Kelly Greene
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The extremely controversial issue, Amendment 2, also referred to as the Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative will be back on the ballot for general election on Tuesday, Nov. 8. Voting “Yes,” supports legalizing medical marijuana for individuals with certain debilitating diseases or conditions, as determined by a licensed state physician. Voting “No,” will oppose the proposal for legalization of medical marijuana and keep the state's current medical marijuana program in place.
Amendment 2 was on the ballot two years ago on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014, but it failed to win the majority vote. Voters opposed the proposal due to some of the loopholes which may allow minors to get ahold of marijuana and many disagreed with the wording, which would allow doctors to prescribe the plant for any major medical reason.
No- Madison County Sheriff, Ben Stewart, is opposed to passing the Amendment 2 proposal. Stewart says that he feels that this proposal will circumvent the medical process with their plans to make changes to the constitution with this amendment and changes made to the constitution are practically impossible to reverse. He goes on to say that the so called caregivers will “be glorified pot dealers.” In addition, every other drug goes through the Food and Drug Administration, but this amendment will side-step the normal medical process and allow for “pot shops” or dispensaries, instead of pharmacies, to distribute the “so-called medical marijuana,” with merely a recommendation from their doctor. Stewart went on to explain that deeming the drug to be used for medical reasons will put HIPPA laws into effect protecting the drug, therefore, creating a problem when you have some 18 year olds still in high school. These laws would nullify any laws set in place to keep the drug out of our schools. Stewart would urge voters to vote “No” this Nov. 8, as there are already laws in place, such as Charlotte's Web for medicinal purposes. He feels that if people want Amendment 2 for recreational purposes they should call it that and not medical marijuana.
Yes- United for Care would urge voters to vote “Yes” on the ballot for Amendment 2. United for Care is an organization that was established in Orlando and is run by People United for Medical Marijuana to advocate for the legalization of medical marijuana for debilitating diseases, in the state of Florida. The organization is currently chaired by Orlando Attorney John Morgan, who has held the position since March 2013 and has raised over $7 million for this cause. Morgan and other supporters have provided arguments that justify their claims on voting “yes” for Amendment 2. According to the organization, “Studies show that many patients suffering with HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, cancer and chemotherapy, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and other debilitating illnesses find that marijuana provides relief from their symptoms.”
I Don't Know- There are some organizations that do not wish to take a particular position for or against the Amendment 2 proposal. The current Madison Police Department Chief of Police Kenneth Moore, when asked in which direction would he lead voters in and what his position was concerning Amendment 2, his response entailed information concerning the currents laws in effect. Chief Moore referred to the F.S.S. 893, which governs this issue and prohibits any use thereof with the exception of Charlotte’s web. He goes on to say that Marijuana is a Schedule 1 narcotic and said that “Amendment 2 will be decided by the voters of this State.” He also stated that this is the only statement he would make concerning this issue. Sarah Revell who is the Media and Marketing Manager for the Florida Department of Health, made a statement on their behalf saying that “the Florida Department of Health does not have a stance on Amendment 2.” Additionally, President and CEO of the Florida Hospice Palliative Care Association (FHPCA), Paul Ledford states on their behalf that FHPCA has not taken a position concerning Amendment 2. “If the law changes, I believe some of our members will explore medical cannabis, as a therapy option,” Ledford goes on to say.
Regardless the position concerning Amendment 2 that each individual holds, it is important that voters go to the polls on Nov. 8, so that their opinion will count.