Alabamians Consider Getting Medical Marijuana from Florida

Alabamians are wondering if they’ll be able to cross into Florida for medical marijuana, just like they do for lottery tickets. The answers aren’t clear, but are pointing toward no. There aren’t, however, any provisions in place right now saying that they can’t.

Florida’s Amendment 2 does not have language stating that it is going to be a reciprocating state, according to AL.com. The territory of Florida’s medical marijuana program has yet to be defined. There are no indications that non-residents will be permitted to purchase medical marijuana, and given that Alabama has a restrictive medical marijuana program with only few residents qualifying for Carly’s or Leni’s Laws, many are looking to Florida.

Attorney Richard Blau said, “As I’ve told a lot of clients … it really is a three-step process. This is in many ways still a divided state on this issue. For a system to be approved and work effectively, it’s going to have to be something that has wide support from people on various sides of the issue. That suggests caution.”

The Florida Department of Health has until June 3 to have its regulations completed. The state is ahead of its medical marijuana card issuance though, as that has started and wasn’t expected to start until summer. Florida lawmakers, according to Blau, are likely to take a conservative approach to finalizing regulations.

The first draft of medical marijuana legislation in Florida required residency to qualify. Amendment 2 does not include that language.

Florida Department of Health spokeswoman Mara Gambineri said, “Amendment 2 does not contemplate service to non-Florida residents. The Amendment does not repeal current law.”

Alabamians are urged to keep an eye on developments in Florida as lawmakers work to finalize regulations. The state says it will ensure that all of the “gray areas” are properly covered in their final set of regulations.