Industry Advocate Calls for Patient-Centered Reforms to Florida’s Medical Cannabis Program

West Palm Beach, FL — March 30, 2026 

A Florida-based industry professional and patient advocate is urging the Florida Department of Health (DOH) and the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) to reevaluate key regulatory policies that may be limiting patient access within the state’s medical cannabis program. The concerns are outlined in a formal submission to regulators,  which can be viewed in full here 

Established under Section 381.986 Florida Statutes, Florida’s program has grown into the largest medical cannabis market in the United States. However, concerns remain that its regulatory framework continues to prioritize restriction and market control over patient accessibility and physician-directed care.

The program’s origins under SB 1030 – Florida Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act (2014) –  set a precedent for limited licensing and vertical integration.  Today, Florida remains one of the most restrictive states in terms of market participation, despite significant patient enrollment.

Continued regulatory changes have intensified these concerns. The implementation of Rule 64ER22-8  standardized supply limits intended to support oversight and prevent diversion. However, data from the 2026 Physician Certification Pattern Review indicates a growing number of Requests for Exception (RFEs), suggesting that default dosing caps may not align with individualized patient needs. Critics argue that this framework shifts aspects of treatment decision-making away from physicians and toward administrative processes.

Additional barriers have emerged through Rule 64ER23-2 Florida, which narrows caregiver eligibility and imposes stricter requirements for non-family caregivers. Advocates warn that these changes disproportionately impact elderly patients, individuals with disabilities, and those without traditional family support systems.

Access challenges are particularly pronounced in long-term care settings. While Florida law permits medical cannabis use in facilities such as nursing homes and assisted living centers, the absence of clear operational guidelines has led many facilities to prohibit use altogether due to liability concerns. This gap leaves some of the state’s most vulnerable populations without viable access to physician-recommended treatments.

Further compounding the issue is a disconnect between statutory intent and market reality. Although Florida law includes provisions for low-THC cannabis products designed for medically vulnerable patients, the current marketplace is dominated by high-THC formulations, limiting access to balanced therapeutic options.

“Success should not be measured solely by enrollment or revenue,” the advocate stated. “A truly effective medical program must ensure consistent, safe, and affordable access, especially for patients who depend on it most.”

The release calls on regulators to evaluate whether current rules represent the least restrictive means of achieving public health objectives while remaining aligned with legislative intent. Key areas for consideration include long-term care access policies, caregiver participation barriers, supply limit frameworks, and product availability standards.

As Florida’s patient population continues to grow, particularly among older adults, stakeholders emphasize the need for a more patient-centered approach that reflects the realities of those relying on medical cannabis as part of their care.