Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Danny McAuliffeJune 13, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott made his way through his first Cabinet meeting as a candidate for the U.S. Senate on Wednesday, and while the meeting focused exclusively on state matters, the questions that followed from reporters unsurprisingly centered on federal issues. Scott is leading his Democratic opponent, incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, in a few early […]

Jim RosicaJune 12, 2018

In an act of ‘humble plagiarism,’ Joe Redner‘s attorney is following the lead of John Morgan in asking the state Supreme Court to take over litigation on medical marijuana. In a filing posted Monday, attorney Luke Lirot “suggests” that the state’s highest court take over deciding whether Redner — the Tampa strip club mogul — can grow and juice […]

Jim RosicaJune 6, 2018

The country’s biggest medical marijuana provider on Wednesday announced it was buying its way into the Florida market. In a press release, MedMen Enterprises Inc. of Los Angeles said it had agreed to pay $53 million for what’s known in Florida as a “medical marijuana treatment center” license from Central Florida’s Treadwell Nursery. MedMen management say they will […]

Jim RosicaJune 5, 2018

No surprise: A Tallahassee judge has decided her ruling to allow patients to smoke medical marijuana in Florida should be effective sooner rather than later. In a Tuesday order, Circuit Judge Karen Gievers said her decision will now take effect Monday, according to plaintiffs’ counsel Jon Mills. His clients include Cathy Jordan, a woman with Lou Gehrig’s disease who […]

Jim RosicaJune 4, 2018

A Tampa orchid nursery seeking to break into the medical marijuana market is challenging the Department of Health‘s plan to give a preference in how it awards new licenses to grow the plant. Louis Del Favero Orchids filed a challenge Friday to a proposed rule from the department’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use, which regulates […]

Jim RosicaJune 4, 2018

A Tallahassee judge on Monday did not immediately rule on whether to immediately make effective her ruling to allow patients to smoke medical marijuana in Florida. After a nearly hourlong hearing, Circuit Judge Karen Gievers said she’d take the plaintiffs’ request “under advisement” but added she would make a decision “as quickly as possible.” Gievers also asked plaintiffs’ […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 2, 2018

Cannabis legalization is approaching consensus in the Democratic field for Florida governor, but U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson is maintaining a ‘Just say no’ policy. Speaking to media in Jacksonville on Friday, Nelson was asked if he aligned with the growing consensus among the Democratic candidates for liberalization of cannabis laws, including decriminalization, legalization, and removing the plant […]

Jim RosicaMay 29, 2018

Saying “this madness has to end,” Orlando attorney John Morgan called on Gov. Rick Scott to drop the hastily-filed appeal of a decision allowing medical marijuana to be smoked in Florida. Morgan spoke at a Tuesday news conference that was streamed live on Facebook. In a 22-page order released Friday, Tallahassee Circuit Judge Karen Gievers said […]

Jim RosicaMay 26, 2018

Quoting George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, a Florida judge has ruled that the state’s ban on smoking medical marijuana is unconstitutional. In a 22-page order released Friday, Circuit Judge Karen Gievers said that the ban on smoking is “invalid because it conflicts” with the constitutional amendment on medicinal cannabis approved by statewide voters in 2016. A one-day […]

Jim RosicaMay 25, 2018

The Florida Supreme Court has turned down a request from Tampa strip club mogul Joe Redner to let him immediately pursue growing and juicing his own marijuana. The court on Friday denied his petition to remove a delay of the effect of a lower court’s ruling. The case now is under review at the 1st District Court of Appeal. […]

Tag: Medical marijuana

Rick Scott talks pot, Donald Trump

Joe Redner also wants Supreme Court to decide on medical marijuana

MedMen paying $53M to enter Florida medical marijuana market

Judge says OK to quick effect of marijuana ruling

‘Flower’ fight: Citrus preference sparks medical marijuana rule challenge

Judge will decide on lifting ‘stay’ in smokable marijuana case

Bill Nelson a hard no on adult use cannabis legalization

John Morgan calls on Rick Scott to drop medical marijuana appeal

Judge strikes down ban on smoking medical marijuana

Supreme Court takes initial pass on ‘home grow’ case