Bay Area Man Becomes First Patient In Florida To Receive Cannabis Spray As Treatment
Palm Harbor, Fl – Richard Murphy endures daily seizures and admits life has changed dramatically after a car accident back in 2014. He can no longer function the way he once used to after suffering a traumatic brain injury. His wife, Pam, tells WFLA, “Our lives have changed. He’s on so much medication now.” On […]
Florida Poll Shows 77% Support for Passing Medical Marijuana
(Miami Beach, FL) — In a survey conducted by Anzalone Liszt Research on behalf of United for Care, likely Florida voters favor Amendment 2 – “Use of Marijuana for Debilitating Medical Conditions” – by a margin of 77%-20%. Anzalone conducted a similar survey for United for Care in June, 2014 in which the previous version […]
Pro-Marijuana Candidates Win, Anti-Medical Candidates Lose in Michigan Primary Elections
FLINT- Tuesday’s Primary elections in Michigan were a success story for the medical marijuana advocates who were running, and a horror story for those who’ve made their career out of prosecuting the state’s sick and injured. Notorious Gaylord-area Prosecutor Mike Rola, who authorized massive raids against medical marijuana businesses on multiple occasions, was defeated. Lapeer […]
How the Czech Republic Became a Leader in Cannabis-Infused Topicals
It may be a surprise to learn that many top-shelf cannabis-infused ointments, shampoos, and body creams found across Europe and, increasingly, in the United States are made in the Czech Republic. Entrepreneurs in the heart of Europe are using their traditional cannabis know-how to fill a niche in the world’s growing markets for cannabis-infused topicals. […]
US CO: Column: Reading the Entrails: The Latest Marijuana Polls
URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v16/n525/a02.htmlNewshawk: http://www.drugsense.org/donate.htmVotes: 0Pubdate: Thu, 04 Aug 2016Source: Boulder Weekly (CO)Copyright: 2016 Boulder WeeklyContact: Website: http://www.boulderweekly.com/Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/57Author: Paul Danish READING THE ENTRAILS: THE LATEST MARIJUANA POLLS The latest marijuana legalization polls are out, and they contain bad news and good news. First, the bad news. Recent polls in both Massachusetts and Arizona – two of […]
State of the Leaf: Will Anti-Cannabis Chris Christie OK Medical Marijuana for PTSD?
U.S. News Updates Alaska A member and former chairman of the Alaska Marijuana Control Board, Bruce Schulte, has been ousted from his position by Gov. Bill Walker. The decision was made by the governor as a result of “less than satisfactory” approaches to staff and the administrative process. Schulte was appointed to the position last […]
South Dakota charges 2 men trying to help launch pot resort
By REGINA GARCIA CANO and JAMES NORDAssociated Press FLANDREAU, S.D. (AP) – South Dakota’s top prosecutor charged two consultants who worked with a Native American tribe on its plans to open the nation’s first marijuana resort with drug offenses, accusing them of having seeds shipped from the Netherlands hidden in CD cases and sewn into […]
Campaign To Stop Medical Marijuana In Florida Raises More Money With 7,056 Less Donations
Since January of 2015, the Yes on 2 campaign, which is fighting for medical marijuana in Florida, has received over 7,067 donations. In the same time period, the No on 2 campaign has collected only 11. However, despite the massive different in the number of people donating the campaigns, the No on 2 campaign has […]
Medical Marijuana – How Do You Get A Prescription?
Using marijuana to treat serious illnesses isn’t just for hippies and sketchy back alleys anymore. As an increasing amount of states have continued to approve medical marijuana for a number of ailments, using cannabis as a legitimate treatment is coming out from the shadows. And while the stigma of using marijuana to treat epilepsy, post-traumatic […]
Port Richey Florida Could be on the Right Side of History with Cannabis Laws
If you follow MagicalButter.com CEO, and Founder Garyn Angel, on Facebook you may have noticed he’s been live streaming latley… alot. “When you are Stuck in reverse but have to go forward” – Watch Video You may have even seen his “daily motivationals” where he always has a smile on his face; even when his car got […]
FL: Medical Marijuana Advocates Plan Protest At Publix HQ Over Barnett Donation
Lakeland – Advocates for medical marijuana are planning a demonstration Saturday at the Lakeland headquarters of Publix Super Markets to protest a contribution from Publix heiress Carol Jenkins Barnett to the anti-Amendment 2 campaign. A Facebook event created last week and called “Protest Publix” had attracted responses of “interested” from 319 people as of Monday […]
FL: Medical Marijuana War Heads To Next Battle
Tallahassee – Marijuana was sold legally in Florida for the first time this week since it was outlawed by the federal government in 1937. In a staid Tallahassee storefront more akin to a doctor’s office than a head shop, Dallas Nagy, a Tampa-area native with chronic seizures and muscle spasms, plunked down $60 for a […]
FL: The Neighborhood Medical Marijuana Shop Is About To Become A Welcome Reality
The parking lot was just paved, the walls are being painted, and soon the medical landscape in Tampa Bay will be forever remade. Tucked in an innocuous set of office buildings behind a car dealership on U.S. 19 in Clearwater, the second medical marijuana dispensary in Florida is expected to open in the next few […]
US FL: Some Fla. Cities Slow To Welcome Pot Shops
URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v16/n515/a03.htmlNewshawk: http://www.drugsense.org/donate.htmVotes: 0Pubdate: Sat, 30 Jul 2016Source: Palm Beach Post, The (FL)Copyright: 2016 The Palm Beach PostContact: Website: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/333Author: Dara Kam, News Service of Florida SOME FLA. CITIES SLOW TO WELCOME POT SHOPS Dispensaries Say Local Officials Wary of New Business. As pot shops start to sprout in Florida, cities are struggling with […]
US FL: Next Medical Marijuana Battle Looms
URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v16/n514/a10.htmlNewshawk: http://www.drugsense.org/donate.htmVotes: 0Pubdate: Sat, 30 Jul 2016Source: Orlando Sentinel (FL)Copyright: 2016 Orlando SentinelContact: Website: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/325Note: Rarely prints out-of-state LTEs.Author: Gray Rohrer NEXT MEDICAL MARIJUANA BATTLE LOOMS TALLAHASSEE – Marijuana was sold legally in Florida for the first time this week since it was outlawed by the federal government in 1937. In a staid […]
