Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Joe ReedyJune 12, 2017

The Florida Legislature’s passage of a bill to enact the state’s constitutional amendment expanding the use of medical marijuana has ended one chapter in the battle over setting up regulations for the nascent industry. But pro-pot supporters say it doesn’t go far enough. Once Gov. Rick Scott signs the bill, the principal backer of getting […]

Associated PressJune 1, 2017

Seven babies have been born in Florida with birth defects linked to the Zika virus. The Orlando Sentinel reports that State Surgeon General Dr. Celeste Philip told Orlando-area officials Tuesday that seven babies with Zika-related neurological conditions have been born in Florida since June 2016. Philip did not say where the babies lived or whether […]

Associated PressMay 24, 2017

An administrative ruling has paved the way for at least one more medical marijuana distributing organization in Florida. Division of Administrative Hearings Judge John Van Landingham ruled Tuesday that Plants of Ruskin and Tornello Landscape/3 Boys Farm are equally qualified to receive licenses, but if the state’s Department of Health would approve only one, then […]

Staff ReportsMay 5, 2017

On Friday, the scheduled last day of the 2017 legislative session, the Florida Senate confirmed Gov. Rick Scott‘s picks to run the state’s health care agencies. The Senate approved Justin Senior to head the Agency for Health Care Administration and Celeste Philip to lead the Department of Health as Florida’s Surgeon General. The Florida Medical […]

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 […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterApril 3, 2017

A Senate panel is moving forward with its version of a bill to implement the 2016 medical marijuana constitutional amendment, approving an amended version of the proposal during its meeting. The Senate Health Policy Committee approved a bill (SB 406), sponsored by Sen. Rob Bradley, that would implement the 2016 medical marijuana constitutional amendment. Facing […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterApril 3, 2017

A Senate panel is poised to approve legislation this week that could add five more medical marijuana treatment centers in Florida by October and lower the threshold for adding additional treatment centers in the future. The Senate Health Policy Committee is scheduled to discuss and vote on a bill (SB 406), sponsored by Sen. Rob […]

Les NeuhausMarch 27, 2017

In an unexpected move, legislators merged two bills into one rather than unnecessarily compete against one another in a common goal to create a coordinated effort to enlist better medical services for abused children Monday. Both bills related to child protection issues. SB 1454, sponsored by Sen. Doug Broxson, and SB 1318, sponsored by Sen. […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 22, 2017

Sen. Rob Bradley indicated he is willing to support opening up the medical marijuana market more than he first proposed, but continues to believe vertical integration is the right system for Florida. Bradley, an Orange Park Republican, filed one of five medical marijuana implementing bills this Legislative Session. His proposal (SB 406) would, among other […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 1, 2017

The Tampa Bay Times is just plain wrong about something, and it has stuck in my craw for nearly a week now. Last Thursday, a Times headline read: “Voter intent on medical marijuana ignored.” Two days later, columnist John Romano followed suit with virtually the same narrative. “Ignored?” The clear inference of the editorial – […]

Tag: Department of Health

John Morgan plans lawsuit to allow for smoking of medical pot

Florida: 7 babies born with Zika-related birth defects

Administrative judge says 2 should get medical pot license

Senate confirms Justin Senior, Celeste Philip

Is the Senate on the right path on medical marijuana?

Senate panel OKs medical marijuana bill, speeds up pace for new licenses

Senate amendment quickens pace for medical marijuana treatment center growth

Lawmakers merge two bills to expand medical services for abused children

Senate begins discussion of medical marijuana implementing legislation

Saying voter intent ‘ignored’ on medical marijuana, Tampa Bay Times is just plain wrong