Winter Garden medical marijuana distribution center opens

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Knox Medical is the fourth organization to receive authorization to distribute low-THC medical marijuana in the state of Florida.

The facility opened for distribution on Wednesday morning.

Florida's Department of Health gave the Winter Garden-based organization authorization over the weekend. Knox Medical spokesman Adam Sharon said the group expects to begin in-home delivery to patients by Friday.

Knox's approval is the first since Amendment 2 was passed overwhelmingly by voters last month.

The amendment broadened access to pot beyond the limited therapeutic uses approved by the state legislature two years ago.

Department of Health spokeswoman Mara Gambineri said 208 physicians and 1,150 patients are currently in the state registry for ordering and using medical marijuana.

News 6 reporter Sachell Saunders went on a tour of the new business on Wednesday.

The lab will be used to blend cannabis, then THC oils are extracted, tested, and sent off for packaging. Knox will sell the cannabis in oil drop form or with a vapor pen for varying prices based on income.

Patients would first need approval from doctor's who've gone through state training.

"This is a new world, not quite pharmaceutical, and not quite pot. It's a new space in medicine and it's an exciting time for sure,” Knox founder Jose Hidalgo said.

Knox plans to open dispensaries in both downtown Orlando and Gainesville to distribute the medication. For now, orders will be delivered by mail. The first orders go out Dec. 9.