Browsing Florida

Voters in Florida will be presented once again with a proposal to legalize medical marijuana in the Sunshine State, and two polls released this week indicate that Amendment 2 will receive the 60% needed to pass. On Monday, the Florida Chamber of Commerce released a poll that found 73% support Amendment 2, while only 22% opposed it. The poll has a margin of error of +/-4 percent. “Both of these polls indicate that Amendment 2 is likely to garner the 60% super-majority required in Florida to pass.” Then, on Wednesday, the Saint Leo University …

Supporters of a proposed constitutional amendment to create a comprehensive medical marijuana law in Florida have received nearly 650 times more individual donations than the opposition. Despite this shocking fact, anti-marijuana foes have still raised more money, having received contributions from deep-pocketed prohibitionists. “In 2014, a similar proposed amendment to legalize medical marijuana in Florida was narrowly defeated, garnering 58% of the vote but needing 60% to pass.” United for Care, the organization responsible for placing Amendment 2 on the November ballot, has received over 7,000 individual donations in support of their campaign, with most donations ranging between $5 …

On Monday, March 2, 2015, Jesse Teplicki became the first person in Florida history to be acquitted of a cannabis-related criminal charge by a jury because of medical necessity. Teplicki, 50, has battled anorexia since age 9, and cannabis has been the only medicine that effectively alleviates his condition. His acquittal is legal history in Florida and may influence future decisions by prosecutors and juries. Jesse Teplicki’s Arrest In January 2013, Teplicki was arrested by the Broward’s County Sheriff’s Office for growing cannabis. He faced up to five years in prison …

It has been a busy day at the polls for marijuana reform with several states and even our nation’s capital proposing change to current marijuana laws. Both Washington D.C. and Oregon voted in favor of legalizing the recreational use of cannabis. However, Florida’s Amendment 2 bill did not gain enough support and will not be enacted. Washington D.C. Voters Legalize Recreational Marijuana Washington D.C. voters passed Initiative 71 with a 65% “yes” vote. This initiative makes the recreational use of marijuana legal in the nation’s capital for the first time. Residents will be allowed to posses up to 2 ounces …

Introduction Florida’s Amendment 2, the Florida Right to Medical Marijuana Initiative, is currently on the ballot, and its passage would legalize the use of medical marijuana in the state. Florida is the only U.S. state with a medical cannabis amendment on the ballot this November 4th, and if at least 60% of Floridians vote YES on 2, it will be the first southern state to legalize cannabis as medicine. Passage of Amendment 2 will legalize only the medicinal use, and not the recreational use, of cannabis. Ballot Summary Amendment 2 “ …

Florida is now the 23rd state to legalize cannabis in the United States, although it is extremely limited in scope. It is now legal to for five individuals chosen by the state to grow low-THC cannabis, and see that it gets processed into an extract for children and adults suffering from epilepsy, Lou Gehrig’s disease and cancer. Governor Rick Scott Signed Charlotte’s Web Bill Monday Governor Rick Scott signed senate bill 1030 into law allowing cannabis with low …

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Last week, the Florida Senate overwhelmingly passed a CBD-only bill 36-3 – the first time Florida state legislators passed a bill to legalize medicinal marijuana. Further, the Florida House on Thursday overwhelmingly passed the bill as well with a 111-7 turnout, which surprised many. Florida Senate Passes SB 1030 For CBD-Rich Cannabis SB 1030, sponsored by Senators Rob Bradley (R), Aaron Bean (R), and Jeff Brandes (R), would allow cannabis with low levels of …

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Two legislators from Florida introduced identical initiatives Monday that would legalize medical marijuana. The move comes shortly after it was reported that similar legislation has qualified for the popular ballot in November. Senator Jeff Clemens (D) and Representative Joe Saunders (D) each introduced bills to legalize medical marijuana in attempt to make it easier to pass. They have been named Senate Bill 962 and House Bill 859. As written, the measure would specify tight state regulation for doctors to prescribe marijuana for treatment of conditions like cancer, HIV/AIDS, ALS (aka Lou Gehrig’s disease) and other severe ailments.

TAMPA, FL — Despite opposition from State officials and a pending Supreme Court decision, the push for medical marijuana in Florida has garnered enough support to force a vote in November, according to reports. “We have collected close to 900,000 signatures and by Monday or Tuesday of next week, we should be close to 1 million,” said Ben Pollara, campaign director for People United for Medical Marijuana said last week. “We are going to make it.” …

Florida Supreme Court Hears Arguments About Medical Cannabis The Florida Supreme Court heard in favor of and against a pending ballot measure to legalize medical cannabis in the state. The hearings were scheduled after Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi flagged the ballot language as misleading in October. The measure was proposed by People United for Medical Marijuana (PUFFM) earlier this year and has received notable support throughout the state. The group has collected nearly 500,000 signatures in support of their amendment.