US NM: Column: Scared Youths Can Pay Price In War On Drugs
URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v16/n515/a04.htmlNewshawk: http://www.drugsense.org/donate.htmVotes: 0Pubdate: Sat, 30 Jul 2016Source: Albuquerque Journal (NM)Copyright: 2016 Albuquerque JournalContact: Website: http://www.abqjournal.com/Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/10Author: Diane Dimond Police Departments Are Forcing College Kids to Work As C.I.S in Exchange for Leniency in Their Own Cases SCARED YOUTHS CAN PAY PRICE IN WAR ON DRUGS This is the time of year parents start worrying […]
Florida Medical Marijuana Dispensary Off To 'Steady Start' Delivering Pot To Patients
Florida’s first medical marijuana dispensary opened up its doors this week in Tallahassee and business is already off to a good start. Trulieve, Florida’s first medical marijuana dispensing organization, officially opened up shop Tuesday and CEO Kim Rivers says so far, so good. “It’s been very exciting,” she told Sunshine State News. “We have had […]
FL: Local Regulations 'Mixed Bag' For Pot Dispensaries
As pot shops start to sprout in Florida, cities are struggling with how – or whether – to regulate the state’s new marijuana industry. Last week, the state’s first medical-marijuana dispensary, operated by Trulieve, opened its doors to customers in Tallahassee. Health officials on Wednesday gave the go-ahead to a second group, Surterra, to start […]
FL: Marijuana Dispensary Planned For Pensacola
The first medical marijuana dispensary in the state opened its doors Tuesday in Tallahassee, and the CEO of the dispensing company says a Pensacola location is on the way. Kim Rivers, CEO of Trulieve, said Wednesday that the company has identified a location within Pensacola city limits, received zoning verification, and is in the permitting […]
FL: Tampa Medicinal Marijuana Dispensary Expected To Open In August
Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida’s Department of Health has granted its second dispensing authorization for medical marijuana. On Wednesday the agency notified Surterra Therapeutics that it has been approved for processing and dispensing low-THC cannabis. Surterra is the dispensing partner for the Homestead-based Alpha Foliage, which was granted the license for the Southwest Florida region. Spokeswoman […]
Massachusetts Marijuana Initative Qualifies For November Ballot
Boston, MA: Massachusetts voters will decide this November on a statewide ballot measure to legalize and regulate the adult use and retail sale of cannabis. The Secretary of State’s office has confirmed that initiative proponents,The Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, submitted a sufficient number of signatures from registered voters to qualify the measure for […]
Would You Break The Law To Save Your Child’s Life?
Mo Barnhart loves her daughter. “I had Dahlia five years ago, so she’s five years old right now and was diagnosed with brain cancer when she was two. So I went from having this dancing, affectionate, happy, playing two year old baby girl to having this dying patient in a hospital bed over night, literally.” […]
State of the Leaf: Is Ohio’s MMJ Law Unconstitutional?
U.S. News Updates Alaska The Anchorage Assembly just approved the city’s first legal commercial cannabis growing operation, a significant milestone for the emerging industry. The local license and special-use permit was awarded to Justine Roland, owner of Dream Green Farms in Anchorage’s Mountain View neighborhood. A second license is under consideration for Arctic Herbery owner […]
Separating Myth From Fact: Drug Policy Alliance Releases New Marijuana Facts Booklet
Today, the Drug Policy Alliance released Marijuana Facts, intended for non-expert audiences seeking answers to some of the most common questions asked about marijuana use, its effects, and the rapidly-shifting legal landscape. The booklet addresses 15 frequently-asked questions about subjects such as driving, mental health, brain development, potency, edibles and concentrates. It touches on marijuana’s […]
Publix Supermarkets’ Heiress Donates $800k To Florida’s Anti-Medical Marijuana Campaign
The medical marijuana opposition campaign in Florida, No on 2, continues to pick up steam. Yesterday, it was announced that Carol Jenkins Bennett, the heiress of Publix Supermarkets’ fortune, pushed $800,000 into the No on 2 campaign. This is on top of the $1 million Mel Sembler put in. This gives the campaign, which aired […]
FL: Medical Marijuana Dispensary Coming To Bradenton
In his thirty years as a neurologist, Dr. Ronald Aung-Din has written thousands of prescriptions, but on Tuesday he wrote one he’s never written before for medical marijuana. “This is a momentous occasion,” said Aung-Din, “in that medical marijuana has come to Florida. Aung-Din is one of just a few doctors in the state that […]
FL: Patients Say The Wait For Healing Is Not Over
Anneliese Clark’s house doesn’t stand out among her neighbors’ in her suburban neighborhood outside Jacksonville. Down the street and around the cul-de-sac, the two-story dwellings each have a manicured lawn, multiple cars in a long driveway and a shady tree. Inside Clark’s house, the mother of four has two dogs, a lively kitchen and a […]
Publix Heir Donates $800,000 to Fight Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization
The family that founded the beloved Florida supermarket chain Publix has donated $800,000 to fight the legalization of medicinal cannabis in the Sunshine State. The Miami New Times reports that the Carol Jenkins Barnett Family Trust donated $800,000 in mid-July to Drug Free Florida, the group campaigning to kill Florida’s proposed medical cannabis amendment. Drug […]
FL: Marijuana Is Available, But The Doctor's Not In
The first medicinal marijuana dispensary will open Tuesday morning in Tallahassee. But parents and patients had to wait two years, one month, one week and three days since Gov. Rick Scott signed the Compassionate Cannabis Medical Act of 2014. The 2014 bill was designed to help children with a severe form of epilepsy. There are […]
FL: Medical Marijuana Debate Hits Close To Home For Tampa Bay Area Family
