Politics
House advances Susan Valdés measure cutting costs of medical marijuana cards for veterans
Identical legislation has been filed in the Senate.
Legislation reducing the cost of a medical marijuana card for people honorably discharged from the military is moving forward from the House Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee.
Rep. Susan Valdés’ bill (HB 887) would cut the fee from $75 to $15, a move the Hillsborough Republican says would increase access for veterans, via a “simple bill with a very big impact.”
“Reducing the costs of access is not symbolic for the veterans. It directly moves a costly barrier that often keeps already underserved veterans from participating in a program that can support their health, stability and their overall well-being,” Valdés said.
Praise abounded for the proposal from the public.
A Florida Cannabis Action Network representative noted that a similar version of this bill got to the floor last year, and pointed out that this filing comes after President Donald Trump said he wanted to lower cannabis to a Schedule 3 drug.
“It’s an issue whose time has come,” said Hector Roos of the Libertarian Party.
Committee members also lauded the bill.
Democratic Rep. Mitch Rosenwald said a “lot of veterans have PTSD and other mental health challenges” and “cannabis works as part of the treatment plan.”
It is unknown how many of the state’s more than 932,000 medical marijuana card holders were once in the armed services. The bill will help answer that question, but more importantly, it will help the veterans themselves, Valdés said.
“Considering how many veterans in the past have been on medications such as opioids and things of this nature, this is an opportunity to assist veterans being able to obtain a much better way of dealing with their medical issues.”
