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Florida Lawmaker: Legalize Medical Marijuana
March 11, 2011
Use of marijuana for medical purposes would be legalized if approved by voters under a proposed constitutional amendment filed by a Democratic lawmaker on Thursday.
“There is no good reason for us to allow people to use synthetic drugs like oxycontin, methodone, percocet, and Prozac, but ban them from using a natural, safer drug,” said Rep. Jeff Clemens, D-Lake Worth, the author of the bill.
The proposal would, if passed by the Legislature, go to the 2012 ballot for voter approval. The amendment would let patients use cannabis only if prescribed by a doctor and wouldn’t be able to smoke it in public places. The measure would also make clear that insurance companies wouldn’t have to cover it, and employers wouldn’t be required to let workers smoke pot on the job. The measure hasn’t been referred to any committees, and so far doesn’t have a Senate companion.
Comments
104 Responses to “Florida Lawmaker: Legalize Medical Marijuana”
All Floridians-call your representatives-tell everyone you know-SUPPORT HJR 1407 MEEDICAL MARIJUANA IN FLORIDA
Well, I’ve never heard of someone getting high and getting into a high speed Chase with the cops, getting violent, going on a shooting spree ect. I have heard of countless people doing this while drunk. I say legalize it but it will never happen. Then the government cant seize all those houses, vehicles, land and money. It’s in their best interest in keep it illegal. Sad but true
I think it should be legalized for everyone , this would prevent fraud in the medicinal use arena, it would save millions in tax dollars for the prosecution of supposed criminals. I think it should be regulated like alcohol , I don’t want someone on the road while intoxicated on anything and right now there are people pilled out behind the wheel. I hope this passes as a step in the right direction towards the legalization of marijuana for all and bring the revenue and jobs back to Florida.
Final word from the Dude, VOTE YES for Cannabis.
REGARDING:
“Another interesting theory that I have heard concerns the “forbidden fruit” in the Garden of Eden was actually a psychotropic plant, maybe mushrooms, maybe even Cannabis???? ”
That would also be easy to test. Feed the questionable substance to some of the many who don’t know the difference between good and evil and see if they gain that knowledge.
Surely someone would have found it by accident by now, especially with the folks thinking they’re supposed to experiment with everything at least once.
David surmising it isn’t around
DAVID; I don’t know from “translations” I do not consider myself competant to argue scripture, but I do subscribe to the old saying that if the English language was good enough for god, it’s good enough for me.
Another interesting theory that I have heard concerns the “forbidden fruit” in the Garden of Eden was actually a psychotropic plant, maybe mushrooms, maybe even Cannabis???? I know it’s a stretch , but have you ever had any visions or knowledge of good and evil from eating an Apple ?
But that’s just me.
Like that line ” for well paid Lawyers”…….HA!
REGARDING:
“I can’t believe I just sat & read all the “Posts” ! We are not talking about a verse in the Bible, we are talking about passing a law in the yr 2011.”
We’re talking about whatever we’re talking about. My intellectual superior was claiming the Bible instructs us to eat marijuana. I disagree that it is saying that, but it turns out I was using the “wrong” translation. My bad.
As to whether or not it is good for what ails you, that’s a separate question. If it were legal, it would be a more consistent product and its effects would be easier to judge. Making it legal would take getting our president to break the treaty outlawing it which President Nixon pushed through, but that should be no problem. When asked if he ever used it he replied, “Yes I did and I DID inhale; I thought that was the point.”
You gotta give him points for honesty and flexibility. Maybe he will honestly declare the treaty void rather than just ignoring it while it continues to fund killers south of the border–and some north of the border as well. If legal, the price would likely be comparable to that of a bale of hay.
Your doctor should be allowed to prescribe whatever he or she thinks would be best for your health and if the prescription turns out to be wrong— well, that’s why there are so many lawyers ready to sue at the drop of a hat.
David for well paid lawyers
OLD SOLDIER;”I don’t think we “can safely say” that marijuana as a drug is “safe”, it’s clearly intoxicating &there are clear dangers using intoxicants.”
You and I will have to disagree about Cannabis being “intoxicating”, I do not corelate being “High” with being intoxicated….in my 66 years I have been both a few times, I think they are very different. As far as the safety of Cannabis goes, I will call it safe, I don’t know what the exact LD50 is , but when you compare it to all other substances it IS much safer. If you want to believe it is not safe, that is up to you, don’t use it then.
I agree that there is a lot that we don’t know about Cannabis, you can thank your government for that intolerable situation, as they control the research that gets done,or more precisely does NOT get done, here in America.
3,000 years vs. 9,000 years, I won’t quibble over a mere 6,000 years.Fact is that human use of Cannabis has been going on for a Long time, even in the US. it was legal until 1937 and it was in the American Medical Pharmacoepia until 1940.
………………………………………
MARY; Can we put you in the “for Legalization” column ?
Jeremy on March 11th, 2011 12:27 am
It’s time for Floridians to wake up and smell the cannabis.
We allow our sick citizens to take synthetic pharmaceuticals that are constantly being recalled due to causing heart attacks, strokes, etc. etc. but continue to look down upon the natural God given cannabis plant which has to date, in the entire history of mankind caused 0, count them 0 deaths.
Just want to state that there have been atleast 4 recorded deaths involving Marijuana…The only thing is it is hard to prove whether they died after very recently taking marijuana or if it had been days since there is no way to know when the marijuana was inhaled/ingested by the drug tests. Only way to know is by the person telling you(in this case he/she cant really talk) or an eye witness.
But when compared to Alcohol/tobacco/other drugs I’d definitely say this is the least deadly.
WOW! Strong personalities…David you make rather good points, however, I think i can also see the point in which curious is making. Not sure, but i think curious is pointing out that In most religions, the bible is a source of reference if not in which it is established. So, most people do reference, “The Bible says,etc. etc. etc.” all the time. Because of this, most people, who live by their bible could interpret this as “approval” from their religion. Dave….I totally get what your saying about when, who, if’s, but the fact is alot of people do not take those into account. and for the bible beaters, they may need to check their version so when the time comes for them to stand and hold it up and condemn this deviant behavior, the words they are holding back them up. “Can’t everybody just get along” lol
@Wade – I hope you find a safer way of pain relief soon. It boggles the mind that you must take so many meds.
