Thursday, September 11, 2014

Florida Medical News In The Limelight

By Kerri Stout


Florida is a place known for sunshine and good health. It is also a place where a number of people go looking to heal body, mind and spirit. There are also a number of existing patients living in the State who would benefit greatly from cannabis. As such, current Florida medical news is often focused on issues related to legalization for medical use.

For a select few, this came to pass when the Governor signed a "compassionate use act, " earlier this year. In large part, thanks to a young girl having seen the benefits of the drug on seizures. Once this story broke, it seemed a number of States started to explore different aspects of medical marijuana and legalization.

As Florida now has authority to distribute at least one medical marijuana strain to patients, there is a need for production. The owners of one warehouse are now looking to implement a large grow in order to fulfill this need. A question remains though as to whether such a facility will be legal either now or in the future. For, while some areas require patients grow the herb at home, others require dispensaries grow all product on site.

The owners also hope that having an ongoing supply will keep the cost down for patients who desperately need the drug. As there is currently no insurance available with regards to obtaining this type of medication, keeping cost down is a key aspect in keeping the program legal.

With that being said, there has been progress in seeing the drug reclassified to a lower level than that of cocaine, crack, heroin and other harder drugs. In most areas, children are taught that marijuana is a gate way drug to harder ones. For the most part, this ideology and belief has been squashed by the proof that the drug has been beneficial in curing disease and overcoming the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

It is hoped that this new warehouse will see success in the production and distribution of medicine to patients now and in the future. As to what happens to existing dispensaries if full legalization is passed in a State remains to be seen. In most cases, as medical marijuana contains far more THC than other strains, the two will remain separate and apart.

The owners of the facility are somewhat anxious to deliver product to those in need. It is also impressive that the owners wish to do so in a way that will keep cost down to the patient. For example, it is hoped that automatic equipment can be used to expedite the production process, thus saving time and money. It will be interesting to see if the distribution center can operate without interruption from the federal government if only producing product on a State or local level.

The Governor signed a compassionate use law in early 2014. Florida, while no program has been fully implemented, is now on its way to having a legal medical marijuana program in place. Though, for now, use is limited to those with seizures, those who are terminally ill and others depending on the seriousness of symptoms or the classification of the disease.




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