CS for SB 460 - Medical Use of Cannabis

• Expands medical cannabis access by allowing physicians to order cannabis for eligible patients with terminal conditions (defined in s. 499.0295) in addition to existing low-THC cannabis for cancer and seizure/muscle spasm patients.

• Establishes comprehensive regulatory requirements for dispensing organizations including cultivation standards, pesticide restrictions, testing protocols, security measures (surveillance/alarms), and limits dispensing to 45-day supplies with employee tracking.

• Requires physicians ordering cannabis to complete an 8-hour course, obtain written informed consent, treat patients for at least 3 months prior, and prohibits physicians who receive compensation from dispensing organizations from ordering cannabis.

• Authorizes the Department of Health to approve three additional dispensing organizations when 250,000 active qualified patients register, including priority for Pigford litigation class members and Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association members.

• Creates registration card system for patients and legal representatives, establishes penalties for misuse (first-degree misdemeanor for use in schools, public places, vehicles, or correctional institutions), and preempts local regulation of cultivation while allowing municipalities to regulate dispensing facility locations.