My sympathies (and prayers) for you and your fellow pain sufferers. God bless you all.
REGARDING:
“Your approach is still rude and disrespectful. – - -you came back with a long list of why I am stupid.
I learned along time ago about getting into pig fights, everybody gets dirty and the pig is the only one enjoying out of it.
oink, oink, dave!”
You may be showing some of the classic signs of paranoia about which I’ve read since you are reading things not written. I don’t remember calling anyone stupid nor would I know why they were–if they were. I gave a partial list of substances invalidating your claim that every substance is good to eat and you call such a statement sarcasm.
I call it truth.
Then you oink at me after talking about your past experience fighting with pigs. Just guessing you don’t consider yourself a pig (since people with inflated egos seldom do), it’s reasonable to deduce it may have been an insult directed at me. This is very hurtful from someone as knowledgeable and advanced as yourself to someone as ignorant and fat as I am.
David with deeply hurt feelings
caused by my betters
I’m for the vote: I know it would be safer than all the pills and patches I have to take and use for my pain. When I was younger I smoked pot so I know how it affects me I’ve been on the pain meds for 15 years so I can maintane a life and work without being in constant pain. My body builds up a tolerance to the meds over time I’m now up to 8mg Dilaudid tablets 6 times a day for break thur pain and I wear a patch that I change every 3 days of Fentanyl trandermal system that gives me 50mcg every hour for my pain and I take Soma 350 3 times a day for muscle spasms. I tryed smoking pot one time after I got hurt and was on the meds and before my doctor started the urine test, it didnt mix well at all for me. I would rather try the pot if it would help me instead of using all the pills. I would feel much safer with the pot.
J O B,….. keeps people from truly expressing their opinions freely. Oh, do I so wish I could….and not just this topic but others as well.
Re David: you sir just validated my point. Your approach is still rude and disrepectful. I have not challenged any post, just added another discussion point and you came back with a long list of why I am stupid.
I learned along time ago about getting into pig fights, everybody gets dirty and the pig is the only one enjoying out of it.
oink, oink, dave!
JUST MAKE IT LEGAL FOR EVERY1!!!!!!!!! Crime rate just might go down!
If we were trying to use Exodus 30:23-24 and assume one of the components was ACTUALLY marijuana rather than what the Bible says, it still doesn‘t support his claim that proves we are to use it.”"
Actually I refer to Sula Benet’s work , she claims that the Cannabis is mentioned in the old testament: Exodus30:23,Song of Songs 4:14, Isaiah 43:24, Jeremiah 6:20,and Ezekiel 27:19. The words was either Sweet Calamus or q’neh bosm, or kannabos. And actually the bible does tell us to use it, as a healing ointment and a offering to god. For what it’s worth!
“Yes, they do, but he claims they are to be considered meat to eat. I question that claim. If you eat them as food, you die.”
That was the “literalist” branch of Judaism……..
David, I know who you are and your opinions are always entertaining no matter which side of the fence that I sit on! (P.S Curious I am pretty sure that his income is not too shabby for someone who gets paid for their opinion….just saying, since I am not sure why you are insulting someone who IS man enough to make his real name evident.)
I cant believe I just sat & read all the “Posts” ! We are not talking about a verse in the Bible..we are talking about passing a law in the yr 2011. I have seen quite a few doctors that have told me they would rather see me smoke pot than to be taking all the pills I have to. Of course they would also tell me it’s illegal. I dont think kids should be smoking or doing any other drugs..If legalizing this drug will cut back on overcrowded jails/prisons..& make room for the criminals that NEED to be there for thier entire sentence I see the rotating legal system way too much for people who are making meth or crack ..they do less than 1/2 thier sentence & are back out doing the same thing only better cuz thats what they learn locked up! Not even rapists & murders do full time…..I’m done…Ready for all replies!
@Dude – I don’t think we “can safely say” that marijuana as a drug is “safe”, it’s clearly intoxicating &there are clear dangers using intoxicants. I know one case where a young person was intoxicated with marijuana & drove into oncoming traffic due to being intoxicated & behind the wheel. Like any other intoxicant it should be handled with great care & respect.
One troubling difference is that we understand the rate of breakdown of certain intoxicants like alcohol. The liver breaks down ethanol at about one oz per hour. We can measure it out and it has a known and predictable effect.
Marijuana is different in strength depending on the plant strain, variety, and cultivation technique. You cannot predict with a certainty what the strength of a random gram of it measures without chemical analysis. The effect on individuals varies with distribution of cannabinoid receptors the individual has in their nervous system. We also don’t understand well the effect of prolonged vs periodic use, the effect on receptor numbers (do they increase in number or decrease) within the Central and Peripheral Nervous System.
There are still lots of unknowns with pot.
Also, you’ve off by at least 3,000 years – so far the archaeological records reflect use of hemp going pretty far back – at least middle neolithic period. As late as 3,000 to 4,500 BCE and early as 9,000 BCE. Doesn’t mean they were smoking it though.
Its use as a drug is mentioned in cuneiform from Sumerian Mesopotamia – about 4,500 BCE or earlier. In Egypt going back to before 3100 BCE. That’s over 5,000 years ago. They were doing lots of stuff we wouldn’t do today. Like using crocodile dung for birth control – which I’d imagine would be pretty effective.
REGARDING:
“who are you? And if this is your real name, then I have found nothing of value that would validate your opinions. And with your attitude, I can certainly see why you are where you are. Your approach is rude and disrespectful”
Who am I? How can that even be a question from a person able to read? Now if you mean on a deeper level, that’s harder to answer for we are many people to different people: husband, father, son, brother, citizen, driver, Baptist, Auburn Alumnus, Bluff Springer— But I doubt you are asking deeply philosophical questions–could be wrong.
My opinions regarding your claim all plants are food can be verified by eating a few off the list I mentioned.
I’m being rude and disrespectful by disagreeing with your claim that all plants are food because the Bible says so? But it’s not rude and disrespectful for you to disagree with my claim some plants are poisonous? Teach on oh learned guru.