Tampa, Florida – On Tuesday in Tallahassee, just blocks away from the Florida State Capitol building, a new store opened it’s doors. For the first time in Florida, Medical Marijuana is legally available. Renee Petro hoped to be there, but her son’s health would not allow it. Petro’s son Branden, suffers from a rare form […]
Publix Heiress Donates $800,000 To Fight Medical Marijuana Legalization In Florida
Florida loves Publix, the supermarket chain routinely ranked as the most valuable and beloved company the whole state thanks in no small part to the fantastically salty sub sandwiches. So it’s sure to jar a few hardcore Publix fans to learn that the family who founded the chain just donated $800,000 to a conservative-led campaign […]
Florida's First Medical Marijuana Dispensary Opens Today
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The first medical marijuana dispensary in Florida is slated to open. Trulieve, the approved organization in northwest Florida, is set to open a dispensary in Tallahassee on Tuesday, one week after being given dispensing authorization by Florida’s health department. The state’s Office of Compassionate Use, which was formed to oversee state […]
Florida Opens State's First Medical Marijuana Dispensary
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The first shop that can legally sell medical marijuana in Florida opened at a strip mall in Tallahassee on Tuesday and Dallas Nagy became its first customer, buying cannabis capsules that he hopes will ease his chronic muscle spasms and seizures. “Where’s my stuff?” Nagy joked as he handed over $60 […]
FL: New Law Will Deter Sale Of Medical Marijuana In Wilton Manors
Attitudes toward medical marijuana are shifting as more states pass laws recognizing it as a form of treatment – not a way to get high. But as Floridians gear up this November to vote on a constitutional amendment that would legalize curative cannabis, it seems that the City of Wilton Manors is scheming to keep […]
'Hemp Inc.' gets gamers to legalize marijuana in the digital world — and real life
Derek Staahl Scottsdale, AZ — It plays a little like “The Sims” for stoners. A new cell phone app called Hemp Inc. is challenging gamers to grow a digital weed business and legalize marijuana both in the game, and in real life. The game hits the App Store as eight states are poised to vote […]
Watch This: Golden Girl Estelle Getty Wants “No Reefers” at Her Party
Nowadays you’d hear a pitch for a TV show about four old women living in a home together in Florida and think it’d air on an obscure cable channel or streaming service like Hulu or Amazon. But surprisingly enough, not only did such a show exist, it aired on a major television network and ran […]
77% Of Florida Voters Back Medical Marijuana Ballot Initiative
A medical marijuana amendment continues to have strong support throughout Florida, according to a new poll. The survey – conducted by Anzalone Liszt Research on behalf of the United for Care campaign – found 77 percent of likely Florida voters said they supported the ballot initiative. The survey found 20 percent were opposed it it, […]
Florida Completes First Home Delivery of Medical Cannabis
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The first organization authorized to dispense medical marijuana in Florida has made its first home delivery. Kim Rivers, CEO of Trulieve, said Saturday that the company has delivered low-THC medical cannabis to a patient in Hudson, Florida, who is suffering from dystonia, a condition characterized by chronic muscle spasms and seizures. […]
Loss of DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz Is a Boost for Cannabis Legalization
Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz has come under intense fire in recent days over internal emails released by WikiLeaks that appear to show the party favoring Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign over that of Sen. Bernie Sanders. Wasserman Schultz will no longer have a major speaking role at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia […]
“Legal Medical Cannabis” For Sale In South Florida
The man on the corner of North Miami Avenue and 24th Street in Miami didn’t say much, but he didn’t have to. His sign did the talking. “Legal Medical Cannabis,” it said, and it pointed straight to NugBrand, a weed-themed apparel shop in Wynwood. Inside, employee Kevin Machin let curious passersby down easy. No, the […]
First Florida Home Delivery Of Medical Marijuana Made In Pasco County
Tallahassee – The first organization authorized to dispense medical marijuana in Florida has made its first home delivery. Kim Rivers, CEO of Trulieve, said Saturday that the company has delivered low-THC medical cannabis to a patient in Hudson, who is suffering from dystonia, a condition characterized by chronic muscle spasms and seizures. Hudson is in […]
NORML’s Legislative Round Up July 22nd, 2016
by Danielle Keane, NORML Political DirectorJuly 22, 2016 The DEA announced that they will amend their quotas for 2017 regarding the cultivation of research-grade marijuana and hemp legalization bills in Pennsylvania and Rhode Island have been signed into law! We also have updates from Illinois, Florida, and Ohio. Keep reading to learn the latest in […]
Medical Marijuana Ready To Hit Market For Florida Patients
Medical marijuana could be available to a select group of Florida patients as early as next week, after health officials gave the go-ahead for the state’s first pot dispensary to begin distributing products. The Northwest Florida operation, known as “Trulieve,” is one of six dispensing organizations licensed by the state Department of Health to grow, […]
Dispensary In Florida Set To Open Next Week
Medical marijuana became legal in Florida in 2014 after lawmakers passed a billed authorizing its use. Now, nearly two years later, the state’s first cannabis dispensary is set to open early next week. Trulieve, a marijuana grower in northern Florida, received approval from the Florida Department of Health to open a facility in Tallahassee. Through […]
FL: Palm Beach Doesn’t Want Medical Marijuana Coming To Town
Imagine medical marijuana being legally available in Palm Beach. Zoning Administrator Paul Castro thinks it might happen, and he is recommending the town prepare – now. On Tuesday, the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously embraced Castro’s idea for an ordinance that would prohibit medical marijuana from coming into Palm Beach or, in the alternative, heavily […]
Trump or the Prohibitionists: Who Will Get Sheldon Adelson’s Cash?
