Teresa Spencer
Words by Teresa Spencer
Ah, the Mary Jane enthusiasts — the passionate crowd that loves more than just the high. We’re talking about folks who appreciate the plant, the process, and the purpose. Whether it’s for medical relief, growing the perfect bud, crafting edibles or just vibing with like-minded people, the cannabis community is vast, creative, and steadily growing (pun very much intended).
Although you can get your medical marijuana card in the state of Florida if you have qualifying health conditions that are diagnosed by a doctor who then can prescribe you the precious plant, many Floridians are pushing for the opportunity to cultivate marijuana at home.
This group is finding a louder voice recently and note, they’re not just users — they’re advocates, gardeners, entrepreneurs, and sometimes even scientists experimenting with strains, terpenes, and THC/CBD balances. And polls tell us that cannabis consumers in Florida are inclined toward home cultivation in efforts to save money, control product quality assurance and experience personal satisfaction.
A recent survey by The Harris Poll indicated that 81% of cannabis consumers nationwide believe all Americans should have the right to cultivate marijuana at home. In Florida, approximately 26% of cannabis consumers reported having already grown marijuana at home with many others expressing interest in doing so, according to Compassionate Healthcare of Florida.
So, what’s the scoop on when us Floridians may be able to have some good ol’ homegrown cannabis? Senator Joe Gruters proposed Senate Bill 546 (SB 546), which was introduced in the Florida Senate on Feb. 7, 2025.
Key Provisions of SB 546:
- Cultivation Certificate: Qualified patients must apply to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for a certificate authorizing home cultivation. The department is tasked with establishing procedures for issuing, renewing, and revoking these certificates, including rules for the inspection and registration of each cannabis plant.
- Plant Limit per Residence: Regardless of the number of qualified patients residing at a single location, no more than two cannabis plants may be cultivated at that residence.
- Location and Security: Cultivated plants must not be visible to the public without special aids and must be grown in an enclosed, locked space to prevent access by unauthorized individuals and those under 21 years of age.
- Landlord Consent: Applicants leasing their residence must provide documentation demonstrating that the property owner consents to marijuana cultivation on the premises.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: Violations of the proposed provisions would constitute a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
As of April 10, there have been no further actions or updates on the bill since its introduction. The legislative process involves multiple stages, including committee reviews, potential amendments, and votes in both legislative chambers. The timeline for these proceedings can vary, and as of now, no specific schedule has been announced.
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