Legislative leaders in Florida hold the future to the implementation of the state’s medical cannabis. The leaders are not particularly enthusiastic supporters of the drug.
Florida voters approved the Amendment 2 which permits the state Legislature to come up with policies to monitor a new medical cannabis business. The law was passed with 71 percent of the vote.
Although Senate President Joe Negron and House Speaker Richard Corcoran have been expressing clashing ideologies, they seem to be in agreement over the issue of marijuana.
Corcoran, R-Land O’Lakes said that they will protect the constitution by respecting the people’s decision.
In November, he opposed Amendment 2 but he has stated that he expects the House to introduce a proposal to execute the amendment.
Throughout the campaign, Negron, R-Stuart, did not express an opinion regarding Amendment 2. Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, who is Negron’s trusted friend plans to open up competition among sellers and growers by filing a medical cannabis bill in the Senate.
According to Negron, they have a duty to implement the amendment because the voters have shown a clear intention to add cannabis as another option to be used for their medical needs.
Medical marijuana growers who own state licenses have signed up to lobby the House.
Under the current program, they have limited consumers. The program allows patients like those who are terminally ill to use full-strength marijuana and children suffering from severe epilepsy, to use a strain of cannabis that will not cause a euphoric high.
The Florida for Care group has this week hired lobbyist to push its agenda. This is the group behind Amendment 2.
Ben Pollara; the campaign manager for the group, has stated that they will work to ensure the “perfect” do not become the enemies of the “good,” while still being very reasonable. He added that their first priority for 2017 will be passing a law that avoids a court battle.
The group argues that Florida residents want to see marijuana being used to treat more illnesses like HIV and cancer. They would also wish to grow the industry so that it can incorporate more competition from more growers.
The constitutional amendment goes into effect on Jan. 3 but the Florida Department of Health has not made a clear communication on how it will continue with its regulation of marijuana when the law starts working.
Marijuana proponents in Florida will be hoping the uncertainty on the issue comes to an end early so that they reap the full benefits of medical marijuana.
