Move to cap THC in medical marijuana stalls in Florida Senate
A proposed cap on the level of euphoria-inducing THC in medical marijuana has hit a snag in the Florida Senate, leaving a priority of the House in jeopardy as time runs down on the legislative session.
Senate Health Policy Chairwoman Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, introduced a proposal Monday that would have capped THC levels in medical marijuana for patients under age 21. Harrell tried to add the plan to a broad Department of Health legislative package but backed away after facing questions from members of the Senate Rules Committee.
Harrell’s proposal would have capped THC in all forms of medical marijuana for patients under 21, with two exceptions. The cap would not have applied to patients who are terminally ill, and doctors could have requested a waiver from the Department of Health for patients they believe need higher levels of THC. But Harrell’s amendment ran into trouble when several senators on the Rules Committee began questioning the rationale for the cap.
Sen. Jeff Brandes, a St. Petersburg Republican reminded Harrell that children under age 18 already are required to have approval from two doctors to be eligible for the cannabis treatment. Therefore, a cap would not be necessary.