Florida Medical Cannabis Patients Face Loss of Access Under New Drug Law Enforcement

New State Law Allows Immediate Suspension of MMJ Cards for Drug Charges—Even Without a Conviction

Florida’s estimated 920,000 registered medical marijuana patients could lose access to their medicine under a sweeping new law that empowers state officials to suspend or revoke patient rights based on drug-related legal issues even in the absence of a conviction.

Signed into law on June 30, 2025, by Governor Ron DeSantis, Senate Bill 2514 grants the Florida Department of Health the authority to permanently revoke medical cannabis registration cards from patients or caregivers who plead guilty, no contest, or are found guilty of specific violations under Florida’s drug statutes.

More controversially, the bill also allows for the immediate suspension of medical marijuana access for anyone merely charged with certain drug offenses. That means patients could be denied access to legal cannabis even before their case is resolved in court.

Marijuana Access Framed as a Privilege, Not a Right

According to SB 2514’s backers, the intent is to ensure Florida’s medical marijuana program isn’t exploited for purposes beyond its health-related scope. Evan Power, chairperson of the Republican Party of Florida, emphasized that access to cannabis under the state’s program is a “privilege” that can be revoked if abused.

He added that Florida lawmakers aim to deter those who might misuse the system and ensure that medical cannabis remains strictly for legitimate health conditions that have been designated under Florida’s MMJ guidelines.

Political Motives and Anti-Marijuana Sentiment

The law’s passage marks another chapter in Governor DeSantis’ increasingly hardline stance on marijuana. Once viewed as a potential Republican frontrunner in the 2024 presidential election, DeSantis has consistently opposed both medical and recreational cannabis expansion, positioning himself against the growing pro-legalization movement.

His administration has vocally opposed Amendment 3, the adult-use cannabis initiative that was placed on Florida’s 2024 ballot but ultimately failed. The measure was largely funded reportedly to the tune of $150 million by Trulieve Cannabis, a Tallahassee-based multistate marijuana operator and Florida’s dominant MMJ license holder.

Despite national trends in favor of marijuana reform, DeSantis appears to be doubling down on opposition. Some critics argue that his stance is less about public health and more about appealing to conservative voters and corporate interests aligned with pharmaceutical companies.

John Morgan Blames Big Pharma for Cannabis Pushback

Prominent Florida attorney and marijuana legalization advocate John Morgan says the real forces behind anti-MMJ policy are major pharmaceutical interests.

Morgan, who helped fund previous marijuana ballot initiatives, has accused drug manufacturers and retailers of protecting their business models by lobbying against cannabis legalization.

He added that the pharmaceutical industry has been responsible for “criminal” behavior that contributed to countless overdose deaths across the U.S.

Impact on Patients: Guilty Until Proven Innocent?

One of the most concerning provisions in the new law is that MMJ access can be suspended the moment a charge is filed, not just after a conviction or guilty plea.

This has raised red flags for legal advocates and civil liberties groups, who argue that the state is essentially punishing patients without due process.

She noted that in Florida, many low-level drug charges are later dismissed or pleaded down, meaning innocent patients could face months or years without legal access while their cases work through the system.

Legal Landscape: Growing Tensions Between State Policy and Public Opinion

Despite DeSantis’ anti-cannabis posture, polls consistently show strong support for marijuana legalization in Florida both for medical and adult use. Over 70% of Floridians voted in favor of the state’s medical marijuana program in 2016.

And although Amendment 3 failed to cross the finish line in 2024, cannabis advocates are not backing down. Trulieve is already backing another adult-use legalization campaign for 2026, hoping to capitalize on shifting demographics and growing public acceptance.

Meanwhile, patients and dispensaries remain in limbo, uncertain how strictly SB 2514 will be enforced and whether charges like simple possession—especially for substances other than marijuana—could cost them access.

What Happens Next? Enforcement Questions Remain

State officials have yet to issue full guidelines for how SB 2514 will be implemented, including what specific drug charges will trigger immediate suspension, how patients will be notified, and what the appeals process will entail.

Health advocates are urging the Department of Health to issue clear rules and allow for appeals so that patients are not wrongfully denied access.

A New Era of Restriction for Florida Cannabis Patients

Florida’s new cannabis enforcement law signals a more punitive turn in the state’s MMJ policy one that may challenge the balance between public safety and patient care.

While supporters claim the law ensures accountability, critics say it unnecessarily targets vulnerable patients and reflects a broader political strategy aimed at halting marijuana reform in its tracks.

Whether the courts or voters push back against the policy remains to be seen. But for now, Florida medical cannabis patients face more scrutiny than ever and the risk of losing their access has never been higher.