Medical Cannabis Coalition

Senator Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton) filed Senate Bill 1472 “an act relating to medicinal cannabis research and education.” A companion to SB 1472, was filed last week, by Representative Jackie Toledo (R-Tampa) in the House.
“Florida is a leader in developing innovative health care solutions, and creating opportunities for researchers in our state to responsibly inform new medicines and treatment options is a top priority,” said Sen. Galvano. “Right now, there is anecdotal evidence suggesting the positive benefits medicinal cannabis can have on patients in certain circumstances, but this legislation will help the State of Florida advance the science and research around cannabis as a treatment option for a variety of medical conditions.”
The research concerning the use of cannabis to alleviate pain and treat illnesses is limited because permission to perform clinical studies on cannabis is difficult to obtain, with access to research-grade cannabis so restricted that little or no unbiased studies have been performed.
This legislation would establish the Coalition for Medicinal Cannabis Research and Education within the Moffitt Cancer Center. This Coalition would enable Moffitt to organize rigorous scientific research, provide education and information, disseminate research performed, and inform statewide policy on medicinal cannabis.
“We are excited to partner with Sen. Galvano in support of this important legislation that will expand the research opportunities available to medical experts in the state to provide empirical evidence on the potential benefits and harms of medical cannabis,” said Thomas A Sellers, Ph.D., MPH, Center Director at Moffitt Cancer Center.
In November, the voters approved Amendment 2 to allow for medical use of cannabis in the state of Florida. Amendment 2, passed with 71% of voter approval.