Florida Senate Bill 1666 - Medical Use of Marijuana

• Implements Florida Constitutional Amendment 2 by creating a unified regulatory structure for medical marijuana, replacing separate low-THC cannabis and medical cannabis programs with a single "marijuana" framework

• Establishes "Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers" (MMTCs) to replace "dispensing organizations," requiring registration with the Department of Health and authorizing them to cultivate, process, and dispense marijuana; initial 5 MMTCs plus 10 additional before October 3, 2017, with 4 more MMTCs added for every 25,000 active qualifying patients thereafter

• Authorizes physicians to issue "physician certifications" (instead of orders) for marijuana and delivery devices if they hold an active license, complete a 4-hour course (reduced from 8 hours), conduct a physical exam, and determine medical use would outweigh health risks; requires annual recertification

• Establishes caregiver system allowing qualifying patients over 21 to designate one caregiver who must pass background screening, complete a 1-hour course, and receive a compassionate use registry identification card; expands caregiver options for patients under 18

• Requires Department of Health to issue identification cards to qualifying patients and caregivers by October 3, 2017, and creates a 30-minute educational program for patients; prohibits marijuana importation but allows exportation under federal and state law