited concerns about potential harm from cannabis, including the possibility of fentanyl contamination, despite existing regulatory measures to ensure product safety

Senate Bill 210, signed last week, mandates that any recovery center seeking a license must demonstrate that it does not permit the use of medically prescribed or adult-use cannabis. This move is part of a broader strategy to tighten control over cannabis use within the state's healthcare and recovery systems

In addition to this legislation, DeSantis vetoed House Bill 605, which aimed to reform the state's criminal justice system by allowing the expungement of cannabis-related criminal records. This veto stands in contrast to President Biden's recent actions to clear such records at the federal level, indicating a divergence in policy approaches

Despite these restrictions, DeSantis has endorsed measures to support the state's medical cannabis program, including allowing telehealth renewals for medical cannabis recommendations and promoting the involvement of Black farmers in the industry. Meanwhile, a petition in Florida has gathered enough support to potentially put adult-use cannabis legalization to a vote, reflecting ongoing public interest in cannabis reform