This past November, Florida’s activists, backers, and patients in need suffered a devastating blow when Florida’s proposed medical marijuana bill, Amendment 2 was defeated. 57.2% of Florida’s voters signed off on the measure, falling just shy of the 60% needed to legalize medical marijuana in Florida and prolonging the state’s wait for safe access.
Fortunately, the state’s activists and backers remain dedicated to the cause and will again attempt legalize medical marijuana, this time by placing a similar bill on 2016’s ballot. This measure, submitted to the Florida Secretary of State’s office yesterday by People United for Medical Marijuana, will closely resemble Amendment 2 but with a few conservative modifications.
This amendment explicitly states that medical marijuana can only be provided to those with “debilitating medical conditions” through a licensed doctor’s recommendation. Moreover, the new bill states that the state can prohibit felons from becoming caregivers and that children can only qualify for medical marijuana via a parent’s consent.