Floridas Law Could Revoke Your Medical Marijuana CardFlorida’s New Law Could Revoke Your Medical Marijuana Card for Drug Convictions

In late June 2025, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 2514 (SB 2514) into law, introducing major changes to the state’s medical marijuana program. The new legislation allows the Florida Department of Health to suspend or revoke medical marijuana cards from patients and caregivers charged with or convicted of certain drug-related crimes. This bill has sparked both concern and confusion across the medical cannabis community, as patients fear losing access to their legally authorized medicine.

What Does SB 2514 Do?

Under the new law, any medical marijuana cardholder who is charged with a drug offense under Chapter 893 of the Florida Statutes—which covers controlled substances—will have their card automatically suspended until the legal process is complete. If the individual is later convicted, pleads guilty, or enters a no-contest plea, the Department of Health is required to revoke their medical marijuana card.

The law is particularly strict about offenses involving the sale, production, trafficking, or possession with intent to distribute of controlled substances. However, SB 2514 does not apply to simple marijuana possession or minor offenses related to personal use.

How to Get Reinstated

Once all penalties have been fulfilled—including incarceration, probation, and any court-ordered supervision—a person may apply to have their medical marijuana card reinstated. To do this, they must submit a notarized affidavit affirming that all terms of their sentence have been completed.

However, the bill does not clearly define how long the reinstatement process might take or whether past convictions prior to this bill’s enactment will be retroactively considered. This ambiguity has created unease among patients and medical marijuana advocates alike.

Why This Matters for Patients

SB 2514 introduces a new layer of legal risk for Florida’s medical marijuana patients. Even being charged with a drug-related offense—not convicted—triggers an automatic suspension of their card. For many patients, especially those managing chronic pain, cancer, PTSD, or epilepsy, losing access to medical cannabis can mean a serious decline in quality of life.

Critics argue that the law unfairly penalizes patients who may be caught up in the legal system for minor, non-violent drug charges. There’s also concern that the law could impact individuals who were once part of the illicit market but have since transitioned to Florida’s regulated medical marijuana program in good faith.

Impact on Caregivers and Families

The legislation also applies to caregivers. If a caregiver is charged or convicted under Chapter 893, they too can have their authorization to assist patients suspended or revoked. This could be especially problematic for families relying on a caregiver to manage medication for minors or disabled adults.

A Broader Legislative Context

SB 2514 arrives at a time when Florida’s cannabis laws are under increasing scrutiny. In 2024, an adult-use legalization measure failed to pass. Now, advocates are collecting signatures for a new ballot initiative in 2026 to legalize recreational marijuana statewide. The strict provisions of SB 2514 appear to signal a hardline stance from state leadership, particularly Governor DeSantis, on marijuana policy despite increasing public support for reform.

Meanwhile, several other cannabis-related bills—including those supporting home cultivation, expanded qualifying conditions, and veterans’ access to medical marijuana—were proposed but did not pass the legislature this year.

Legal Grey Areas and Questions

The law raises important questions:

  • Will patients with past convictions prior to June 2025 be affected?
  • How will law enforcement and the Department of Health track and enforce these suspensions?
  • Could a patient lose their card over a misunderstanding or a charge that is later dismissed?

Without clear answers, many in Florida’s medical marijuana community are left wondering how to protect their legal status.

What Patients Should Do Now

  • Stay Informed: Know your rights and understand the implications of SB 2514.
  • Avoid Legal Trouble: Even minor drug-related incidents can now jeopardize your access to medical marijuana.
  • Consult Legal Counsel: If you’re involved in a drug case, speak with an attorney who understands both Florida law and the medical marijuana program.
  • Keep Documentation Ready: If you’ve completed a sentence, prepare your notarized affidavit in case reinstatement becomes necessary.

Final Thoughts

SB 2514 is a significant shift in how Florida regulates its medical marijuana program. While supporters argue it’s a measure to ensure public safety and accountability, critics see it as a punitive step that could undermine patient access to much-needed care. With the 2026 legalization ballot on the horizon, the debate over how Florida should handle marijuana—medical or otherwise—is far from over.

For patients, caregivers, and advocates, the message is clear: stay informed, stay compliant, and stay engaged in the evolving landscape of Florida cannabis law.