Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaApril 13, 2016

State regulators say they will no longer tax do-it-yourself cigar wrappers, or “blunt wraps,” a tobacco product perhaps better known as one used to smoke marijuana. That cost – a combination of an excise tax and surcharge that comes to a whopping 85 percent – was only paid by wholesalers, but the cost was passed to consumers. The decision by the […]

Brendan FarringtonMarch 11, 2016

The Legislature was getting ready to wrap up its 60-day legislative session Friday absent the drama that marked last year’s lawmaking process. The most important thing left for lawmakers on the final day was passing the $82.3 billion budget, a vote that couldn’t take place before 2:53 p.m. because of a requirement that lawmakers wait […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 17, 2016

The Alabama-based Poarch Band of Creek Indians, which approached Gov. Rick Scott in 2014 for a deal to offer gambling in Florida, essentially offered not to press for a Las Vegas-style casino with blackjack near Pensacola if the state wouldn’t fight their efforts to just open a poker-style cardroom. In return, the Poarch Creeks would […]

Jim RosicaNovember 23, 2015

The five nurseries in Florida approved to grow and distribute medical marijuana were announced Monday by the Department of Health, putting an end to a months-long wait by parents and their sick children who need the drug to control severe seizures. The approved nurseries by region are: Hackney Nursery Co. (Northwest) Chestnut Hill Tree Farm (Northeast) Knox Nursery (Central) Alpha […]

Ryan RayNovember 17, 2015

A bill to allow dying patients to use medical marijuana as a palliative treatment passed its first hurdle in the House Tuesday morning. The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee approved House Bill 307 by Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz and Democratic prime co-sponsor Rep. Katie Edwards by a vote of 9-4. Panel chair Rep. Carlos Trujillo was among the four Republicans voting ‘No.’ The […]

Drew WilsonNovember 11, 2015

The committee backing an amendment to legalize medical marijuana had another big fundraising month in October, largely on the back of its chairman, Orlando lawyer John Morgan. Morgan contributed $237,978 of the $337,292 raised last month by United for Care-People United for Medical Marijuana. Regular donor Barbara Stiefel wrote the committee another check for $40,000 […]

Phil AmmannOctober 29, 2015

As the Florida House was about to pass the legal guidelines for growing medical pot in our state, an amendment ensured a small group of Florida nurseries would be the only folks allowed to propose handling the crop. The amended bill was signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott in 2014. News reports at the […]

Jim RosicaOctober 19, 2015

State Sen. Jeff Clemens has again filed a bill allowing the cultivation of industrial hemp, the fiber of the cannabis plant that’s used to make fabrics, paper and rope. The bill (SB 554) was submitted Monday. Because hemp is related to marijuana, it’s banned in the states. But the level of THC – the chemical that causes a high – […]

Drew WilsonOctober 14, 2015

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 […]

Mitch PerryOctober 8, 2015

For those following the possible legalization of medical marijuana in Florida, it may appear to be deja vu all over again. A Quinnipiac poll released Thursday morning shows overwhelming support for the issue, leading by a 87-12 percent margin. The issue could come before voters in 2016. However, at a similar juncture two years ago, […]

Tag: marijuana

Florida will no longer charge 85% tax on “blunt wraps”

Almost there: Sine die is nigh

Poarch Creek Indians offered to give up blackjack for their own gambling compact

Plagued by delays, Fla. Health Department awards licenses to grow medical pot

Expanded medical marijuana regime bill passes House panel

Medical marijuana supporters score another big fundraising month in October

Halsey Beshears tangled up in Charlotte’s Web

Industrial hemp bill re-filed for next session

September another big fundraising month for People United for Medical Marijuana

New poll shows Floridians support medical marijuana initiative 87% to 12%