David for higher education
REGARDING:
“It would be difficult,given Nixon’s near impeachment and/or indictment as a criminal to state with certainty that he was a better president than most any other candidate would have been”
I’m sure thousands of other people would have been better candidates and presidents–just as I’m sure my party didn’t put any of them on the ballot that time, only George McGovern. McGovern was multi-faced–showing whatever the crowd in front of him was looking for, changing his beliefs according to opinion polls. Nixon’s face wasn’t pretty, but Nixon was always Nixon–the devil you knew.
David for better candidates
REGARDING:
“Many of the plants that you list do have medicinal value.”
Yes, they do, but he claims they are to be considered meat to eat. I question that claim. If you eat them as food, you die.
“I believe Curious was making the point that while some moralist prohibitionist bible thumpers claim that Cannabis is the “Devil’s weed” they should read their bibles a little closer. Also in the Bible it gives the ingredients of the “healing ointment” Cannabis is one of the main ingredients,”
If so, then it should say so in the Bible rather than the Bible rewritten to say so. It was translated during a time when fear of cannabis was unknown so there’s no reason to assume the translators were trying to trick us by not using the correct term.
If we were trying to use Exodus 30:23-24 and assume one of the components was ACTUALLY marijuana rather than what the Bible says, it still doesn‘t support his claim that proves we are to use it. (Do it if you want to, just don’t lie about it.) But he made it clear I’m only allowed to use his SPECIAL translation and even then he’s just going to have to spell it out to me since I’m so dense–or my mind hasn‘t been expanded by his herbal usage.
David needing a chalkboard
suspecting directed translations
intended to make bible say what it doesn’t say
We are here today and why speculate on times in the past. All states should legalize and all it would take would be for the people to hit the streets and start marching. This would do a lot of important things, the most significant thing it would do is cut the drug cartel’s (this includes all not just mexican) bank accounts in half. People need to wake up and realize that the “normal bias” is keeping them from seeing what is really going on.
Re David: your sarcasm does not impress me. But you are right about one thing. You are sitting at the feet of a scholar and unfortunately due to the enjoyment of the high dollars that I do get paid, I would not ever list my real name and jeopardize those ben franklins.
However, who are you? And if this is your real name, then I have found nothing of value that would validate your opinions. And with your attitude, I can certainly see why you are where you are. Your approach is rude and disrespectful.
Thank you DUDE for the clarification. I am glad to know that rational adults can have discussions without having to explain your point on a chalkboard.
David,
I have to admit that, looked at objectively, Nixon did at least three things. He worked for school integration, he went to China and he resigned.
As for McGovern,well, it’s all pretty much speculation as to what kind of president he would be since,as I recall, he was never president. It would be difficult,given Nixon’s near impeachment and/or indictment as a criminal to state with certainty that he was a better president than most any other candidate would have been.
@ Dude no worries. LOL! By the way your correct as long as we keep sending money to Mexico they will keep taking it. At the rate they are going down there with the drug wars the whole country is going to be ran by the drug lords. If they already aren’t. Sooner or later regardless what our Government says it is going to spill way over into America. We will wake up one morning and see it all over the news where they are fighting it out in some of our major cities in the south land or south west. They are already right on the borders doing it. Just my 2.
@ David Hule Green, Many of the plants that you list do have medicinal value. I believe Curious was making the point that while some moralist prohibitionist bible thumpers claim that Cannabis is the “Devil’s weed” they should read their bibles a little closer. Also in the Bible it gives the ingrediants of the “healing ointment” Cannabis is one of the main ingrediants,it is very likely that Jesus” the anointed one” used Cannabis , also Cannabis( kaneh Bosem) was one of the herbs that were burned as a offering to the lord.
After more than 3,000 years of use by humans I think we can safely say that Cannabis is a safe herb.
I agree totally with you , all treaties related to Cannabis prohibition should be thrown away. President Calderone of Mexico is making noise about the Hypocritical drug policies in the U.S., but as long as we ( the feds) keep sending him $$$$$ he will keep taking it.
REGARDING:
“Wasn’t that the election when Massachusetts became the “I told you so state”?”
Even dead, Nixon’s better than McGovern, in fact, possibly especially dead since he can’t do any harm. It’s a shame McGovern was the best my party had to run against RMN.
David for better choices
REGARDING:
“If you come at me, please come correct. I was referring to the part of being herb bearing seed, which your Bible does not speak of. Maybe you need to invest in one that provides a broader analysis.”
Please forgive oh mighty mage. I didn’t know you only accepted a particular translation. So we willuse whichever one you have and then explain how it says it’s okay to eat deadly nightshade or castor beans, or drink tea from azalea.
David sitting at feet of scholar
Jim W;
OK. I didn’t think I was “jumping out ” at you , you seemed to have a question about smoking and it’s negative effects. Dr. Donald Tashkin had the same ideas so he did the research and it turned out that smoking Cannabis , while not the preferred delivery system,is not all that damaging..
Let’s all take a big bowl of Chill out.
Thanks for answering my question about the definition of a drug…
And thanks to the information about the treaty…I do believe I want to run for presidency when I get of age.
David said…..I remember seeing who was wearing McGovern buttons in 1972. It resulted in my very first vote ever being one to re-elect Tricky Dick.
David thinking the right enemies
are good for you
I said…..
Wasn’t that the election when Massachusetts became the “I told you so state”?
My first vote ever. Yep. McGovern. Me and about half dozen other folks.
This discussion on marijuana has been a real eye opener. When this came up the last thing I expected was rational discussion. I guess maybe there’s hope for us after all.
Actually the version of the bible that I have specifically in the referenced verse states”herb bearing seed”….hhmmm…thanks for the reference because in my opinion it is being dscribed to a tea. just sayin…
REGARDING:
” He _really_hated_ them, even though they were likely responsible for his election win.”
I remember seeing who was wearing McGovern buttons in 1972. It resulted in my very first vote ever being one to re-elect Tricky Dick.
David thinking the right enemies
are good for you
That should have read “colonists were” and no, I don’t use that stuff.
