Florida Department of Health holds first medicinal marijuana workshop in Jacksonville

The conference room at the Duval County Health Department in Arlington was packed with area residents and physicians who were demanding more access to medicinal marijuana in the state following November’s statewide referendum that legalized the drug.

Randy Cheetham said he’s had conditions that required medicinal marijuana for more than 20 years. And even though the drug is legal now, he still can’t get access to it.

“You just make it so hard on us patients,” Cheetham said. “I’m about forced to move to Colorado.” All forms of marijuana are legal there.

“It’s time for action,” said Holley Moseley, an advocate of the legalization of medicinal marijuana before the drug was legalized in Florida.

The standing-room-only crowd routinely burst into applause as the workshop continued.

Many complained not only about limited access to the drug, but also criticized the state for limiting the number of state-licensed cultivation centers to only seven facilities in the state. Some speakers at the workshop said they’re concerned about what they see as a state-sanctioned monopoly that could become a “cannabis cartel in Florida.”

Fred Feldman, who suffers from cancer, said under current conditions in Florida, it’s so difficult to get medicinal marijuana, he’s considered purchasing the drug illegally.

“Quite frankly, I might go out in the street and get it,” Feldman said.

There were also multiple medical professionals on hand during the workshop and they implored the state to take steps to lower the cost of the drug.

Kevin Kafka, managing director of Canna Care Docs, which advocates and assists patients in getting medical marijuana in several states, said the cost for patients is way too high.

“The cost is downright ridiculous,” Kafka said, prompting applause.

The Jacksonville workshop was the first of five being held around the state this week by the Florida Department of Health. The public meetings are designed to get feedback from residents “regarding the implementation of Amendment 2,” the referendum overwhelming approved by Florida voters Nov. 8 that legalized the use of medical cannabis.

The workshops are addressing proposed rules to govern the regulations of medicinal marijuana.

The workshops also come as the seven state-licensed medicinal marijuana growers are now fully functional with several — including the one designated for North Florida outside of Alachua — beginning to provide home delivery for patients needing the drug. Several production facilities are also gearing up to begin the process of opening dispensaries in various cities, including Jacksonville.

Also, State Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, has filed proposed legislation that could expand the medical marijuana growing system in the state. The proposed measure might not be addressed by the Legislature until March, but it outlines an expansion of the medicinal marijuana production facilities in the state for up to 20 more state-licensed cultivation operations if the number of registered patients in the state exceeds 500,000.

As of now, the number of people registered to get medicinal marijuana in Florida stands at about 2,000.

Drew Dixon: (904) 359-4098