Yesterday, Senate Bill 146, which would protect the parental rights of qualified medical marijuana patients in Florida, was officially assigned to three Senate committees.
If enacted, the legislation filed by State Senator Tina Polsky (D) would amend section 39.806 of the Florida Statutes to ensure that a parent’s status as a medical marijuana patient cannot be used as grounds to deny or restrict custody, visitation, or parenting time. Additionally, the bill would prevent such status from being presumed as evidence of child neglect or endangerment.
SB 146 has been assigned to the Rules Committee, the Judiciary Committee and the Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee. If passed into law, the measure would take effect on July 1, 2025.
Florida legalized medical marijuana in 2016 through a constitutional amendment, allowing patients with qualifying conditions, such as cancer and epilepsy, to access medical marijuana with a physician’s recommendation. Patients must obtain a Medical Marijuana Use Registry Identification Card to legally purchase and use cannabis products under state law.
Senate Bill 146 addresses concerns that parents adhering to state medical marijuana regulations could face discrimination in custody or dependency proceedings. The bill’s movement to committee signals progress in safeguarding the rights of these parents.
For more information on this bill, click here.