Another bit of irony – American colonistswee required to grow hemp to make sailcloth and rope by Mother England ruler of the Seas at that time, and the colonists revolted against that idea in order to grow a more cash producing crop…tobacco.
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and many others grew it for the high quality fiber. Can’t venture on whether they smoked it though, but it was commonly used as a tea for “female troubles”…
I remember Nixon outlawing it – I think he did that because he hated Hippies/Yippies. He _really_hated_ them, even though they were likely responsible for his election win. Especially after the DNC of ‘68, Chicago 7 and all that. Whew! That was just crazy.
Re: David Green: Sir my Bible that holds both the King James and New International version says and I quote directly:
King James: and God said, “Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.”
New International: Then God said, “I give you every seed bearing plant on the face ofthe whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.
If you come at me, please come correct. I was referring to the part of being herb bearing seed, which your Bible does not speak of. Maybe you need to invest in one that provides a broader analysis.
We should all get together, roll a big fattie, and then have a serious discussion about this man. LOL
REGARDING:
“Haven’t seen dave in this one…he’s usually good at giving us information that most people don’t know”
I’ve already said I believe all drugs should be legal for adults to consume even if they kill them. It would de-fund most gangs and other criminal activity since they couldn‘t compete with Wal-Mart. Use of these drugs in such a manner as to endanger others should be punished harshly, such as driving under the influence, DUI. (which isn’t, but should be)
“Just An Old Soldier” gave you your definition of drug. If you have a word processor, you can usually type in a word and click on dictionary and it will give you a fair definition (even if it DOESN’T know juke–which mine does). You can type it on the search bar followed by “definition” and it will offer you a few million definition sources for most words. Usually the first few offerings are good enough.
Marijuana is illegal by international treaty which Nixon pushed through. Without the treaty, it would be illegal to make it illegal. With the treaty, states making it legal does not change the treaty requirements, which are right up there with the Constitution itself as to power over lower laws.
The treaty should be thrown out since the nation is not enforcing it and it was based on false information. The President can do it anytime he wishes just as Carter threw out the Panama Canal Treaty and Bush threw out the ABM treaty.
David for truth in advertising
REGARDING:
“I would advise all the good people to grab your bible and look in the very first chapter, Genisis, verse 29. Read this and then give your response. If this is not describing marijuana, then somebody explain to me.”
Okay, Genesis 1:29 (English Standard Version) “And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. ”
Taken the way you give it, despite being poisonous, the following are good for food:
AZALEAS , all parts are fatal!
CALLA LILLY, all parts
CASAVA, roots
CASTOR BEAN, seeds are fatal!
CHERRY LAUREL, all parts are very dangerous; contains hydrocyanic acid
CHERRY SEEDS, see CHERRIES above
CHINA BERRY TREE, Melia, berries are poisonous
DAFFODIL, (Narcissus), bulbs may be fatal
DEADLY NIGHTSHADE, all parts, unripe fruit and foliage
DOGWOOD, fruit slightly poisonous
ELDERBERRY, leaves, shoots, and bark
ELEPHANT EARS (Taro), entire plant and fruit is poisonous
FOXGLOVE, Digitalis purpurea, whole plant can be fatal
FOUR O’CLOCK, Mirabilis, whole plant
HEMLOCK ROOTS, all parts
HOLLY, leaves and berries
HORSE CHESTNUT, all parts, including bud
HYDRANGEA, whole plant
IVY, all parts
MISTLETOE, berries are fatal!
MOCK ORANGE, all parts (and I’ve tried to eat those)
MOUNTAIN LAUREL, young leaves and shoots are fatal!
NIGHTSHADES, (European Bittersweet, Horse Nettle), all parts, especially unripe berries
POISON IVY, all parts
POISON OAK
POISON SUMAC, all parts
POPPY, all except California poppies are dangerous
POTATO, sprouts and foliage are fatal!
TOBACCO PLANTS, all parts
TOMATO, foliage and vines
WISTERIA, Wisteria, seeds and pods
YEWS, (Yucca, Spanish Bayonet), Taxus, foliage, flowers and berries are toxic
David just naming a few which don’t fit
Dude sorry I’m still laughing. I like the bowl of chill out statement. I may have to borrow that one from you some time if you don’t mind. It’s a good statement. LOL!
@ DUDE no offense taken just making a clarification about what was said. Nothing no more or less. Ha! U are humorous though I give you that it brought a smile to my face.
JIM W; KNEE JERK ????
You took offense to me referring you to a study that would give you more information about Cannabis and Smoking , gee kind of sensitive aren’t we, you might want to try a bowl and chill out.
I would advise all the good people to grab your bible and look in the very first chapter, Genisis, verse 29. Read this and then give your response. If this is not describing marijuana, then somebody explain to me.
This is for DUDE! You need to read what I said before you jump out at me. I never said I was against anything. Just like some of the others I am conflicted on the issue. I do not know where I agree or disagree on the matter as I do not use it. What I do know is regardless what the State of Floridia votes to do it is still illegal until the Feds make it legal. Therefore you are knowingly breaking the law. Pretty simple where I am coming from. So maybe you should think thru what you have read before knee jerking next time. I think we are all concerned one way or another. Because one expresses his or her opinion where in favor or not does not constitue that you should knee jerk. It appears you knee jerked on this one. Just my 2 cents.
And yes, they sell Adult Beverages in Disneyland, you just have to know where to find them.
drug (drg) n.
1. a. A substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease or as a component of a medication.
b. Such a substance as recognized or defined by the U.S. Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
2. A chemical substance, such as a narcotic or hallucinogen, that affects the central nervous system, causing changes in behavior and often addiction.
3. Obsolete A chemical or dye.
Many drugs are from plants, some are synthesized (chemically made) in a laboratory from raw ingredients (like petrochemicals, minerals, etc).
There is a lot of debate on whether the isolated property of a particular plant is adequate for some illnesses versus a more holistic approach of using several of the “bioactive” components from the same plant. This is an argument only pharmacologists truly appreciate.
There are chemicals in the marijuana plant that may balance or temper the action of the main psychoactive component (if memory serves, delta nine-tetrahydrocannabinol).
