In a move that could significantly expand access to medical cannabis for Florida’s military veterans, state lawmakers have introduced legislation that would eliminate annual registration fees for veterans enrolled in the state’s medical marijuana program. The proposed bill also includes a provision to extend the renewal period for medical marijuana identification cards from one year to two, reducing both the financial and logistical burdens on patients.
The bill, which has received early bipartisan support, reflects a growing acknowledgment of the role medical marijuana can play in helping veterans manage a range of health conditions, including chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and more. For many veterans, cannabis has become a preferred alternative to prescription medications like opioids or benzodiazepines, which often carry a risk of dependency and long-term side effects.
Currently, patients in Florida’s medical marijuana program must pay a $75 annual fee to the state’s Department of Health to maintain their active status in the Medical Marijuana Use Registry. Veterans, many of whom live on fixed incomes, have cited this fee—and the annual renewal requirement—as ongoing barriers to maintaining their access to legal cannabis treatment.
If passed, the new bill would waive this annual fee for all qualified veterans and reduce the frequency of renewals, allowing veterans to hold their medical marijuana cards for two years instead of one. This would not only provide financial relief but also streamline access, especially for veterans who may have limited mobility or transportation.
“This legislation is about honoring the commitment we’ve made to those who have served our country,” said one Florida lawmaker sponsoring the bill. “We recognize that medical marijuana has become a vital tool in improving the quality of life for many veterans, and this bill helps remove unnecessary red tape that makes it harder for them to get the help they need.”
Veteran advocacy groups and medical cannabis organizations have praised the proposal, calling it a step in the right direction. “Veterans face enough challenges when they come home,” said a spokesperson for a Florida-based veterans cannabis support network. “Making access to medicine easier—and more affordable—should be a priority.”
Florida is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the country, with over 1.4 million veterans residing in the state. Advocates argue that the proposed changes would not only benefit veterans medically but could also help normalize the use of medical cannabis among older populations and underserved communities.
The bill is expected to be reviewed in upcoming committee hearings and, if approved, could be signed into law later this year. While some critics question the potential loss in state revenue from waived fees, supporters argue that the social and health benefits far outweigh the modest cost.
As Florida’s medical marijuana program continues to evolve, this proposal signals a broader shift toward compassionate cannabis policy—one that prioritizes accessibility, affordability, and respect for those who have served.