Lawmakers frustrated with progress of medical marijuana accessibility

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Health officials meet next week to hammer out details of growing and dispensing low THC marijuana. The meeting comes after an administrative law judge threw out a proposed rule developed by the Health Department.

Four states have legalized recreational marijuana, and 23 states have some form of medical marijuana. But the law passed by Florida lawmakers last year is one of the most restrictive medical marijuana laws in the country.

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The law required that five licenses for growing and distributing the non-euphoric pot be issued by Jan. 1. It hasn't happened and lawmakers are frustrated.

"I feel terrible for these families because we gave them our promise that we would have this ready to roll out to patients on Jan. 1," said Rep. Katie Edwards. "So it's imperative to us we have a product that's safe and effective that we can get to these patients."

Some lawmakers aren't waiting for low THC marijuana. A powerful senator has filed a medical marijuana bill similar to what 57 percent of voters said they wanted in November. Another said they will file a full legalization, or recreational marijuana, similar to Colorado and other states.

The original sponsor of low THC pot expects it all to be discussed.

"I think its an important discussion to have," said Sen. Bob Bradley. "Speaking for myself, I'll tell you that what I want to see is that we crawl before we walk and walk before we run."

After failed rule making attempts, the Department of Health will try negotiating a rule next week with all the key players.

At the earliest, the new rule won't be in place until the first of March, when lawmakers start meeting. And if the rule isn't ready, expect hearings.