Fourth Medical Marijuana Distribution Center Authorized

Knox Medical Authorized To Distribute Medical Marijuana

A fourth Florida organization has been authorized to distribute low-THC cannabis for a short list of medical conditions.

The authorization comes one month before a state constitutional amendment, Amendment 2, becomes effective. Amendment 2 was endorsed by 71 percent of Florida voters and becomes effective on January 3rd. It will allow higher-strength marijuana to be used for more medical conditions.

Knox Medical, an organization based in Winter Garden, received authorization from the Florida Department of Health over the weekend. On Tuesday the organization announced that it expects to begin in-home delivery to patients by Friday.

In late July Trulieve (Hackney Nursey) and Alpha Surterra in Tampa Bay received approval for distribution. In early September Modern Health Concepts (Costa Nursey Farms in Miami-Dade County) was approved for distribution as well.

Two more distribution centers are waiting authorization.

The current law allows non-smoked, low-THC pot for patients with cancer and other medical conditions that cause chronic seizures or severe spasms. Mara Gambineri, a spokeswoman for the Department of Health, told WJHG that there are currently 208 physicians and 1,150 patients in the state registry for ordering and using medical marijuana.

With the passing of Amendment 2, state legislation has six months to revise current rules. Senate President Joe Negron told WJHG that legislation should take the text of the amendment and put it verbatim what the voters approved when the session begins in March.

Current dispensary areas are in Tallahassee, Tampa, Clearwater and southern Miami-Dade County. More cities across the state continue to pass temporary moratoriums of the opening of more locations, but they do not affect home delivery.

Knox derided the licensing process. Last year Know received the highest score and then had a myriad of problems over the last 11 months. McCrory’s Nursey, finishing second to Knox, claimed that Knox’s delivery of $5 million performance bonds came after the deadline.

The Florida Department of Health questioned Knox’s performance bond and gave them 15 days to rectify, which they did.