Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Phil AmmannFebruary 22, 2015

Editorial cartoonist Bill Day casts a critical eye this week on Florida’s medical marijuana fight, pitting well-known attorney John Morgan against U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, one of the most influential politicians in the Democratic Party. As the principal financial backers behind People United for Medical Marijuana, Morgan spearheaded Amendment 2, the 2014 proposal to […]

Associated PressFebruary 21, 2015

Democratic National Committee chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz on Friday denied that she considered offering her support for a Florida medical marijuana ballot initiative in exchange for a prominent donor stopping his public criticism of her. “It’s outrageous to suggest that I would ever cut a deal,” the Florida congresswoman said in an interview with The […]

Melissa RossFebruary 13, 2015

Just months after failing to pass a ballot amendment, advocates of legalizing medical marijuana in Florida are regrouping to try again. A new bill was filed Tuesday in the Florida House that wouldn’t allow smokable medical marijuana. At the same time, Republican State Sen. Jeff Brandes of St. Petersburg is behind a measure that would […]

James CallFebruary 5, 2015

With a little luck, a cannabis-based medicine may be available in Florida by the end of the year – even if the rule developed during two days of negotiations is challenged. Patricia Nelson, director of the state Office of Compassionate Use, navigated a 12-member panel of stakeholders through a thicket of regulatory issues caused by […]

James CallFebruary 5, 2015

With a little luck, a cannabis-based medicine may be available in Florida by the end of the year – even if the rule developed during two days of negotiations is challenged. Patricia Nelson, director of the state Office of Compassionate Use, navigated a 12-member panel of stakeholders through a thicket of regulatory issues caused by […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 4, 2015

WUSF Radio reported Tuesday that Sami Al-Arian is being deported to Turkey, possibly as early as today. If accurate, this development ends a 20-year legal and political odyssey for the former University of South Florida professor, who was accused and pleaded guilty to one count of providing material support for the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in 2006. […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 3, 2015

Same-sex marriage has been the law of the land in Florida for a month, but according to a new St. Pete Polls survey, 38.5 percent consider that a “bad thing.” The question asked of Floridians in the survey was about the fact that same-sex marriage is now legal. Did they think that a good thing, […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 3, 2015

Same-sex marriage has been the law of the land in Florida for a month, but according to a new St. Pete Polls survey, 38.5 percent consider that a “bad thing.” The question asked of Floridians in the survey was about the fact that same-sex marriage is now legal. Did they think that a good thing, […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorJanuary 26, 2015

Pro-medical marijuana groups are praising a bill filed by state Sen. Jeff Brandes Monday. The Florida Medical Marijuana Act would authorize physicians to prescribe marijuana to patients afflicted with one of 14 specific illnesses. “I’m very encouraged by Sen. Brandes’ bill. As a sheriff and as the son of a cancer survivor, responsible, comprehensive, medical marijuana legislation is critically […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorJanuary 26, 2015

Pro-medical marijuana groups are praising a bill filed by state Sen. Jeff Brandes Monday. The Florida Medical Marijuana Act would authorize physicians to prescribe marijuana to patients afflicted with one of 14 specific illnesses. “I’m very encouraged by Sen. Brandes’ bill. As a sheriff and as the son of a cancer survivor, responsible, comprehensive, medical marijuana legislation is critically […]

Tag: Medical marijuana

The latest Bill Day editorial cartoon: “Debbie and John”

DNC chair denies she tried to silence critic

South Florida company says its success in Washington proves marijuana-use law can work here

Charlotte’s Web negotiations end after 25 hours with plan to develop scorecard to award licenses

Charlotte's Web negotiations end after 25 hours with plan to develop scorecard to award licenses

Mitch Perry Report for 2.4.15 – The Sami Al-Arian odyssey in America ends today

New survey shows 39 percent of Floridians think legal gay marriage a “bad thing”

New survey shows 39 percent of Floridians think legal gay marriage a "bad thing"

Pro-medical marijuana backers praise Jeff Brandes' bill to broaden medical marijuana law

Pro-medical marijuana backers praise Jeff Brandes’ bill to broaden medical marijuana law