The active ingredient has a potent effect on the mind and nervous system and the effects on the developing brain (children and adolescents) have not been fully studied due to legislation and government restrictions. This is the area I am most worried about.
Another thought!!!
Where does our Governor sit on this issue?
Sadly (In my opinion) Recently it was decided he doesn’t have the authority to deny the high speed rail project.
He does have the legal authority to decriminalize marijuana. Studies have shown the positive cash flow impact such actions would take while not even taking into consideration the savings in health care, added employment, added taxation revenue, lower policing costs.
All the expenses related to any overhead related to the administration of decriminalized cannabis could be put on the shoulders of those who use it and all the fiscal benefits would go directly to the general public and taxpayers. We have tried to outlaw it and police it, That has failed!, it is clearly something the people want. 14 states have to date come to their senses. I’d like Florida to be number 15.
Furthermore! Our President has come out in the support of medical marijuana, by lowering the priority of The Federal Government interfering with State Rights, and for this I commended him.
There are many good reasons to do this, and not very many negative’s!
I strongly support the classification of medical cannabis and further decimalization for social use but adults. BUT! The medical clearance gets my primary support. ANYTHING that helps people deal with pain and suffering and other illness must be made available to patients who need it. ! It appears there are many ways to get cannabis into your body without processing it nor smoking it. Although the science supports the fastest and most controlled method would be smoking it.
Why do I have to spend more then $4000.00 per month for medications that partially help my pain levels and I am denied even trying an inexpensive route?
From use I recall from my youth I firmly believe it would help me and I have a right to pursue happiness!
Are not my constitutional rights being infringed upon?
One thing for sure it would solve the unemployment for the entire state. Two armed guards for every acre might be enough. As always the have nots will take from the haves. But then who is going to watch the guards.
INSTIGATOR;wrote”let me know how i can sign up to be a legal grower”
The first thing you have to do is convince the feds to deschedule Cannabis from schedule 1 to 3 or better yet off the CSA (controled substance Act) altogether. I heard on the radio the other day that world prices for corn is going up because our government pays farmers to convert a portion of their corn crop into Ethanol,this is stupid. People need food ,and Hemp will outproduce corn any day for Ethanol production.
…………………………….
We are so brain washed as Americans, people are OK with nature being ill legal (GODS PLANT). But if its FDA Approved people are OK. Think for yourself stop letting the gov. tell you what’s good for you. Common sense should tell you that every man made drug have caused problems to people from the beginning of time. But its OK to take COCAINE,HEROIN,OPIUM,MORPHINE ETC…. That’s what’s in your MEDS. If marijuana is so bad why has the GOV made MARINOL. it’s about MONEY they can tax it. Tobacco and Alcohol is legal and everybody is ok with that (GROW UP PEOPLE). If lettuce and tomatoes was illegal you would be mad then. Vote to legalize marijuana it should not be illegal anyway.
Old Soldier, If you are conflicted that is good because it means you can see the issues on both sides. I will only say that we should not be making rules for adults based on what children may or may not do, otherwise we might as well go live in Disneyland,,,,do they sell beer in Disneyland ? I have not met anyone on the pro legalization side who thinks Cannabis should be used by Children, except in medical cases with the consent of the parents. Will children get Cannabis ?, they do now ,and the people they get it from don’t have any scrupples for selling them dangerous drugs.
I read a story in one of these comment sections about a young Iraq/ Afghanistan veteran , got all busted up and is on permanent disability. He lives in a state that does not have a MedMj law, but he has found pleasure and relief from using Cannabis, isn’t it a shame that we send off our soldiers to fight for (supposedly) our freedoms or the freedoms of others, and when they get home they are branded criminals for using a herb. I say legalize it on a National level.
some reasons I believe marijuana has not been legalized : DEA funding would be curtailed, LEO federal grant money would be reduced , Prison building contractors would lose contracts , pharmacutical companies would lose profits . politicians wouldn’t be able to grandstand , can be grown by anyone for private use and therefore be untaxable. these are just a few reasons I can think of , just off the top of my head
I live with chronic pain every day. 14 hernanted disk and 2 fracture’s in my BACK. I take 14 pain pills a day. I would vote any day for a natural way to kill my pain. So u got my vote.
every one may have their opinion, i feel it is better than other medicines out there when properly regulated. it also can be of benefit to farmers who have empty fields to earn a living whenobtaining proper licensing and permission to grow it, my 5 acres of hay i pull out every year and give away may finally be able to put to use to earn an income for my family. let me know how i can sign up to be a legal grower
old soldier, totally agree with you with regards to our youth. could not have said it better myself. but the truth of the matter is when the kiddos get a certain age, no matter what it is, whether marijuana or alcohol or tobacco, if they want it, some creep is going to get it for them. somehow someway. alcohol is the worst in my opinion…think about it…. teens + alcohol + car keys + our country roads = recipe for disaster. they already have half baked brains to begin with and then they take drugs and/or alcohol??? gives me the headache!
I am so thrilled that as a floridian and a voter I might be allowed to vote for the legalization of Cannabis in my Life time. I have two teenagers that know I use it now for my medical conditions I always go out to the garage where the only real bad thing about this wonder plant is the smell and the are both honor students and have already distinguished them selves one is always scoring in the top 7% of the State in Math and Science At this time they are scared of not the effects of the plant but how our laws could ruin their chances in life one can cure a bad habit however a conviction will follow you every where its these laws of prohibition that are the must destructive laws since Slavery and prohibition of cannabis started as racist and still is a modern day Jim Crow. I have been using off and on since 1968 and find Alcohol is the worst if I had a choice of my kid drinking Alcohol or using Cannabis I would chose Cannabis It is not the job of the state to parent it is the parents job to parent.
I’m kinda confused at what makes something a drug…last I checked it is just a plant. Much like tobacco is merely a plant. Yet its not considered a drug. So can someone tell me exactly what a drug is.
Haven’t seen dave in this one…he’s usually good at giving us information that most people don’t know…so hopefully he or someone knows the anwser to this question.
Nice post, Old Soldier. Well reasoned and thought out. I agree with everything you said.
