CS/CS/HB 843 - Cannabis Summary

• Authorizes physicians licensed under chapters 458 or 459 to order low-THC cannabis (containing 0.8% or less THC and more than 10% cannabidiol) for patients with serious medical conditions including cancer and neurological conditions when no other satisfactory treatment exists.

• Requires physicians to complete an 8-hour course and examination offered by the Florida Medical Association before ordering low-THC cannabis, and to submit quarterly patient treatment plans to the University of Florida College of Pharmacy for research purposes.

• Establishes a secure electronic compassionate use registry maintained by the Department of Health by January 1, 2015, accessible to law enforcement and dispensing organizations to verify patient authorization and track dispensed amounts.

• Authorizes establishment of four dispensing organizations (one each in northwest, northeast, central, and south Florida regions) with requirements for cultivation, security, accountability, and personnel background screening.

• Appropriates $1 million for the 2014-2015 fiscal year to the Department of Health for cannabidiol research on intractable childhood epilepsy, and authorizes state universities and recognized medical centers to conduct related research under federal regulatory authority.