DeSantis Bans Medical Marijuana in Sober Living Facilities

With a new bill just signed into law, Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has effectively banned medical marijuana from sober living facilities, even if authorized by a medical doctor.

According to SB 210, those who are seeking licensing to operate recovery residences under the state Department of Children and Families will need to affirm that they do not permit the use of cannabis, which “includes marijuana that has been certified by a qualified physician for medical use.”

The law expressly prohibits medical marijuana as other prescription drugs are not affected by the bill and will be allowed to be used in sober living facilities.

In order to receive certification, a prospective recovery residence will need to provide documentation, including a policy and procedures manual. The new law will amend that requirement to specifically mandate that the manual includes a prohibition on marijuana, regardless of a person’s status as a medical cannabis patient.

Gov. DeSantis does not have a friendly history towards medical marijuana.  The governor has just officially banned the sale of legal smokeless hemp to people under the age of 21, the first ban of its kind in Florida.  As a presidential candidate, he has also clarified he would not decriminalize marijuana as president.

His main 2024 Republican presidential oppenent, former President Trump (R) has also not endorsed the use of marijuana, claiming he would take a look at [legalizing] but the substance is not exactly helpful.

"I mean, you see the same studies." Trump added, "It’s not helping people.  I mean, studies are saying that it does damage. It does significant damage—and yet, from a voting standpoint, it’s a pretty popular thing."