SEBASTIAN – Medical marijuana is now legal in Indian River County following a new Florida state law that officially went into effect Jan. 3, 2017.
Amendment 2 was passed by voters in November that allows marijuana to treat several medical conditions.
More than 15 doctors on the Treasure Coast are registered to to recommend medical marijuana.
Marijuana is being used to treat patients with specific debilitating diseases or conditions as determined by a licensed state physician. The physician must have an established relationship with the patient for at least three months.
Medical pot can be recommended as an alternative form of medicine after the patient has tried other treatments first.
The Florida Legislature and Department of Health will need to establish new rules and regulations, which is expected to happen by Sept. 9, 2017.
There is also the question of where medical pot dispensaries will take place. Some experts suggest one could be in Ft. Pierce or Vero Beach.
