Florida Lawmakers Vote to Slash Medical Cannabis ID Costs for Veterans

The Florida House Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee last week
approved a bill to reduce the cost for veterans to obtain a medical
cannabis ID from $75 to $15, the Miami Times reports.

House Bill 887, co-sponsored by Republican Reps. Susan Valdés and Michelle
Salzman, passed the subcommittee unanimously with bipartisan support.

The bill would affect all honorably discharged veterans who can prove their
status, and the changes would take effect on July 1.

Rep. Valdés called it a “simple bill with a very big impact.”

“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. And by reducing the costs of access, it is not symbolic for
the veterans we serve. It directly moves a costly barrier that often keeps
the already underserved veterans from participating in a program that can
support their health stability and their overall wellbeing.” — Valdés, in a
statement

Rep. Mitch Rosenwald (D) called the proposal “fiscally sound,” and said it
is “the least we can do” for veterans experiencing PTSD and other mental
health challenges.

The proposal will be considered by the House Health Care Budget
Subcommittee next.

An identical proposal in the Senate was introduced on January 13 by Sen.
Keith Truenow (R).