Florida HB 387 was a bill that was introduced in the Florida House of Representatives in 2023. The bill was passed and expanded the state's medical marijuana program by allowing patients to renew their certifications via telehealth appointments and by allowing physicians to recommend medical marijuana for more conditions.
The bill was sponsored by Representative Randy Fine. Fine is a Republican from Palm Beach County. Fine is a strong supporter of medical marijuana. He believes that medical marijuana should be available to as many patients as possible.
The bill was ultimately passed by the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate. The bill was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 4, 2023. The law will go into effect on July 1, 2023.
The expansion of the medical marijuana program is a victory for medical marijuana advocates in Florida. It is a step in the right direction, and it will make medical marijuana more accessible to patients who need it.
Here are some of the key provisions of Florida HB 387:
- Allows patients to renew their certifications via telehealth appointments.
- Allows physicians to recommend medical marijuana for more conditions.
- Creates a new registry for patients who are eligible for medical marijuana.
- Requires the Department of Health to create a website with information about the medical marijuana program.
- Requires the Department of Health to conduct a study on the impact of the medical marijuana program.
The expansion of the medical marijuana program is a positive development for Florida. It will make medical marijuana more accessible to patients who need it, and it will help to ensure that patients have access to safe and effective medical care.
The bill's passage is a win for medical marijuana advocates in Florida, who have been fighting for years to make medical marijuana more accessible. The bill's passage is a sign that the tide is turning in favor of medical marijuana, and it is a victory for patients who rely on medical marijuana to treat their conditions.
The bill's passage is also a win for the state of Florida. The expansion of the medical marijuana program will bring in millions of dollars in tax revenue, and it will create jobs in the medical marijuana industry. The expansion of the medical marijuana program is a win-win for everyone involved.
How telehealth benefits Florida marijuana patients
Telehealth is a convenient and affordable way for patients to access medical marijuana. Patients can use telehealth to renew their certifications without having to travel to a doctor's office. This is especially beneficial for patients who live in rural areas or who have difficulty traveling.
Telehealth can also be a more discreet way for patients to access medical marijuana. Patients can use telehealth to speak with a doctor about their medical marijuana needs without having to worry about being seen by others. This can be important for patients who are concerned about the stigma associated with medical marijuana use.
The telehealth provision is also a win for common sense. In our post-COVID world, there’s no sane argument to support forbidding a patient's access to care using available, commonly-accepted medical tools for recertifications.
New conditions for which physicians are allowed to recommend marijuana
The expansion of the medical marijuana program in Florida also includes new conditions for which physicians are allowed to recommend marijuana.
Here is the new, expanded list of conditions set to take effect July 1st, 2023:
- Alzheimer's disease
- Anxiety
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Chronic pain
- Crohn's disease
- Epilepsy
- Fibromyalgia
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Huntington's disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Insomnia
- Muscle spasms
- Nausea
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Seizures
- Severe nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy
- Tourette's syndrome
The expansion of the medical marijuana program in Florida is a positive development for patients who need medical marijuana to treat their conditions. The program will make it easier for patients to access medical marijuana, and it will help to ensure that patients have access to safe and effective medical care.