Committee advances bill tightening oversight of medical marijuana treatment centers

Representative Gerwig presented House Bill 733 to the Health Care Budget Subcommittee, saying the measure "strengthens oversight of medical marijuana treatment centers by prohibiting those facilities from operating within 500 feet of a park, child care facility, or early learning service provider," and to require physician certifications be renewed every two years.

The bill also updates the statutory definition of low‑THC cannabis by removing a dried‑flower specification so the definition applies to all forms except edibles, and it revises CBD potency requirements. Representative Gerwig told members that those changes would close a loophole that could otherwise allow MMTCs to produce products outside the low‑THC definition.

Representative Gerwig said the bill would enhance public safety by "requiring the emergency suspension of a health care practitioner's license when the individual is arrested for committing, attempting, soliciting, or conspiring to commit an offense related to murder." The measure also expands the definition of dental health professional shortage areas to include dentists and dental hygienists working in free clinics, state hospitals and other public institutions, and adds early steps credentialed early intervention service providers to eligible professionals for an autism micro‑credential program at the University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment.

During public testimony three witnesses signaled support: Barney Bishop, Leslie Doogie of the Florida Dental Hygienist Association, and Jeff Sharkey of the Medical Marijuana Business Association.

With no amendments and no on‑record debate, the committee waived closing and voted to report HB 733 favorably.