Report: UF just says no to medical marijuana partnerships

A medical marijuana grower may have told a Senate panel last week he was working with University of Florida scientists, but a university spokeswoman now says that’s not the case, according to a report by public broadcasting affiliate WUFT-TV and FM.

Robert Wallace, owner of Chestnut Hill Tree Farm in Alachua, on Wednesday told senators on the Regulated Industries Committee he was “working with” the university’s researchers “to develop and distribute medical marijuana by summer, and that he will donate a portion of his proceeds to the university for research,” the report said.

But university spokeswoman Rosanna Passaniti disputed that assertion, suggesting it could jeopardize the school’s independence.

“We’re not aware of any UF researchers or scientists, or of any UF Health Shands employees working independently with Mr. Wallace,” Passaniti told WUFT. “Our employees must abide by work policies established to ensure outside activities and financial interests do not represent a conflict of interest with respect to their role at the university or hospital system.”

Its report added:

Janine Sikes, assistant vice president of UF media relations and public affairs, also said the university has no affiliation with Wallace. She said federal law prohibits the possession, cultivation, manufacturing and distribution of marijuana, which also means UF is prohibited from doing so.

WUFT’s story said Wallace “hung up the phone” on one of its reporters calling for his comment.

A video of Wallace speaking to the committee is online in The Florida Channel’s video library and can be watched here. Fast forward to 54:35.