For legalization advocates, the scariest thing about the Republican party this year may not be Donald Trump. It’s the specter of 82-year-old billionaire and ardent prohibitionist Sheldon Adelson slinging vast sums into the coffers of both the Trump campaign and state anti-legalization efforts. Alarm bells in the cannabis world began ringing last week, when Republican […]
First Medical Marijuana In Florida Ready To Hit Market Next Week
Advertisement The first medical marijuana store in Florida will open next week in Tallahassee following the authorization from the Florida Department of Health. The name of Florida’s first medical marijuana store is Trulieve. According to the company’s CEO, Kim Rivers, they are happy to announce that Trulieve passed all inspections from growing, processing and dispensing medical […]
Florida’s Medical Marijuana Measure Faces Fierce Opposition From Familiar Foe
Drug Free Florida, which is fighting against Florida’s measure to bring medical marijuana to the state, boasted raising more than $500,000 in two weeks. However, a deeper look into the contributors of that money reveals a significant portion came from one single donor. Mel Sembler, former Ambassador to Italy and prominent fundraiser in the state […]
Medical Marijuana Could be Available in Florida Next Week
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — More than two years after being approved by Florida’s Legislature, medical marijuana is expected to be available in the state by the end of next week. On Wednesday, the Department of Health informed Trulieve and Hackney Nursery that they have received authorization to process and dispense low-THC cannabis. The Gadsden County […]
US FL: Low-Dose Medicinal Pot To Be Fired Up Next Week
URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v16/n493/a05.htmlNewshawk: http://www.drugsense.org/donate.htmVotes: 0Pubdate: Thu, 21 Jul 2016Source: Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL)Copyright: 2016 Sun-Sentinel CompanyContact: Website: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/159 LOW-DOSE MEDICINAL POT TO BE FIRED UP NEXT WEEK TALLAHASSEE- The first medical marijuana will be available in Florida next week. Trulieve, a grower and dispensary based in Tallahassee, said Wednesday that it has received permission from […]
State of the Leaf: Maryland Lawmaker Wants a Piece of MMJ Program He Helped Pass
U.S. News Updates Arizona A Maricopa County Superior Court judge is set to hear oral arguments on Aug. 12 in a lawsuit by legalization opponents. The anti-legalization group, led by Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery and Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk, argues that the explanation on the signature-gathering sheets doesn’t properly explain the proposal, which […]
Tallahassee Marijuana Dispensary Will Be First To Open In Florida
Tallahassee, Flordia – A Tallahassee medical marijuana dispensary is the first in the state of Florida to receive authorization from the Florida Department of Health. Trulieve dispensary says it will open next week and begin sales, becoming the first dispensary in the state of Florida to open its doors. The company has a press conference […]
Tallahassee Marijuana Dispensary Will Be First To Open In Florida
Tallahassee, Flordia – A Tallahassee medical marijuana dispensary is the first in the state of Florida to receive authorization from the Florida Department of Health. Trulieve dispensary says it will open next week and begin sales, becoming the first dispensary in the state of Florida to open its doors. The company has a press conference […]
FL: Escambia Eyes Marijuana Dispensary Moratorium
As medical marijuana prepares to hit Florida in a big way, the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is moving to implement a year-long moratorium on dispensaries opening here. County commissioners took the first of two votes on Tuesday to implement the moratorium, which would be put in place so county staff can have the […]
Montana – Medical Cannabis Restoration Initiative Qualifies For November Ballot
Montana voters will decide this November on a statewide initiative to restore and expand elements of the state’s medical cannabis program. The Secretary of State’s office has affirmed that initiative proponents, Montana Citizens for I-182, submitted sufficient signatures from registered voters to qualify the measure for the November ballot. The Montana Medical Marijuana Act (I-182) […]
Levin Among Medical Marijuana Investors
The names of three local men, including prominent trial attorney Fred Levin, were revealed Friday by the Florida Department of Health as investors in companies trying to bring the strain of medical marijuana known as Charlotte’s Web to Florida. Levin is an investor in Ray of Hope 4 Florida, the company managed by Gulf Breeze […]
Legalization of Medical Cannabis Saves Lives and Money
What a shock! Legalization of medical cannabis is proving to be beneficial not only to those who need its healing qualities, but for all Americans. Financially. According to NPR, in states that have legalized medical cannabis, Medicare prescriptions have dropped. That doesn’t just mean savings for those who would otherwise need the costly prescriptions; it means […]
Florida Harvests State’s First ‘Legal’ Medical Marijuana Crop
Florida’s first legal cannabis harvest is stored in multiple vacuum-packed, 441-gram bags in a freezer on the outskirts of Tallahassee. Each is the result of months of careful growing, monitoring, coaxing, and finally cultivating, scores of plants in a hidden farm overseen by horticulturalists and protected by armed guards. This is one of two production […]
US FL: First Florida Medical Marijuana Ready
Orlando Sentinel, 17 Jul 2016 – TALLAHASSEE (AP) – Florida’s first legal harvest of marijuana is stored in multiple vacuum-packed, 441-gram bags in a freezer on the outskirts of Tallahassee. Each is the result of months of careful growing, monitoring, coaxing, and finally cultivating, scores of plants in a hidden farm overseen by horticulturalists and […]
Florida Governor Rick Scott Signs Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Bill
Today, Florida Governor Rick Scott approved a bill aimed at reforming the practice of civil asset forfeiture, following unanimous passage in both the House and Senate. The bipartisan unanimity of passage in both chambers was driven by a diverse and disparate coalition of law enforcement and reform advocates, including the Drug Policy Alliance, which retained […]