I must be stoned!! (chuckle)
I am very conflicted about this issue.
On the one hand, I recognize that our “War on Drugs” has been ineffective (if not laughable, sorry DEA and LEOs) and a waste of the taxpayer’s dollar where marijuana is concerned.
I also recognize that the source of most ot the laws against pot were originated from an anti-Mexican position that was purely racist in motivation (mostly from California and Hearst Publishing scares in the 20’s and 30’s, even the 40’s and 50’s – how’s that for ironic?). Remember the Zoot Suit Riot? Supposedly “drug fueled” by marijuana used by Mexican youth.
I also recognize that marijuana has been used as a medicinal plant back to early Mesopotamia, pre-Egyptian times and was used in Egypt, Greece, Rome, Assyria, Persia to name but a few early cultures. That’s more than 6,000 years of human history
[The rest of my comment should be below this one]
I am very conflicted about this issue.
I recognize that when ingested it may have positive effect for some medical conditions. Chronic pain, nausea from chemotherapy, etc. Good things for patients that suffer.
Where I have a problem is when it is made available to our youth, while their minds are developing. I have seen some tragic outcomes in otherwise bright young people literally wasting their future potential due to the use and abuse of this potent drug. And yes, it is a drug. It should be given only under a physician’s supervision. That part is not well understood yet, sorry to say.
If this were to pass I can see some benefit in the elimination of this from the drug racketeer’s funding stream and no longer a cash cow for the cartels.
I still worry about the impact on our youth. I believe adults can and should be able to choose for themselves, but children, by law, cannot make these decisions for themselves, and I believe must be kept from this drug. I’ve seen its bad effect in families.
It may not kill children, but it can kill their future. I hope this is approached with due caution by our Representatives.
Colorado has already legalized it for medicinal purposes… of course with a doctors rx.But we all know doctors who just write out what you say you want.If indeed it does help patients then legalize it and take the other more harmful drugs off the market.Of course there is no big money for drug companies if we do that!
Never heard of any robberies, rapes, or killings while smokin weed. It’s not the drugs, its the individuals.
Sorry>>>doc, teachers, and mechanic’s..that smoke…and still do a good job…I have no problem with it. If there messed up driving.. they will get a DWI like the rest of up. Just cause you got a script, doesn’t mean you can drive around “messed up”. Like I have said before its soooooo much better than meth,crack,herion.
O.K. I’m over reading the blogs. There giving me a glaucoma induced headache! Kidding. Not a pot smoker, but Know plenty of them. There you Doctors,nurses, teachers, and mechanics. It’s better than Lortab, Oxie,Roxiel. People don’t understand that THC has been a regular script for a while. Any ADHD child with bad weight loss has gotten a script for a syrupy given at lunch time that gave them a “appetite” What did you think that was?
As the saying goes, “You don’t see any angry stoners!”
All I can say to the naysayers is PLEASE, do your own research. There is ample documentation available that proves that marijuana helps ease the discomfort of many ailments.
This is not crazed kids getting high on laced pot and acting wild.
Medical marijuana is doctor prescribed medicine that is measured and dispensed professionally. These dispensaries are controlled by state and county officials.
Medical marijuana is used by an aunt to ease nerve pain….it gives the appetite back to a sister going through chemotherapy because of breast cancer…….it eases the head pain of a grandfather stricken with glaucoma after years of working in the sun.
Medical marijuana can replace many of the prescription drugs being used and abused by people in our community today. And unlike many of these prescription medicines, marijuana is non-addictive and has very few side effects.
Judy MASEK;
” there are 400 different chemicals in pot…”
How many of them are harmful?
Why does this argument keep popping it’s head up just to get whacked down again and again…..
Your ” opinion” is not good enough reason to keep it illegal.
JIM W; All I can say is for you to Google Dr. Donald Tashkin, UCLA smoking studies.
It don’t matter if they make it legal or not . If you want to smoke, all you got to do is get some.I’ve smoked for the last 30 yrs.It would be nice not to hide from people who “frown upon it.” It helps with alot of things and don’t have the effect alcohol does.
For all the people that are against this, please provide FACTS of any negativeness of this drug/plant. Its hasn’t been proven to cause cancer. It hasn’t been proven to kill brain cells. It has as much potential of being a gateway drug as milk does at wanting me to try alcohol. It hasn’t been proven to be addicting. It hasn’t been listed as Americas number 1 killer like tobacco, alcohol(perfectly legal items i remind you). So please tell me, why are people against this plant? What is soooooo bad about this plant?
whitepunknotondope- “who the hell do i think i am?”…well, lets see…..im a floridian who happens to have an opinion on some current events…so, apparently, you think that the state of california is doing just fine….ok, thats perfectly acceptable, as your concept…..no need to be critical of my parentage…(i was fortunate enough to be raised very well)……so, take a deep breath and calm down…stress kills.
I want the government out of my life.
Marijuana….I should be able to buy it,smoke it, grow it, eat it, give it away and sleep on a mattress made of it if I want.
I have spoken to police officers, at least 3, who tell me they look the other way with pot unless they have another reason to arrest someone.The local law enforcement agencies party line is that they need to be tougher on drugs. That’s because of the federal grant money they receive for holding up a few annual busts as evidence of their enforcement abilities.
Thousands of Mexicans are dying in the drug wars just across the border because we spend so much money on Mexican weed. Now the dealers are starting to grow it here in the US in national forests where even the police are afraid to go looking.
We have spent billions of dollars, sent thousands of people to prison, and for what? Tell us that the war on drugs has been successful. Get the government out of this sham war and leave our tax dollars alone.
@ OMRBH
I’m not entirely sure…but I dont believe a vaporizer would cause any problems with your asthema….
Any drug is a mask for pain or mental problems. It is a matter of if they are legal or not. This issue like California is about tax dollars and jail space. I do not use it nor do I have any desire to use it. I have a hard time beleiving that smoking this drug can help when I had it beatten in my head that smoking is bad for you. At least with cigaretts the chemicals was controled as to what could be put in tobacco. This stuff you really have no controll over unless the government controls what goes into to it. Which still will probably kill you sooner or later. Stop and think about it if smoke from tobacco in your lungs will kill you do not think this will as well? Again this is about money for the state. Even if it is passed it is still illegal as for as the law is concerned. The Federal Government says it is illegal regardless what a State says.
