This bill amends section 893.03 of the Florida Statutes to exclude cannabis and its derivatives from Schedule I of controlled substances when used for bona fide scientific research purposes. The new legal language specifies that cannabis and its derivatives may be utilized for research conducted under applicable federal, state, or institutional regulations. This change aims to facilitate scientific inquiry into the potential benefits and applications of cannabis, which has garnered increasing interest in the medical and scientific communities. The bill also proposes the addition of various synthetic cannabinoids and substituted cathinones to the list of controlled substances, detailing specific compounds that will be classified as illegal unless exempted.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new legal definitions and classifications for various chemical compounds, particularly focusing on substituted phenethylamines, tryptamines, and phenylcyclohexylamines. It includes detailed descriptions of compounds while explicitly excluding certain substances from these classifications. The legislation aims to enhance regulatory measures against emerging synthetic drugs by clearly defining the substances under its jurisdiction, thereby protecting public health and safety. The bill establishes an effective date of October 1, 2025, allowing for necessary adjustments and preparations for enforcement of the new regulations.

Statutes affected:
S 728 Filed: 893.03