Florida House Passes Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Unanimously
(New York, NY) – Today, the Florida House of Representatives unanimously passed SB 1044, reforming Florida’s “Contraband Forfeiture Act,” sending the legislation to Gov. Scott’s desk for a signature. Last week the Senate passed the legislation, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Brandes, in a 38–0 vote. The bipartisan unanimity of passage in both chambers was driven […]
Florida Governor Rick Scott Signs Syringe Access Legislation
Today, Florida Governor Rick Scott signed the IDEA Act (“Miami-Dade Infectious Disease Elimination Act”), after it passed the Florida House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support. Florida leads the nation in new HIV cases, while Miami-Dade and neighboring Broward are #1 and #2 in the nation, respectively, for the rate of new HIV infections per […]
New Poll Shows Strong Support for Asset Forfeiture Reform in Florida as Legislation Heads to Governor Rick Scott’s Desk
An overwhelming majority of registered Florida voters support civil asset forfeiture reform, according to a new poll released by Drug Policy Action. 84 percent of Florida registered voters, including 86 percent of all Republicans and 81 percent of independents, think police should not be able to seize and permanently take away property from people who […]
Florida Senate Passes Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Unanimously
(New York, NY) – Today, the Florida Senate voted unanimously to approve SB 1044, which reforms the state’s “Contraband Forfeiture Act”. Introduced by Sen. Jeff Brandes, the bill now heads to Florida House of Representatives for a floor vote. The House companion, HB 889, passed its final committee of reference last week. The two bills […]
Florida Governor Rick Scott Signs Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Bill
Today, Florida Governor Rick Scott approved a bill aimed at reforming the practice of civil asset forfeiture, following unanimous passage in both the House and Senate. The bipartisan unanimity of passage in both chambers was driven by a diverse and disparate coalition of law enforcement and reform advocates, including the Drug Policy Alliance, which retained […]
Florida’s “No on 2” Campaign Releases Ad Claiming Budtenders Are “Dope Dealers With Store Fronts”
No on 2, the opposition campaign for Florida’s proposal to allow medical marijuana, recently released a 30 second ad claiming that budtenders are “dope dealers with store fronts.” The spot attempts to draw distinctions between the qualifications of pharmacists and budtenders. The budtenders shown, who just so happen to be of minority decent, are scorned for having “no
State of the Leaf: Support Up in Florida and Pennsylvania, Moderate in Massachusetts
New this week: A national poll found major support for medical cannabis in Florida and increasing support for recreational in Pennsylvania, while the reception in Massachusetts seems more lukewarm than ever. Ohio’s chances for a medical marijuana amendment are holding strong with support from the House, and Rhode Island may double its number of dispensaries. On the international front, the Global Cannabis Campaign saw traction in Colombia and South Africa, while Canada’s cracking down and Australia introduced medical legislation.
U.S. News Updates
Alaska
The Alaska Marijuana Board is preparing to issue licenses to cannabis businesses and many community councils are hearing from prospective business owners during council discussions with the public. After receiving applications and hearing testimony from community members and neighbors, the councils will provide feedback to the Marijuana Control Board and send letters to residents informing them of the changes. None of the licenses have been issued so far, and Bruce Schulte, chairman of the Marijuana Control Board, says he doesn’t expect to begin issuing licenses until June. Retail stores a projected to open this fall.
Florida
Florida is gearing up for another medical marijuana showdown this November, but supporters are nervous about their chances. John Morgan, an Orlando attorney and one of Florida’s top political fundraisers, has funneled $6.8 million into efforts to legalize medical cannabis since 2013, but he anticipates 2016 could be a “tipping point” for the state. The latest poll numbers from Quinnipiac University show that 80 percent of Florida respondents support medical marijuana and plan to vote in favor of the upcoming measure in November.
Massachusetts
A new report from the Massachusetts Health Department shows the sluggish and long-suffering medical marijuana program earned only $320,610 during fiscal year 2016. That was difference between the $3.3 million in revenue and the $2.98 million that was spent to implement the program. It reflects the growing pains and hurdles the program has faced during the years since medical marijuana was legalized in 2012. The program took more than three years to be fully implemented, and lawsuits were rampant during the process due to inconsistent rules and contradictory guidelines. The pittance of revenue this year doesn’t bode well for the upcoming push for legalization, which already faces tough opposition from Gov. Charlie Baker, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, and Attorney General Maura Healey.
Ohio
The proposed constitutional amendment to legalize medical cannabis passed through the House with flying colors. House Bill 523 earned a 70–25 vote of support after hours of testimony from prospective patients ranging from children who suffer from uncontrollable seizures to a veteran whose post-traumatic stress disorder has been helped by the use of cannabis. The bill would allow the limited use of cannabis for those who suffer from among 20 qualifying medical conditions. The bill would not allow smoking cannabis or home growing, and it would set up a nine-member commission to enact regulations and allocate dispensaries and cultivation facilities. The bill now heads to the Senate for a vote.
Pennsylvania
A new poll out of Quinnipiac University shows a major jump in support for adult-use legalization in Pennsylvania. The survey found that between 2015 and 2016, support for the legalization rose from 47 percent to 57 percent. The last poll was conducted in October 2015 and showed voters split on the topic of legalization. However, since then, Pennsylvania became the 24th state to legalize medical marijuana, which likely played a factor in the growing movement of support for cannabis in the Keystone State.
Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee is considering a number of cannabis bills. Up for consideration are measures around regulation, taxation, law enforcement, and the issue of driving under the influence. Law enforcement officers in Rhode Island are currently trained to detect cannabis impairment, but the legislation is considering a test for levels of THC in the system, although recent research shows the blood tests are not effective or scientifically accurate.
In the House of Representatives, lawmakers introduced H. 7808, which would increase the number of medical marijuana dispensaries, known as compassion centers, from three to six statewide.
International News Updates
Australia
Minister Cameron Dick just introduced legislation to legalize the medicinal use of cannabis in Queensland. The Public Health (Medicinal Cannabis) Bill 2016 will not legalize recreational cannabis use or home cultivation, but it will create a legal path for the lawful production of medical marijuana for qualified patients. The move to introduce the bill was spurred into action after the death of a child who was given cannabis oil treatments illegally to combat cancer. Adam Koessler, father of Rumer Rose, was fined and put on a two-year good behavior bond in Brisbane after pleading guilty to supplying his daughter with the oil. Rumer died this week just days before her fourth birthday, inspiring the official announcement from the Queensland government.
Canada
City inspectors in Vancouver initiated a crackdown on medical cannabis storefronts operating without a license. The Vancouver City Council began the regulation process for cannabis businesses last year, issuing business licenses at the cost of $1,000 for compassion clubs and $30,000 for medical dispensaries. However, the regulations required stores to comply with certain criteria, including operating only in commercial zones at least 300 meters from schools, neighborhood homes, community centers, and other cannabis businesses. At least 140 dispensaries didn’t make the cut and were warned that they had six months to comply or face fines. A major cause for concern is that the board of variance has a backlog, so many dispensary owners who are still in the midst of the appeal process are being forced to shut their doors.
Colombia
The laws related to cannabis use and possession are fairly lax in Colombia, but that didn’t stop protesters from marching in the streets of Bogota and Medellin to call for the legalization of cannabis on a worldwide scale. The Global Marijuana March encouraged marches around the world, although Colombia’s protest had a specifically funky, fruity twist. Many protesters were seen smoking homemade devices carved from various fruits, such as apples, papayas, pineapples, and even watermelons.
South Africa
Thousands of pro-cannabis protesters marched on Cape Town to demand the government ease drug laws and allow the medical and recreational use of dagga, as cannabis is known in South Africa. As many as 3,000 protesters took part in the procession, which is part of a larger orchestration of marches around the world through the Global Cannabis Campaign. South African opposition lawmaker Mario Oriani-Ambrosini submitted draft legislation calling for the legalization of cannabis in 2014, but it died before moving forward.
Medical Cannabis Can Pass in Florida. Here’s How.
Two years ago, Florida voters rejected a push to legalize medical marijuana. Well, they did and they didn’t. A sizeable majority of voters — 58 percent — agreed to legalize. But back in 2006, the state changed the rules on constitutional amendments, increasing the percentage required for passage from a simple majority to 60 percent. By failing to reach that supermajority, 2014’s medical marijuana amendment failed.
The issue is back on the statewide ballot this November, as Amendment 2, and its passage would make Florida the first Southern state to legalize marijuana in any form. Breaking that barrier in the conservative South could be a major momentum boost for the legalization movement. Will it happen? It has an excellent chance. Why now and not in 2014? It’s all a matter of timing.
Why Medical Marijuana Failed in 2014
Two years ago, Florida saw a contested race for the governor’s mansion. Rick Scott, the Republican incumbent, faced Charlie Crist, one of the state’s most eccentric politicians.
Unpopular Rick Scott and more unpopular Charlie Crist
Crist had previously served as governor from 2007 to 2011. He was a Republican when in office, but after a stint at a personal injury law firm and an endorsement of Barack Obama for president, he decided to switch over and become a Democrat. Though Scott was fairly unpopular, Crist found a way to lose to him. The unloved eccentric lost to the disliked conservative by a single point, 48.1 percent to 47.1 percent. You might think a race with such colorful characters and relatively high stakes would drive significant voter turnout. You would be wrong. While Florida’s voter participation for the presidential election in 2012 crossed 70 percent, the numbers in the 2014 elections hovered in the low 40s. It turns out that when you run two unpopular politicians against each other, the whole election turns into a no-show. Or at least a low-show.
What did low voter turnout for the gubernatorial race have to do with Amendment 2? A lot. Typically, a low turnout means only the most consistent voters make up the electorate. In Florida those voters are typically older, more conservative, and far less receptive to marijuana legalization. In presidential years, the electorate is significantly younger and more liberal, meaning marijuana legalization would presumably stand a better chance of passing. Even in a low-turnout year, as 2014 was, Amendment 2 only missed the threshold for passage in Florida by 2 percent. If the electorate had been younger, the amendment likely would have reached a supermajority and passed.
Why Medical Can Pass in 2016
In 2016, Florida will likely have voter turnout rates closer to 2012’s 71 percent than 2014’s 43 percent. High voter turnout would likely result in Florida legalizing medical marijuana, and becoming the first Southern state to do so.
It’s not just about the under-30 voter, either. Young voters are a driving force behind marijuana legalization, but they aren’t the only force. Cannabis use has become normalized across much of the nation, and local decriminalization movements have made real progress in Florida. Miami Beach, Miami–Dade County, Hallandale Beach, Key West, Volusia County, and Broward County are just a few of the Floridia localities that have moved to decriminalize possession of 20 grams or less. In most cases, such possession carries only a $100 civil fine, not an arrest or jail time. Decriminalization has helped to normalize marijuana and make its usage more mainstream and less taboo.