Just my 2 cents worth now feel free to jump on it I await your remarks.
Henry Jordan;
I also have the degenerative spine and I am a MedMJ person in my State. I can tell you,and others, that using the Cannabis has allowed me to cope with my pain by helping me to relax, most of the time that makes it tolerable and I don’t have to rely on the Oxycodone . Good luck in your States efforts ,get involved and do what you can to make it happen.
I do not live in Florida, but my Mother in law does, she is a church going person,and her initial reaction to legalizing Medical use of Cannabis was the typical knee jerk Reefer Madness “what about the message this sends to the Children” reflex. I took some time explaining the uses that Cannabis has ,other than recreational. I explained to her that one can use Cannabis without getting high, not that getting “high” is a particular problem, some people enjoy the feeling, some don’t. I don’t know if I managed to sway her vote but I did manage to get her to bring up the subject with her church family and have a open honest conversation, inviting representatives from both sides of the issue.
I hope that this sort of conversation can spread throughout all the churches in Florida.
I constantly read posts about “smoking marijuana” and the harm it will do with it’s 400 harmful ingredients, etc, etc.. There is a more healthy method of ingestion that is known to educated medical cannabis consumers. Fact is, there’s no need to smoke it at all. You can consume cannabis edibles (eat it) or you can vaporize it. Ingredients can be cooked into cake, cookie, brownie, candy or other foods, then consumed for medicinal purposes. Vaporization is a lower temperature technique where the active ingredients evaporate (turn into a gas) without causing combustion (not smoke). This process significantly lowers the ingestion of harmful toxins that is associated with traditional “smoking” a joint and eliminates the smoke. If you are concerned about respiratory hazards of smoking, you are strongly advised to use a vaporizer. No, I am not a marijuana smoker but I am an advocate for the legalization of Medical Marijuana. For the last 9 years I have been a pain patient that is prescribed narcotic pain pills from my doctor. I am looking for an alternative to taking these pills and medical marijuana looks like an alternative (if it is legalized). I have degenerative disc disease in my neck, causing me great pain, numbness and headaches and I cannot work. I’m 57 years old and on disability. I was a jeweler for 32 years, business owner and I can no longer work. I had to stop working due to my disease. I’m not a bum or a stoner. I’m in pain and I don’t want to take pain pills and would rather take a natural product that may help me.
You got my vote.
You can’t turn on the T.V. without seeing an ad about synthetic pharmaceuticals being recalled due to deaths. We need to finally realize that marijuana is far safer than any drug man made. (including alcohol). Not only will it benefit the sick, it will help reduce crime and let the police focus on real drugs ; Meth, Crack, Cocaine, etc.
The only people who would vote against this are the ill-informed, and drug dealers who know it will destroy their income.
To those who think its a bad idea. Think of a loved one ; a spouse, a son or daughter, your grandparents, your parents, a friend, or a sibling. If they were to get a debilitating illness, would you rather them use synthetic pharmaceuticals for years only to find out that the drug is killing people and causing irreversible side effects, or would you rather them use marijuana a drug that has been studied more than any other drug on the market today?
“…is california a state that floridians would want to emulate, in light of their financial status, moral status, educational status…etc, etc….(im sure that i could go on if i did further research)”
No Judy there’s no reason for you to “go on” at all, your superior self-evaluation is painfully clear to anyone who reads your post.
“Moral status”? Who the hell do you THINK are you anyway? Somebody, somewhere didn’t raise you so good.
ok…ill throw my thoughts into the ring too….i can think of a few friends that should be allowed, by medical prescription, to use it for legitimate chronic and severe pain…i do see the benefit in SOME cases…on the other hand, my daughter lives in california, where its legal to obtain it by “doctor prescription”….according to her, it is not difficult, whatsoever, to obtain it and use it for recreational use…in other words, its simple/easy to legally/illegally acquire it for most calif. residents…so, obviously, dubbing it legal for use as “medicinal use”, is just convenient technical verbage…doesnt take a genius to figure that out…so, bottom line: is california a state that floridians would want to emulate, in light of their financial status, moral status, educational status…etc, etc….(im sure that i could go on if i did further research)..of course, legalizing pot is not the primary reason calif is in such bad shape, but..i believe that the present method of distribution/usage over there, in the “land of opportunity”, is a contributing factor….currently, the FDA does not approve any “smoked” form or medicine…im unclear on how anyone could then, term it as “medicinal”…a cannabis cigarette contains 4 times the amount of tar that one cigarette has….and, there are 400 different chemicals in pot…thats why, i think that a doctor would have to prudently weigh the benefits vs. risks to patients that LEGITIMETLY could require it to improve the quality of what life they have left…we already have merinol, by prescription, for cancer/aids patients w/ongoing nausea/vomiting.
“…you’re right I have no knowledge to make a statement like that. BECAUSE I DON’T USE DRUGS”
This is MEDICINAL we’re talking about! Not casual drug use!
I’d like to see how much hot air you blow if you ever come down with cancer. Then we’ll see how tough you are by “not using drugs”.
You’ll be crawling to your doctor on your knees for a scrip. Guaranteed. You’re a fool with a big mouth and small brain..
I am a Republican. We are for small government and greater social freedoms. Not all of us are Christian Fundies. Now is the time to legalize and do away with the Nanny-State.
OMG Sandra your commit was hilarious!!!!! Thanks for the the laugh..( :
A smile a day keeps the frown lines away!
The reasons it is not legal is the ‘War on Drugs’ is too profitable for certain agencies and the drug is too cheap of an alternative to some of the drug companies high dollar pills. Does anyone really believe this drug is far worse than some of the pills being prescribed?
Legalize it, and kill the crime associated with the drug trade and stop locking up minor offenses which over crowds our jails and puts really violent offenders back on the streets. This whole debate against its legalization is full of hypocrisy.
