Florida health officials will accept applications for 22 medical cannabis licenses in late April, in a long-awaited move announced Friday by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration.
An emergency rule about the licenses generated an immediate buzz in the cannabis industry, as the number of licenses in the state will double. The rule came more than six years after Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment broadly authorizing medical cannabis and after lawmakers in 2017 approved a framework for the industry.
“This is an exciting milestone for Florida’s medical cannabis program, more than five years in the making. These additional licenses are an important step in moving the program forward for Florida’s patients and future licensees,” Courtney Coppola, a former director of the state’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use, told The News Service of Florida.
The Florida Department of Health in December set up the process to apply for new licenses, with applications accepted in “batching cycles.” Under the emergency rule released Friday, 22 licenses will be available, adding to the 22 currently licensed operators. The department will accept applications between April 24 and April 28.
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