BioTrack in Florida 101
Biotrack, Florida's official statewide track-and-trace system for medical cannabis programs, launched in November of 2024. Upon its launch, this implementation of BioTrack will only function as a state reporting tool with an Application Programming Interface (API) to submit data and generate universally unique barcodes (UUIDs). There is no direct login to the BioTrack State Traceability System (BioTrack STS). This means that all Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTC) in Florida must procure third-party software solutions, such as Flourish, to administer and submit data to BioTrack. Historically, Florida's cannabis tracking system has relied on self-reporting, except for the final retail sale, which is reported to the Medical Marijuana User Registry (MMUR). BioTrack will continue to report data to the MMUR. The Florida Department of Health Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) provides program oversight.
Medicinal Marijuana Legalization in Florida began in 2014 with the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act, which permitted the limited use of low-THC cannabis for specific medical conditions. This was the first step towards embracing cannabis as a therapeutic option in the Sunshine State. In 2016, Florida voters overwhelmingly approved Amendment 2, expanding the list of eligible medical conditions and ushering in a broader medical marijuana program effective January 2017. Subsequent legislation, such as Senate Bill 8A in 2017, further refined regulations and expanded access to medical cannabis by establishing licensed MMTCs and patient registration protocols.
In 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 182 into law, marking another significant milestone by legalizing smokable medical marijuana. This move provided patients with access to marijuana flower, diversifying the forms of cannabis available for medical use within the state. These legislative actions reflect Florida's evolving stance towards cannabis, transitioning from limited allowances to a more comprehensive medical marijuana program that better serves the needs of patients across the state. On November 5, 2024, voters will vote on a ballot initiated constitutional amendment called Florida Amendment 3, the Marijuana Legalization Initiative, which will usher in adult use (recreational) cannabis.
As Florida's track-and-trace system, Biotrack gears up for its first year of operation, Flourish highlights our seamless integration with Biotrack nationally and Florida-specific capabilities. Flourish has served Florida's MMTCs and vertically integrated Multi-State Operators (MSOs) since 2017, including offering the leading integration with the MMUR. We're excited to see the program expand in the coming year.