If it is a safer alternative to synthetic drugs as he states, then insurance companies should be required to pay for it. If not, then none of the companies would cover it and you would be right back to square one. Some people may prefer to use this natural drug verses the narcotics made in a lab, but cannot get it and make the transition because they can’t pay for it and insurance doesn’t cover the cost. However, I do agree with users not being able to smoke on the job, but for those that may need it in that span of time while they are at work should be able to have a long enough break to compensate for the drive to and from home. Just a suggestion. There may be patients that are on a time schedule of medication. This is a good idea, but there should be changes made.
Yes Whitepunk you’re right I have no knowledge to make a statement like that. BECAUSE I DON’T USE DRUGS………. More power to those who do, it’s your brain and body, just stay away from me when you’re high. If you could name one positive thing that comes from drug use maybe I’ll change my mind. But until then I’ll keep on making my comments. DRUGS ARE FOR LOSERS……..
to blockhead; sounds to me like your misinformed or just plain stupid.Doctors are writing script left and right for pain meds,people are getting hooked on these drugs and die every day,kids will do anything for pills,weed is an herb,you dont have to have it,it’s not addictive,you cant overdose on it its a want not a need.It would be the smartest thing the Gov. has done in years.
Fla. would become the 15th state to use this for medical reasons.
Now to you Rowland, Humbolt county Ca. is the largest supplier of medical marijuana in the country, Farmers there have stopped the traditional oranges and avacado growing, for the marijauna growing market and boy are they making money.
Elmer Fudd
El Cajon Ca.
yes this is my real name
my dad thought it would funny
“What’s next medical cocaine for insomnia?”
What are you afraid of, and why should anybody care? “America is lazy enough?”
Sorry chief but you’re not the boss of ANYBODY so you have no knowledge to make a statement like this.
I’M American and I’M not lazy.
We’re getting one extreme with Evers’ gun bills and now the other with this nut Clemens and his dope. Maybe the two of them can get together and smoke some gun powder – that ought to fix ‘em.
Cannabis is the most studied drug known to man, no one has ever overdosed or smoked too much and died as a result. I know that can not be said for any other drug pushed by docters.
I think my Glycoma is flaring up.
What’s next medical cocaine for insomnia? Or will the American Dental Association recommend medical METH do drum up business. Give me a break if this bill passes everyone and their grandma will be in pain just to get their hands on it. If anyone thinks that marijuana is harmless then they are sadly misinformed………..America is already lazy enough so all we need is another thing to make us less motivated……………Mary Janes last dance……
Our lawmakers (Fed, State, & Local) must have been using this stuff in their back rooms for a long time. This explains why they want to get in our Septic tanks;
THEY’RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING ELSE TO SMOKE!
Sounds like a well rounded good idea to me.
It’s certainly understandable that there are many cases where the medical use of cannabis would be better than years of pain pills.
In 1984 I fell from a platform and landed on my back causing serious injury. Surgery offered temporary relief but I’ve lived with pain…….and pain pills ever since. The pills scare me half to death because they are so addicting. Yes I’ve been hooked several times! Then it’s a struggle to get off them, then the pain forces me to go back on them but try to limit how much I take.
What would it hurt for me to use a little marijuana instead of Demorol and other powerful narcotics? But how would I take the marijuiana? With severe asthma, smoking it would cause other problems. I was a 3 pack a day smoker until I quit 11 years ago and don’t want to get back on that again!! What alternative is there for me?
Over 39 years ago, I tried my first taste of cannabis. At that very moment, I realized jailing everyone who used it would put our government in an impossible position. There would never be enough jail space or funds to build enough jails. I also realized that it seemed barbaric to jail peaceful citizens for it use. Another thought was, how would it ever become possible for taxpayers to sustain the funding of our police and drug enforcement agencies over the long term to enforce these non-violent crimes, without sacrificing real crime fighting efforts by law enforcement and the true purpose of our corrections system. Now, at my old age, I see all the downside of this come to pass. The madness has to stop sometime and the sooner the better. Our childrens’ futures have been taken away by insignificant felony arrests. Countless families have been torn apart. and Millions of Dollars in US currency are leaving the country each day. Millions of otherwise law abiding Americans are now considered criminals just because they have used cannabis. For many, their feeling of patriotism has been eroded away by these United States antiquated cannabis laws.
Now, The State of Florida, “The Sunshine State” I believe, should be at the top of the growing and dispensing markets of this nation, while using taxes/funds generated from marketing cannabis. From infrastructure to the homeless and less fortunate, and even health care could all become beneficiaries to the implementation of medical cannabis regulations. But to me, the most important aspect of legalizing medical cannabis is… to put street gangs and cannabis smugglers out of business overnight. Less killings of law enforcement officials. Less neighbor hood violence blossoming into a sense of peace between the citizen and his government. All this, based on true freedoms and the pursuit of happiness in America.
R. Shannon,
Tampa Bay, Florida
I am a 57 year old Florida resident. I’ve had chronic pain for 9 years
(degenerative disc disease)(MRI verified) and on SSDI disbility. I take large
amounts of doctor prescribed narcotic pain medication (percocet). I would
prefer to have the option to take Medical Marijuana instead of these deadly pain
pills. I am an advocate for the legalization of Florida Medical Marijuana. I
pray that America stops criminalizing it’s citizens over this matter. Study
the real science (not the Refer Madness propaganda), marijuana is amazingly
beneficial and is not going away. It’s time to legalize, tax and regulate it.
Come on Floirda voters… advocate and vote for legal Florida Medical
Marijuana. I want a better medicine.
It’s time for Floridians to wake up and smell the cannabis.
We allow our sick citizens to take synthetic pharmaceuticals that are constantly being recalled due to causing heart attacks, strokes, etc. etc. but continue to look down upon the natural God given cannabis plant which has to date, in the entire history of mankind caused 0, count them 0 deaths.
Time to allow our sick grannies to stay home and tend their indoor cannabis plant thats nurse their arthritis instead of having to take Wal-Mart door greeter jobs just to buy their prescription pain killers that cause as much, if not more harm than good to them.
It’s time for we as people to start caring about our own lives and stop forcing our wishes and our misinformed opinions on other people.
Wake up, Florida, let’s pass this bill!