A state panel on Monday continued to gather information as it crunches the numbers on a proposed constitutional amendment allowing the medical use of marijuana.
For example, the state’s Department of Revenue told members of theĀ Financial Impact Estimating Conference thatĀ itĀ still hasn’t decided whether to classify medical cannabisĀ as “agricultural production” because it is a controlled substance under federal law.
But it was certain that, if patients used “medicated lollipops” with marijuana, thoseĀ can be taxed as a “candy” item.
More uncertainties arise, however, if marijuana will beĀ ingested in certain otherwise non-taxable foods.
AnotherĀ proposed constitutional amendmentĀ is in the works that addresses medical marijuana, and supporters are trying to get it on the 2016 ballot.
The conference’s eventual financial report is a part of that process.Ā A similarĀ initiativeĀ failed at the ballot boxes last year.
In 2014, the state also legalized low-THC, or ānon-euphoric,ā marijuana to help children with severe seizures and muscle spasms.Ā Charlotteās Web, a particular strain of non-euphoric marijuana, is usually ingested as an infused oil.
The Department of Health is nowĀ setting up a system to make sure sick kids canĀ get the drug. That includes approving five nurseriesĀ in the state to grow the plant.
And last week, two Republican state lawmakers announced they were filing legislation to allowĀ stronger varieties of pot as medical marijuana inĀ Florida.
State Rep. Matt Gaetz of Fort Walton Beach and state Sen. Rob BradleyĀ of Fleming Island filedĀ HB 307Ā and SB 360Ā in their respective chambers.
Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia allow medical marijuana under state law, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, but selling marijuana is still a federal crime.
Monday was the lastĀ scheduled workshop; a formal conference now is set for next Monday, Oct. 19.
