Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Scott PowersMay 9, 2017

Medical marijuana champion John Morgan turned to Twitter Tuesday afternoon to push for a special session to implement the medical marijuana law and he called for the free market – not the Florida Legislature – to decide how many dispensaries there would be. Morgan, who earlier this week had called for a special session after […]

Peter SchorschApril 6, 2017

I’ve not been shy about expressing my concerns about the implementation of Amendment 2, many of which stem from the fact that I’m the father of a young daughter. From that perspective, it’s imperative to me that Florida exercises necessary prudence and caution while putting in place the mandate from voters on medical marijuana. I’m […]

Peter SchorschApril 5, 2017

The Senate, with the revised version of SB 406, appears to be on what is a fairly balanced means of implementing Amendment 2. Is that my opinion? Maybe. But, as of yesterday, even the intrepid Ben Pollara sent an email saying (and I quote), “The Senate bill puts Patients First…” while most parties in attendance […]

Scott PowersMarch 6, 2017

A new bill introduced Monday to enact Florida’s medical marijuana program is being sharply criticized by promoters of Amendment 2 for keeping the budding business restricted to the state’s current seven approved producers. Senate Bill 1758, introduced by state Sen. Denise Grimsley, the Republican from Lake Wales, lays out how Florida should manage and regulate […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 28, 2017

A push to decriminalize marijuana could prove a slippery slope, by giving kids the false impression on the safety of a drug increasingly legal nationwide. Some believe a similar problem could happen in Florida, especially after voters passed Amendment 2, which began the process of legalizing medical marijuana throughout the Sunshine State. A new report […]

Joe ReedyFebruary 13, 2017

Three months after Florida voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment on medical marijuana, state health officials and prospective pot-seeking patients are at odds over proposed rules that would spell out who could get marijuana. State officials have recommended restrictions on what type of patients can qualify for medical marijuana, and where they can obtain it. […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 25, 2017

The former Colorado marijuana czar encouraged Florida lawmakers to invest in public education as they begin discussions about implementing Amendment 2. Andrew Freedman, the former director of marijuana coordination in Colorado, told the House Quality Subcommittee that the state should consider investing in public education, even before tax dollars derived from the medical marijuana industry […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 23, 2017

Drug Free America is urging Florida lawmakers to “proceed with caution” as they begin crafting legislation to implement the state’s newest medical marijuana law. “While we were opposed to Amendment 2 for a number of specific reasons, we recognize Florida voters have spoken,” said Calvina Fay, the executive director of Drug Free America, in a statement. “We also […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 19, 2017

A bill filed Thursday in the Florida Senate, if passed, would expand the medical marijuana system in the Sunshine State, complying with 2016’s Amendment 2. However, some critics — inside the Senate and outside as well — have raised concerns, suggesting the bill will not have the smoothest glide path. Senate Bill 406, filed by […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 17, 2017

More patients might be eligible for medical marijuana under Amendment 2, but a preliminary draft of new rules doesn’t appear to allow for immediate growth in the industry to meet demand. On Tuesday, the Florida Department of Health released the preliminary text of proposed rule development. The release comes ahead of five public hearings schedule […]

Tag: Amendment 2

John Morgan posts Twitter video calling for marijuana special session

New wrinkles in Florida’s medical marijuana implementation raise doubts, concerns

Is the Senate on the right path on medical marijuana?

Senate medical marijuana bill keeps industry restricted to seven distributors

With push to legalize marijuana, teens get false impression on pot safety

Florida officials, voters clash over medical marijuana rules

House Health Quality panel hears from former Colorado pot czar

Drug Free America urges caution as lawmakers discuss Amendment 2 implementation

Amendment 2 implementation bill filed in Florida Senate

DOH begins Amendment 2 rule-making