The Florida House has agreed to Senate-backed language that would require the state to remove patients and caregivers from the medical marijuana registry if they’ve been convicted of drug-related crimes, including some tied to the illegal marijuana market.
Florida State Capitol.
As part of the latest health care budget negotiations, the House is now siding with the Senate in supporting a provision that directs the Department of Health to revoke medical marijuana registrations for any patient or caregiver who pleads guilty or no contest—or is found guilty—of violating Florida’s Controlled Substances Act (Chapter 893, F.S.).
The language comes from SB 2517, which mandates the state revoke registration following a conviction or plea related to substances covered under Chapter 893. That includes cases where someone is caught delivering 20 grams or less of marijuana without compensation or purchasing more than 10 grams of a controlled substance. While “low-THC cannabis” and hemp are excluded, the measure applies to synthetic cannabinoids and Delta-6, 8, 9, and 10 THC.
Although the change hasn’t been officially finalized, it’s increasingly likely to become law. If adopted, the Department of Health would be forced to expel patients and caregivers from the state’s medical marijuana program for certain criminal convictions—even if their offenses were marijuana-related and occurred prior to, or alongside, their participation in the legal system.
This could have significant consequences for those who turned to Florida’s regulated medical marijuana system to leave the black market behind. While the state may vote on legalizing adult-use marijuana in 2026, those with criminal records tied to non-medical cannabis activity could face new barriers under the current medical framework.
The proposal also notes that a defendant’s claim of ignorance about a substance’s illegality is not a valid legal defense. Simply possessing a banned substance can serve as evidence that the person knew it was illegal.
