Florida is one of the states in the US that have marijuana-related legislation. The state first passed the law in the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014 CS for SB 1030 (2014) in 2014(Report state medical cannabis laws, n.d). In 2016, Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment that allowed for the use of medical marijuana for specific conditions. The amendment required the Florida Department of Health to regulate the use of medical marijuana in the state. Under Florida law, qualifying patients with a recommendation from a qualified physician can obtain a Medical Marijuana Use Registry Identification Card, which allows them to purchase and use medical marijuana products.
The only illnesses that qualified for marijuana medical interventions in 2014 were severe epilepsy or terminal illnesses. However, other medical conditions now qualify for medicinal marijuana following the amendment of the legislation. The qualifying diseases include HIV/AIDS, epilepsy, glaucoma, cancer, Crohn’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, multiple sclerosis, ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other comparable medical conditions. Minors must have a recommendation from two certified doctors for the use of medicinal cannabis (Report state medical cannabis laws, n.d). Only certified medical professionals can dispense these medications in Florida. Individuals from outside Florida are not allowed to buy medicinal marijuana.
The marijuana-related legislation in Florida has notable strengths and weaknesses. The strengths are medical marijuana is legal and available for qualified patients, relieving those suffering from certain medical conditions, patients can access whole-flower smokable products, and the state has established a regulatory framework (Florida marijuana laws, n.d). Conversely, the weaknesses of the legislation are the illegality of recreational marijuana and the possession of marijuana in more significant quantities being a crime. Other drawbacks include the restrictiveness and limiting of the marijuana program and the need to have a use registry ID.
Differences between State Policies and International Policies on the Use of Marijuana
There are several differences between state and international policies regarding the use of marijuana for medical purposes. The three notable differences are legalization vs. decriminalization, eligibility criteria, and regulation and oversight. In the US, states have taken different approaches to marijuana use for medical purposes. Some states have legalized marijuana for both medical and recreational use (Marijuana laws by U.S. states & internationally, n.d). In contrast, others have decriminalized its use for medical purposes, meaning that while it is still illegal, there are reduced penalties for possession and use. At the international level, very few countries have legalized marijuana for medical purposes. Instead, most countries have decriminalized marijuana for medical purposes, meaning it is still technically illegal.
The eligibility criteria for medical marijuana use can vary between states and countries. In the United States, each state has regulations regarding who is eligible for medical marijuana use. Generally, patients must have a qualifying medical condition, such as cancer or chronic pain, and must obtain a recommendation from a licensed physician. However, some states have stricter requirements than others. At the international level, eligibility criteria for medical marijuana use are typically more uniform (Marijuana laws by U.S. states & internationally, n.d). Patients must generally have a qualifying medical condition and obtain a prescription from a licensed physician.
Another significant difference between state and international policies on the use of medical marijuana is the level of regulation and oversight. In the United States, states that have legalized medical marijuana have established regulatory frameworks to oversee the production, distribution, and sale of medical marijuana. These frameworks vary widely between states but usually involve licensing and regulating growers, processors, and dispensaries (Marijuana laws by U.S. states & internationally, n.d). In contrast, at the international level, there is more centralized oversight of medical marijuana use. Governments or regulatory agencies oversee the production and distribution of medical marijuana, and there may be strict quality control standards in place to ensure patient safety.
Therapeutic Benefits That Are Allowed Under the Marijuana Policy
Some of the therapeutic benefits allowed under the marijuana policy in Florida are pain relief and reduction of inflammation, anxiety and depression, nausea and vomiting, and sleep disorders. According to Florida marijuana laws (n.d), one of the most common reasons medical marijuana is used in Florida is to relieve chronic pain. Medical marijuana is believed to have analgesic properties that can help reduce pain and discomfort associated with conditions such as cancer, neuropathy, and arthritis (Vickery & Finch, 2020). Medical marijuana is also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be helpful in conditions that involve inflammation, such as Crohn’s disease, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.
Medical marijuana may further be beneficial for patients suffering from anxiety or depression. It has been shown to have anxiolytic properties that can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation and well-being (Vickery & Finch, 2020). Moreover, medical marijuana is helpful for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. It can help reduce nausea and vomiting, typical side effects of these treatments. Additionally, Medical marijuana can help patients suffering from sleep disorders such as insomnia. It has soothing properties that promote relaxation and help patients fall asleep more easily.
There are several strengths and limitations of the therapeutic benefits of marijuana policy in Florida. The benefits include relief provision for various medical conditions, alternatives to traditional medication, accessibility to patients, and research promotion (Florida marijuana laws, n.d). For instance, legalizing medical marijuana in Florida makes it more accessible to patients who may have had difficulty obtaining it illegally. The limitations are federal law, limited insurance coverage, potential side effects, stigma, and lack of standardization (Florida marijuana laws, n.d). For example, medical marijuana is not covered by most insurance plans in Florida, making it difficult for some patients to afford it.
Things Implied Under the Specific Conditions That Are Allowed By the Policy
Under the marijuana policy in Florida, specific medical conditions are allowed for the use of medical marijuana. The following are some of the things implied under these particular conditions: Qualifying medical conditions, physician recommendation, registration with the state, dosage, administration, prohibition on public use, and possession limits (Florida marijuana laws, n.d). The medical conditions that qualify for the use of medical marijuana in Florida are listed in the state’s medical marijuana laws. These conditions include cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and other debilitating medical conditions.
To obtain medical marijuana in Florida, a patient must have a recommendation from a qualified physician who has completed a course on medical marijuana use. The physician must determine that the patient’s illness qualifies for medical marijuana treatment and that the potential risks are less than the possible benefits. Patients who have obtained a physician’s recommendation must register with the Florida Department of Health and get a medical marijuana ID card (Florida marijuana laws, n.d). The card must be presented to a licensed medical marijuana treatment center to purchase medical marijuana.
Medical marijuana in Florida must be used following a physician’s recommendation and the instructions provided by the medical marijuana treatment center. Patients must be careful to use the correct dosage and method of administration to avoid potential side effects. Medical marijuana use in Florida is illegal in public places and on school grounds (Florida marijuana laws, n.d). Patients must only use medical marijuana in their private residences. Patients in Florida can possess a limited amount of medical marijuana at any given time. The possession limits vary depending on the type of marijuana product and the patient’s medical condition.
References
Florida marijuana laws. (n.d.). Florida Cannabis Information Portal. Web.
Marijuana laws by U.S. states & internationally. (n.d.). Weedmaps. Web.
Report state medical cannabis laws.(n.d.). NCSL. Web.
Vickery, A. W., & Finch, P. M. (2020). Cannabis: Are there any benefits? Internal Medicine Journal, 50(11), 1326–1332. Web.