Words also matter. Florida’s 2016 medical marijuana measure contains some critical language that differs from that of its 2014 predecessor. The 2016 amendment clarifies that legalization is for “debilitating” illnesses, and that minors would not be able to obtain medical marijuana without parental consent. It contains limits on how many patients a caregiver can treat, and it says doctors would not be immune from marijuana-related malpractice claims. While these clarifications might seem minor, they could serve to alleviate the fears of moderate Floridians who are on the fence about medical marijuana legalization.
Is There a Next Step? From Medical to Recreational
Passing Amendment 2 would be a significant win for legalization advocates. But for some it won’t be enough. There will continue to be a push to legalize for everyone 21 and older. Can Florida go from legalizing medical to legalizing recreational?
Possibly — if the state follows the road maps established by Washington, Colorado, and Oregon. A medical marijuana win in 2016 could help normalize marijuana use and eventually bring decriminalization to the central and northern parts of Florida, which are much more conservative than southern counties such as Broward and Miami–Dade. Legalization advocates should continue to use presidential elections as springboards. In Florida, that likely means avoiding 2018 and 2022, focusing instead on 2020 and 2024.
For now, medical marijuana has a good chance at becoming legal in Florida in the 2016 election. Washington and Colorado waited 14 and 12 years, respectively, between the adoption of medical marijuana and the passage of full adult use. As the nation normalizes its relationship with cannabis, maybe Florida won’t have to wait that long.
Image Sources: Joe Skipper via Reuters and Wikimedia Commons
Florida: Urgent Syringe Access Reform Unanimously Passes Key Committee Vote, Now Headed to Floor Vote in State House
Today, the Health and Human Services Committee (“HHS”) of the Florida House of Representatives unanimously passed HB 81, also known as IDEA (“Miami-Dade Infectious Disease Elimination Act”). HHS was the bill’s final committee of reference in the House and now moves to the chamber’s floor for a vote of the full Florida House. Its Senate companion, SB 242, is likewise awaiting a floor vote in that chamber.
Florida leads the nation in new HIV cases, while Miami-Dade and neighboring Broward are #1 and #2, respectively, among U.S. counties for new HIV cases.
IDEA would create a pilot program in Miami-Dade County, run by the University of Miami, to establish sterile syringe exchanges. Such programs have a proven, decades-long track record of preventing the spread of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C, in addition to being an entryway to treatment for people who use drugs. The sponsor of the Senate legislation, Sen. Oscar Braynon of Miami Gardens, has been introducing a similar bill since the 2013 legislative session. Rep. Katie Edwards of Plantation is the lead sponsor of HB 81 in the Florida House.
Bill Piper, Senior Director of National Affairs for the Drug Policy Alliance, issued the following statement, reacting to today’s news:
“We are cautiously optimistic that Florida – thanks to the courageous leadership of Sen. Braynon and Rep. Edwards – will finally take this critical step to save lives and reduce problematic drug use. We urge the leadership of Florida’s House and Senate to bring these bills to the floor and send them to Gov. Scott’s desk to sign as quickly as possible.”
Piper continued, “IDEA may be just a first step for Florida, but it’s one of great importance. A pilot program in Miami-Dade, combined with Congress’ recent repeal of the ban on federal money funding such programs, bode well for the future of syringe exchanges being adopted more broadly in Florida and delivering a huge blow to the spread of infectious disease in the state.”
Harm reduction advocate and philanthropist, Joy Fishman, whose son died of a heroin overdose in Miami-Dade County, testified today in support of HB 81. She stated, “it is my heart’s duty to speak out in support of this program. Access to clean syringes helps addicts find the help they need and prevents the spread of HIV/AIDS – at no cost to the state of Florida. IDEA will save lives.”
IDEA is supported by the Florida Medical Association and syringe access programs are supported by every major medical and public health organization, including the American Medical Association, National Academy of Sciences, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Bar Association, and U.S. Conference of Mayors. In addition to these supporters, IDEA has the strong backing of the Florida Service Employees International Union (“SEIU”), the largest organization of healthcare workers in Florida – over 55,000 current and former nurses, doctors and other healthcare workers in the state. A group of nearly 100 nurses from Miami’s Jackson Memorial Hospital travelled to Tallahassee today to lobby for IDEA’s passage.
In addition to significantly reducing the spread of infectious diseases by people who use drugs, syringe exchange programs save the lives of police, firefighters and other first responders. Police are regularly stuck with syringes in the line of duty (a study of police officers in Rhode Island found nearly 1 in 3 officers had been stuck by a syringe in their career). Law enforcement leaders across the nation – including former Director of the White House Office of National Drug Policy Control, Gil Kerlikowske, and former Broward County Sheriff Al Lamberti – are strong proponents of syringe exchanges, for their own safety and for that of the communities they serve.
Dr. Hansel Tookes, who first brought the basis of IDEA to Sen. Braynon in 2013, and who has been a strong advocate for syringe exchange programs in Miami-Dade, expressed cautious optimism, “I sincerely hope IDEA finally passes this session. Every year that passes without a syringe exchange program in our community is a year that takes lives, puts even more lives at risk and drains precious resources from our already strained healthcare system. I want Senators and Representatives to hear our plea: bring these bills the floor, send them to the Governor to sign, and let 2016 be the year that you voted to start saving lives and halting the spread of HIV/AIDS in Florida.”
Author:
Date Published: February 17, 2016
Published by Drug Policy Alliance
Medical Cannabis Headed Back to Florida Ballot
After narrowly failing to legalize medical cannabis in 2014, advocates in Florida are headed back to the ballot. Organizers announced Wednesday they’ve secured more than enough signatures to qualify a measure for the November election.
