In early 2025, Florida lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 546 (SB 546), a proposal aimed at expanding the rights of qualified medical marijuana patients by allowing them to cultivate up to two cannabis plants in their homes. This bill represents a significant shift in Florida’s medical marijuana policy, which currently requires all patients to purchase cannabis exclusively from state-licensed dispensaries. If passed, SB 546 would provide greater access, affordability, and autonomy for medical marijuana patients across the state.
Key Provisions of SB 546
The bill, introduced by State Senator Joe Gruters, outlines specific regulations for home cultivation to ensure compliance with state laws. Some of the primary provisions include:
- Eligibility Requirements – Only registered medical marijuana patients in Florida who have received approval from a licensed physician would be allowed to cultivate cannabis at home.
- Plant Limitations – Each patient is permitted to grow a maximum of two plants for personal medicinal use. However, if multiple patients live in the same household, the limit remains two plants per residence.
- Cultivation Certificate – Patients must apply for a certificate through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services before they can begin growing cannabis.
- Regulations and Compliance – The state would establish rules for plant registration and home inspections to ensure that patients comply with safety and security measures.
- Restricted Sales and Distribution – Patients are strictly prohibited from selling or distributing any cannabis they grow. The plants must be used solely for personal medical treatment.
The Motivation Behind the Bill
Supporters of SB 546 argue that medical cannabis patients in Florida need more affordable and accessible treatment options. Currently, patients can only obtain medical marijuana from state-licensed dispensaries, which often charge high prices due to regulatory costs and state-imposed restrictions. Allowing patients to grow their own medicine could significantly lower expenses and give them control over the strains and potency best suited for their needs.
Attorney Paula Savchenko, an advocate for cannabis reform, emphasized that some patients live in rural areas where the nearest dispensary is hours away. Home cultivation would alleviate accessibility issues, particularly for those who rely on cannabis for chronic pain, epilepsy, PTSD, and other debilitating conditions.
Concerns and Opposition
While the bill has garnered support from patients and advocacy groups, it has also faced opposition from law enforcement, policymakers, and certain business interests. Some of the main concerns include:
- Regulatory Challenges – Opponents worry that monitoring home cultivation may be difficult, leading to potential illegal distribution.
- Two-Plant Limitations – Critics, including Chris Cano of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), argue that two plants may not produce enough cannabis to sustain some patients, particularly those requiring consistent, high-dosage treatments.
- Dispensary Pushback – The medical cannabis industry in Florida, which operates under a vertically integrated model, could face profit losses if patients choose to grow their own supply rather than purchase from dispensaries.
What’s Next for SB 546?
As of February 2025, the bill has been referred to the Senate Health Policy Committee for review. If approved, it will move through additional legislative hurdles before potentially becoming law. If enacted, SB 546 would take effect on July 1, 2025.
This bill marks a pivotal moment for medical marijuana patients in Florida, as it could set a precedent for further cannabis reform. With increasing public support for patient rights and accessibility, SB 546 could be a stepping stone toward broader legalization efforts in the state.