Lawmakers OK smokable medical marijuana

Published: Updated:
Photo via Cheryl Holt / MGN

The first bill to remove a ban on smoking medical marijuana has headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk.

“It’s disappointing that it took this long, but it’s definitely a win for Florida patients,” said Nick Garulay, an employee at MyFloridaGreen, a medical marijuana clinic in Naples.

Now, all this bill needs is Gov. DeSantis’ signature to allow medical marijuana patients smoke the plant instead of taking a capsule or using oil.

Gov. DeSantis tweeted Wednesday night, “I thank the Florida legislature for taking action on medical marijuana and upholding the will of the voters.”

Gov. DeSantis gave the legislature until Friday to make it happen.

“I think there’s going to be a major wave with the dispensaries,” Garulay said. “I think the market is going to pick up and people are going to want access to it.”

Garulay says smoking the plant is the oldest and most natural form.

Not every patient will switch over to the smoking option, but patients could see a price drop.

“We will see the price drop in a lot of products as well because the demand for the smokable or raw flavor is going to be so high,” Garulay said.

Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried showed her support for the legislation in a statement, “brings four words to the lips of people across our state: it’s about damn time.”

But not everyone is on board with smokable medical marijuana.

“I’m opposed to it,” said a concerned citizen.

The man did not want to release his name for safety reasons, but says he wants to give the green leaf a red light.

“I still don’t think it should be used,” concerned citizen said. “I don’t think the medical marijuana is properly controlled.”

With Gov. DeSantis likely signing the bill, patients will be able to buy up to two and a half ounces every 35 days. But, people won’t be allowed to smoke inside at work, and they will need proper documentation from a doctor.

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