A new Florida bill aims to give medical marijuana patients the green light to grow their own cannabis plants at home. But it doesn’t stop there. The legislation also takes a tough stance on hemp-derived cannabinoids, proposing stricter regulations to address what some see as a booming, yet unchecked, market.
Home Cultivation: A New Frontier for Patients?
Senator Joe Gruters (R) has introduced Senate Bill 334, a measure that would allow registered medical marijuana patients in Florida to cultivate up to two cannabis plants. However, the proposal comes with strings attached. Plants must be kept out of public view, locked away securely, and inaccessible to anyone under 21.
The catch? Even households with multiple qualified patients would be restricted to the two-plant limit. And violations wouldn’t be a slap on the wrist—a first-degree misdemeanor charge could lead to a year behind bars or a $1,000 fine.
For many patients, this bill represents a step forward in accessing affordable, tailored treatment. However, critics point out that the two-plant limit might fall short of meeting the needs of some users who rely heavily on cannabis for managing chronic conditions.
The War on Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids
While expanding home cultivation rights, SB 334 also tightens the leash on hemp products. Specifically, it seeks to ban cannabinoids like delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, THCA, THCV, THCP, and HHC from hemp-derived goods. These compounds have surged in popularity, largely due to a legal gray area that’s allowed them to escape regulation.
In addition to banning certain cannabinoids, the bill sets a hard cap on delta-9 THC, the psychoactive component in marijuana, limiting it to 2 milligrams per serving and 20 milligrams per package. It also clarifies that delta-9 THC levels should include THCA, a precursor that converts to delta-9 when heated.
The proposed restrictions would further limit where and how hemp extracts can be sold. For example:
- Sales would be prohibited within 500 feet of schools, daycares, or other hemp-related businesses.
- Retail stalls at festivals and street corners would be outlawed.
- Public advertisements for hemp extracts would be restricted across the board.
These measures reflect growing concerns about the accessibility of high-potency hemp products, especially among minors.
The Politics Behind the Proposal
Sen. Gruters is no stranger to marijuana reform debates. A vocal supporter of last year’s Amendment 3, which sought to legalize recreational cannabis for adults, Gruters now finds himself navigating the divide within his own party. While Amendment 3 ultimately failed to meet the required 60% threshold for constitutional amendments, Gruters has maintained his stance that broader marijuana reforms could benefit the state.
Governor Ron DeSantis (R), however, remains a staunch opponent of marijuana legalization. His administration has repeatedly raised concerns about public consumption and the broader societal impact of loosening restrictions. DeSantis even vetoed a bill last year aimed at banning intoxicating hemp products—a move seen by some as a strategic play to rally the hemp industry against Amendment 3.
A Long Road Ahead for Legalization
As Florida’s marijuana policy continues to evolve, the push for reform shows no signs of slowing. The campaign behind Amendment 3 has already filed a revised proposal in hopes of making the 2026 ballot. This persistence reflects the growing demand for marijuana access among Florida residents, despite the state’s high bar for constitutional changes.
For now, SB 334 represents a significant, albeit cautious, step in reshaping Florida’s cannabis laws. By balancing expanded patient rights with tighter market regulations, the bill attempts to address both advocates’ calls for greater access and opponents’ fears of an unregulated industry. However, the proposal’s ultimate fate will likely hinge on whether lawmakers—and voters—can find common ground on these contentious issues.