Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Bugs like marijuana too.
The Department of Health announced an emergency rule (64ER19-3) for pesticide use on pot.
The new rule adds that “pesticides must include a label that expressly has directions for use on crops or plants intended for human consumption, and that the active ingredient(s) are allowed for use on tobacco by the U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).”
That same section of regulation says: “Any pesticide registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) may be used for the cultivation of cannabis for medical use in the State of Florida when applied in accordance with its label or labeling directions.”
It’s an issue to keep an eye on.
A June 2015 Cannabis Safety Institute report said pesticide levels were “an emerging public health threat.”
Pesticides are a necessary evil because marijuana is “frequently damaged by molds and insects.” Granted, the authors acknowledge much “cannabis production” was still being done in, ahem, “an unregulated setting.”
Still, of particular concern was the fact that “inhaled chemicals are typically present at much higher levels in the body than those that are orally ingested.
“Research has shown that pesticides on cannabis can be transferred into smoke with efficiencies as high as 70 percent,” the report said.
Program note — Sunburn will not appear tomorrow.
Evening Reads
“Elizabeth Warren’s Iowa surge: Why Floridians should take notice” via Steve Contorno of the Tampa Bay Times
“Gov. Ron DeSantis to huddle with federal prosecutors – but who knows what they’ll talk about?” via Michael Moline of the Florida Phoenix
“Ron DeSantis’ Florida budget wish list: a sneak peek” via News Service of Florida
“Florida voter registration site back online, but skeptical Democrats claim it’s suppression” via Mike Schneider of the Associated Press
“Florida superintendents, state education officials begin work on teacher raise plan” via Jeffrey Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times
“Ed Hooper files VISIT FLORIDA protection bill” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics
“With Florida’s medical marijuana market thriving, pot proponents aim for full legalization” via Jeff Ostrowski of the Palm Beach Post
“Blockchain Task Force could create—or stymie—economic opportunity in Florida, experts say” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics
“Should Florida limit coastal development, toughen building codes? Influencers say yes.” via Samantha Gross of the Miami Herald
“One problem with 2024 moon landing: Where’s the rocket?” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics
Quote of the Day
“This is the problem with letting morally wrong (student government) election tactics go unpunished. Everyone knows it’s a staging ground for state and federal politics.” — Former Florida Alligator metro editor Meredith Bauer, on then-student senator Katie Waldman being accused of helping throw out copies of the student newspaper. Waldman is now press secretary for Vice President Mike Pence.
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
Gov. Ron DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody, CFO Jimmy Patronis, and Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried meet as the Governor and Florida Cabinet. That’s at 9 a.m., Cabinet meeting room, lower level.
The Legislative Delegation of Indian River County meets at 9 a.m., Indian River County Commission Chambers, 1801 27th St., Vero Beach.
DeSantis will deliver remarks at the Joint Investiture Ceremony for Supreme Court Justices Robert Luck and Carlos Muñiz. That’s at 2 p.m., Florida Supreme Court, 500 S. Duval St., Tallahassee.
A “Texting and Driving Community Forum” will be hosted by Sen. Bobby Powell and Rep. Al Jacquet. That’s at 5:30 p.m., Manifest Church, 2275 Palm Beach Lakes, West Palm Beach. RSVP to Tomas Alcala at [email protected].
DeSantis will join the Florida citrus industry and private sector partners for an announcement. That’s at 6 p.m., Quail Valley River Club, 2345 Florida A1A, Vero Beach.
