Drew Wilson
The committee backing an amendment to legalize medical marijuana had another big fundraising month in September, largely due to due to a $293,000 cash infusion from its chair, Orlando attorney John Morgan.
People United for Medical Marijuana raised another $22,000 from other donors, mostly individuals giving $250 or less, to bring its monthly total over $315,000. People United spent more than $342,000, though, and posted a net loss in cash on-hand, which now sits below $0.
Expenditures mainly went toward petition gathering efforts. California-based PCI Consultants was the favored petition gatherer again and received $261,378 in committee funds for its efforts. Petition verification was also a major drain, with fees paid to various county supervisor of elections offices adding up to more than $7,000.
The Florida Department of State shows the committee has gathered 280,373 valid signatures as of Wednesday morning. Amendments need 683,149 to get on the ballot.
Remaining expenses came from payroll and rent obligations, though Miami-based Grassroots Connections did pull in $12,750 in consulting fees last month.
