A House subcommittee in Florida has voted in favor of a medical marijuana bill that seeks to eliminate patient registration and renewal fees for service-disabled military veterans. The measure, known as HB 1435 and proposed by Rep. Susan L. Valdés (D), received a 14–1 vote in approval. If enacted, the legislation would waive the $75 annual fee currently required to maintain registration in the state’s medical marijuana program.
Rep. Valdés emphasized the potential benefits of medical cannabis for military veterans, stating, “Medical cannabis has shown promise in alleviating symptoms commonly experienced by military veterans, like managing chronic pain, alleviating the effects of PTSD, improving sleep, and reducing the dependency on opioids.” The bill aims to address financial barriers that veterans face when seeking medical marijuana as part of their healthcare solution.
Before advancing the bill, the House Healthcare Regulation Subcommittee incorporated a striking amendment from Rep. Valdés, specifying that the fee waiver applies exclusively to “service-disabled” veterans. To qualify, potential patients would need to submit a DD-214 form, which contains military discharge papers, along with their application for a medical marijuana ID card.
The measure garnered support from various advocates and organizations, including NORML Tallahassee and the Florida Cannabis Action Network. The decision by the subcommittee follows its approval of another measure, HB 1269, which proposes THC limits on adult-use cannabis products in anticipation of a potential legalization ballot initiative in November.
Veterans have been pivotal advocates for legal access to medical marijuana, urging President Joe Biden to expedite the administrative review of marijuana’s scheduling status. Additionally, lawmakers in Congress are pushing for provisions that would enable VA doctors to issue medical marijuana recommendations to veterans in states with legal access.
While the push for medical cannabis access for veterans continues at both state and federal levels, Florida has seen regulatory developments in its medical marijuana landscape. Governor Ron DeSantis signed laws last summer imposing restrictions on medical marijuana advertising and manufacturing, with specific provisions against promoting “recreational” cannabis use. The state also enacted legislation prohibiting sober living facilities from allowing residents to use medical marijuana, even if certified by a doctor.
Despite these regulations, Florida remains a focal point for cannabis-related legislative activity, with ongoing efforts to address key issues and expand access for patients, particularly service-disabled veterans. The outcome of HB 1435 will be closely watched as it progresses through the legislative process.