The matter will appear on the ballot as Amendment 2. If approved, it would allow cannabis use by patients with the following conditions:
Cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, positive status for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or other debilitating medical conditions of the same kind or class as or comparable to those enumerated, and for which a physician believes that the medical use of marijuana would likely outweigh the potential health risks for a patient.
Production and distribution and would be regulated by the state health department, which would also be responsible for issuing cards to patients and caretakers. The complete ballot language is available here.
“Every day, doctors prescribe dangerous, addictive, and potentially deadly narcotics to their patients but can’t even suggest the use of marijuana, which has never killed a person in thousands of years of human civilization,” campaign manager Ben Pollara said in a statement. “Very soon, Florida doctors will finally have that option.”
A similar effort won 57.6 percent of votes just two years ago, but as as a constitutional amendment it needed 60-percent approval to pass. This time around, however, proponents are convinced public opinion has shifted in their favor. On its website, the group claims that over 70 percent of voters support legalizing medical cannabis.
“We feel very good that 60 percent plus of Florida voters will finally approve a true medical marijuana law,” Pollara told the Associated Press.
The campaign has set up a contribution page to accept donations.
Florida: Largest County Depenalizes Marijuana Possession Offenses
Police in Florida’s largest county will soon have the option to cite, rather than arrest, minor marijuana offenders.
Commissioners for Miami-Dade county voted 10 to 3 this week in favor of a countywide ordinance to treat marijuana possession offenses involving 20 grams or less as a civil infraction, punishable by a $100 fine — no arrest, no criminal prosecution, no incarceration, and no criminal record. The new ordinance takes effect late next week.
Under state law, minor marijuana possession offenses are classified as a criminal misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. According to an analysis by the ACLU, an estimated 60,000 Floridians are arrested for cannabis possession violations annually — the third highest statewide total in the nation.
According to a countywide analysis by CBS, misdemeanor marijuana arrests accounted for 10 percent of all cases filed in the Miami-Dade criminal court system between the years 2010 and 2014. While African Americans comprise just 20 percent of the county’s population, they comprised over half of all of those arrested for marijuana possession offenses.
Senior county officials have not yet provided details in regard to how police will implement the new law or what criteria they will use to determine whether to issue a citation or make an arrest.
Several metropolitan areas, such as Milwaukee and Philadelphia, have previously decriminalized marijuana possession offenses citywide.
Legalization Wins In 3 States! Only Florida Medical Use Falls Short
The election results were overwhelmingly positive for marijuana smokers last night, with full-legalization proposals being approved in Oregon, Alaska and the District of Columbia. And even the one losing initiative, the medical-use proposal in Florida, won the approval of a significant majority of the voters.
Measure 91 in Oregon
In a convincing victory, Oregon voters approved Measure 91, which legalizes the use and cultivation of marijuana by those 21 and older and establishes a system of licensing, taxing and regulating marijuana sales under the auspices of the Oregon Liquor Control Board, with an impressive 55 percent of the vote.
More specifically, under Measure …read more
Florida Becomes First State in the South to Vote in Favor of Medical Marijuana
Today, a large majority of voters in Florida approved Amendment 2, a ballot initiative that makes Florida, with its huge population and bellwether status in American politics, the very first state in the South to see a majority vote in favor of a medical marijuana law.
“A tremendous majority of Floridians voted to legalize marijuana for medical purposes today – and that’s what really matters notwithstanding the fact that the initiative will not be implemented,” said Ethan Nadelmann, executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance. “Today’s vote is a confirmation of medical marijuana’s broad support across the political spectrum …read more
Florida’s Amendment 2 Falls Just Short of 60% Needed
Florida’s Amendment 2, which would have legalized medical marijuana, fell just short of the 60% support required for passage.
With 89% of the vote counted, analysts are projecting the amendment will end up with just a hair over 57% of the vote. While not enough to make it a part of Florida’s constitution, it was still a strong showing of support for medical marijuana in a campaign that faced unfriendly voter demographics and a very well funded opposition campaign.
“By no means is this a rejection of medical marijuana in Florida, as the results show that a strong majority of Floridians support …read more
Florida Voters Only a Week Away From Decision to Make Medical Marijuana Legal
Although recent weeks have shown that Amendment 2 — the initiative to make medical marijuana legal throughout the state of Florida — was in danger of failing to pass, a new poll conducted in the past week by public opinion research firm Anzalone Liszt Grove shows that Amendment 2 is still likely to pass come November 4.
Amendment 2 needs 60% support for passage, which would allow medical marijuana in the Sunshine State. The recent poll puts support for Amendment 2 at 62%.
Moreover, according to the Anzalone Liszt Grove survey, 62% of likely voters say that they have …read more
Florida Amendment 2: Medical Marijuana Showdown in the South
On November 4, Florida voters will have the opportunity to vote on an amendment to their state constitution, Amendment 2, to establish a medical marijuana program in that state. This vote is especially important as it would be the first southern state to legalize medical use, and would likely encourage other states in the region to take a serious look at the use of marijuana as a medicine for seriously ill patients.
Why A Constitutional Amendment?
Fearful that the conservative Republican state legislature would have passed legislation overriding such a change, if it were simply a state law changed by voter initiative, …read more
Poll: Sixty-Four Percent Of Florida Voters Back Constitutional Amendment To Legalize Medical Marijuana
More than 60 percent of Florida voters say that they support Amendment 2, a proposed constitutional amendment to permit cannabis therapy to qualified patients, according to a recently released Gravis Marketing poll.
Sixty-four percent of respondents said that they would vote in favor of the amendment, up from 50 percent in late June. Twenty-six percent of respondents said that they opposed the measure.
Because Amendment 2 seeks to amend the state constitution, 60 percent of voters must decide in favor of it before it can be enacted.
Although previous statewide polls have reported greater support among Floridians …read more