Florida has become the 23rd state in the country to allow medical marijuana–to a certain extent.
On Monday, Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed Senate Bill 1030 nicknamed “Charlotte’s Web”, which will allow the use of a low-THC medical marijuana strain in Florida. However, this is not Amendment 2, which will be voted on in November and will expand the use of medical marijuana in Florida if passed.
The signing of the “Charlotte’s Web” bill is focused on helping people suffering from epileptic seizures, cancer and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
“As a father and grandfather, you never want to see kids suffer,” Scott said in a statement. “The approval of Charlotte’s Web will ensure that children in Florida who suffer from seizures and other debilitating illnesses will have the medication needed to improve their quality of life. I am proud to stand today with families who deserve the ability to provide their children with the best treatment available.”
The Charlotte’s Web substance is not a strain that is designed to be smoked. Instead, it will be cultivated in a special way to be very low in THC and as an oil extract to be placed under the tongue.
The bill will go into effect Jan. 1, 2015.
In November, Florida voters will be able to vote on Amendment 2, which would vastly expand the use of medical marijuana in Florida.
