Florida Bill Would Require Public Schools to Allow Medical Cannabis

A bill requiring public schools to allow medical cannabis use has been introduced in Florida, according to a Florida Politics report. Under the measure, counties would designate a caregiver to administer medical cannabis to patients. That caregiver would need to be authorized by the patient’s parents or guardian along with a statement explaining why the student is using medical cannabis during the school day.

The bill includes language exempting the caregiver from civil liability of acting as a “reasonably prudent” person would in discharging the duties of the role.

Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran said schools that do not comply face the withholding of grant money and that superintendents or board members who do not conform could be suspended or removed.

“We could withhold salaries of the superintendent. We can withhold funding to the district. We can withhold and make them ineligible for grants. They risk literally – when the law says, as a school board member or a superintendent, do X, and they’re not doing it, they can risk suspension and removal from office.” – Corcoran, to WTSP

Sen. Bill Montford (D), the bill sponsor, said that the law is necessary because some school board attorneys are “reluctant” to allow medical cannabis use in public schools despite state regulations that require schools to allow it. Those attorneys claim that they cannot support the state policy because cannabis remains illegal federally.

Last month, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed legislation allowing K-12 students to use medical cannabis at schools. Under that plan, parents must bring the products to the campus but prohibits smoking or vaping.