Florida Weekly Policy Update

January 5, 2026

Florida Lawmakers Propose Changes to Medical Marijuana Access and Renewals

As the 2026 legislative session begins, Florida policymakers are considering targeted updates to the state's medical marijuana program that could significantly affect patients, physicians, and licensed operators in the medical cannabis space. While national cannabis and hemp policy activity is accelerating, Florida's focus this week centers on medical marijuana access, administrative efficiency, and veteran support.

Senate Bill 1032

Filed December 30, 2025, proposes several amendments to Florida's medical marijuana framework. The bill would adjust patient renewal timelines, expand physician-issued supply limits, and reduce costs for qualifying veterans.

If enacted, these changes would represent one of the most meaningful patient-centered updates to Florida's program in recent years.

Key Provisions in SB 1032

Expanded Supply Limits
Qualified physicians would be allowed to authorize up to ten 70-day supplies of smokable medical marijuana, or twenty 35-day supplies, offering greater flexibility in treatment planning. This proposal gives physicians more discretion while reducing unnecessary disruptions for patients managing chronic conditions.

More Frequent Patient Evaluations
The bill revises required evaluation frequency for existing patients from every 104 weeks to every 30 weeks. Supporters argue this improves patient monitoring and aligns treatment decisions more closely with current medical needs, while maintaining appropriate physician oversight.

Biennial ID Card Renewals
SB 1032 shifts medical marijuana identification card renewals from an annual to a biennial cycle. This change would reduce administrative burden on patients and caregivers, streamline Department of Health processing, and improve continuity of access for qualified patients.

Veteran Fee Waivers
The bill requires the Department of Health to waive all medical marijuana ID card fees for eligible U.S. military veterans, including issuance, replacement, and renewal fees. This provision expands access for veterans while recognizing their service.

Why This Matters in Florida

Florida has one of the largest medical marijuana patient populations in the country. Administrative delays, renewal costs, and rigid supply limits can create real barriers for patients—especially seniors, veterans, and those with chronic conditions.

For licensed operators, these changes could improve patient retention and continuity of care, increase predictability in purchasing patterns, and reduce administrative friction across the system. At the same time, SB 1032 maintains physician oversight and does not alter Florida's core regulatory structure.

Policy Activity in Other States Impacting Florida-Based Businesses

Many Florida operators work across state lines through sourcing, distribution, manufacturing, or investment. For those businesses, policy shifts outside Florida—especially in nearby states—can have direct operational and compliance implications. Below is a snapshot of key activity, ordered from states closest to Florida outward.

Alabama
Alabama lawmakers are advancing legislation that would significantly restructure the state's hemp market. Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) would limit sales of non-psychoactive consumable hemp products exclusively to licensed pharmacies and classify certain psychoactive hemp derivatives as Schedule I substances. For Florida businesses sourcing hemp products, ingredients, or manufacturing partnerships from Alabama, this proposal could affect supply chains, retail access, and compliance requirements if enacted.
Bill link: SB 1

Michigan
Michigan has implemented population-based cannabis licensing caps that are now in effect. A package of bills limits new marijuana retailers and medical provisioning centers to one license per 5,000 residents per municipality, reshaping future market expansion. Florida companies with ownership interests, partnerships, or expansion plans in Michigan should evaluate how these caps may affect licensing strategy and local approvals.
Bill links: HB 5442 | HB 5443 | HB 5444

Oklahoma
Oklahoma continues tightening operational requirements for medical marijuana businesses through multiple bills addressing employee credentialing, zoning compliance, and financial disclosures. These changes increase compliance responsibilities for multi-state operators, particularly those managing staffing, facility locations, or ownership transfers.
Bill links: SB 1305 | SB 1352 | SB 1364

Wisconsin
Wisconsin lawmakers are considering Assembly Bill 503 (AB 503), which would redefine hemp using total THC (including THCA) and expand testing and certification requirements across the supply chain. Changes to hemp definitions in Wisconsin may influence broader national discussions around testing standards and product compliance.
Bill link: AB 503

Massachusetts
Massachusetts remains one of the most active cannabis policy environments in the country. Lawmakers are advancing legislation to modernize cannabis laws, expand medical marijuana eligibility, and update medical program requirements. Because Massachusetts often serves as a regulatory model, these developments are closely watched by policymakers in other states.
Bill links: H 4206 | S 79 | S 83

Colorado
Colorado regulators are proposing updates to reclaimed water regulations that would explicitly allow hemp irrigation under defined public health and safety standards. While geographically distant from Florida, Colorado's approach to agricultural and hemp regulation often influences policy conversations in other regions.
Regulation link: Reclaimed Water Regulations

For Florida businesses operating beyond state borders, these developments reinforce the importance of monitoring multi-state policy trends. FHAA encourages members with interstate exposure to remain informed and engaged as regulatory landscapes continue to evolve nationwide.

Federal Advocacy Remains Essential in 2026

While Florida lawmakers consider updates to the state's medical marijuana program, federal policy discussions continue to pose significant risks for hemp and medical cannabis access nationwide. Congress will remain actively engaged throughout 2026 on issues that could affect product legality, interstate commerce, enforcement priorities, and regulatory clarity.

For Florida patients and small businesses, federal decisions can quickly override or complicate state-level progress. That is why FHAA, working alongside national partners, will continue sustained federal advocacy throughout the year—focused on protecting legal access, promoting clear and workable rules, and ensuring that responsible operators and consumers are not caught in shifting federal uncertainty.

State progress and federal engagement must move together. FHAA will remain active on both fronts to protect Florida's interests in the year ahead.