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Thousands of people in Florida are still waiting for a low-THC medical marijuana law to be put into place. As Matt Galka tells us, federal intervention could make things a little more complicated going forward.

More than 220 days have gone by since Florida lawmakers passed a law allowing low-THC forms of medical marijuana.

A framework for implementing that law is still not in place. The Department of Health had until Monday to appeal a judge’s order to rewrite the rules.  Medical marijuana advocate Taylor Biehl is hopeful something is in place soon.

“Our guess is that they will not appeal, and they will continue to work on the legal guidelines for the rule in the coming weeks,” said Biehl.

The best scenario for low-THC medical marijuana in the state is that rules will be ironed out and in place in about two months. A new guideline from the feds could cause more confusion, however.  Sovereign Indian nations, including ones in Florida, will now be allowed to grow marijuana on their land.

Barney Bishop, who worked with a group to keep broad based medical marijuana laws out of the state’s constitution, says if that happens for tribes, the state needs to address it.

“I think that will be something, as we work thorugh some medical marijuana and low-THC legislation for this coming session, we’ll take a look at this issue, because obviously that would be one that would have an impact on how much is going to be available,” said Bishop.

Biehl says the pot business as a bargaining chip for a gambling deal.

“I certainly think this gives juice to tribe with regards to compact negotiations,” he said.

The state is in the middle of trying to renew a deal with the Seminole tribe for blackjack and other card games. According to a Seminole tribe spokesman, marijuana is not being considered at this time.