Florida: Assembly committee votes to limit THC in medical cannabis

Is Florida going to limit THC in medical cannabis? The first step has been taken by a committee of the Florida Assembly, which has passed a bill along these lines.

The bill aims to prevent medical cannabis from being treated as a recreational substance, without providing any specific justification. Representative Spencer Roach, who is carrying the bill, compares what he currently sees in the state's medical cannabis industry to the practices that preceded the opioid crisis.

«You know, 15 years ago, when we look at the opioid crisis, this is what we were seeing. This kind of doctor shopping, drug-seeking behavior,» Roach said.

The text to limit THC levels in tobacco products. Cannabis for medical purposes to 10% for dried flowers and 60% for other products. It would also limit patients to 15,000 milligrams of THC every 35 days.

«We not only have the responsibility to act now, but also the opportunity to act before it's too late,» said Roach.

Pro-cannabis campaigners question the need for restrictions.

«No one has ever died from cannabis. It's a safe and effective medicine and when it's used as part of the medical cannabis program, we make sure the doses are pure and precise,» a declared Jodi James from Florida Cannabis Action Network.

But Roach said state data shows that some doctors are, in his opinion, far too liberal with their prescriptions.

The bill now faces two more hurdles in committee before reaching the House of Representatives. Its biggest challenge will likely be in the Senate, where a similar measure has yet to be scheduled for committee discussion. Florida lawmakers have blocked THC cap legislation for the past two years.

And of course, any measure that passes both chambers will likely require the governor's signature to become law. At this point, Governor DeSantis has given no clear indication of his position.