FL S1820

Creates the Medical Marijuana Public Employee Protection Act (s. 112.219) prohibiting public employers from taking adverse action against qualified medical marijuana patients, except when use impairs job performance demonstrated by specific articulable symptoms.

Requires employers to provide written notice within 5 business days of a positive marijuana test result and allow employees/job applicants 5 business days to explain the result or request a confirmation test at their own expense; employers must pay for confirmation testing if employee's explanation is unsatisfactory.

Removes the requirement that physician examinations for medical marijuana certification be conducted in the same physical room as the patient and authorizes research institutes, state universities, and licensed third-party entities to grow, possess, test, transport, and dispose of marijuana for research purposes.

Establishes reciprocity for nonresident medical marijuana patients and caregivers, allowing out-of-state patient identification cards to have the same effect as Florida cards if they meet specified criteria; requires the Department of Health to immediately register qualifying nonresident patients in the medical marijuana use registry.

Creates the Medical Marijuana Testing Advisory Council within the Department of Health to advise on marijuana testing policies and standards, with members from state agriculture, universities, testing laboratories, dispensaries, and qualified patients, with annual reporting to the Governor and Legislature.

Authorizes telehealth providers to prescribe controlled substances to qualified medical marijuana patients, in addition to existing allowances for psychiatric treatment, hospital inpatient care, hospice, and nursing home residents.