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California seeks control of unruly medical pot industry

 
Published April 28, 2017

LOS ANGELES — Florida isn't the only state trying to figure out how to handle the demand for medical marijuana. California — which isn't as new to the game — is trying to get control of what's become an unruly industry.

That state on Friday released draft regulations intended to impose order on the loosely organized marketplace that was created over two decades ago. The proposal would establish the first comprehensive rules for growing, testing, transporting and selling medical pot.

Meanwhile, the use of recreational pot becomes legal in California on Jan. 1. Similar rules are being created for the recreational industry.

There are differences, and a bill in the Legislature seeks to square the recreational pot law with the rules for medical marijuana. California's draft regulations are expected to take months to review.

In Florida, meanwhile, lawmakers are inching closer to an agreement of their own on medical marijuana.

On Friday, the Florida House made sweeping changes to its legislation (HB 1397), addressing concerns raised by activists that a bill initially proposed by Majority Leader Ray Rodrigues, R-Estero, made it too difficult for doctors to recommend cannabis to patients and limited access.

Among the changes: Allowing some patients with chronic pain to use the drug, as well as edibles and "vaping"; eliminating a requirement that patients have a three-month relationship with their doctor; and lowering training requirements for doctors.

A final deal is expected to be struck by late next week ahead of Friday's scheduled end of the legislative session.

Times staff writer Michael Auslen contributed to this report.