Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Guest AuthorOctober 1, 2014

Barney Bishop’s column in Context Florida opposing Amendment 2 was as rambling and incoherent as it was wrong. One might suspect he’s gotten his hands on some of this “high THC” weed he’s so terrified about. I generally do the sensible thing and ignore Bishop’s paranoid screeds, but his latest missive not only contains the […]

Guest AuthorSeptember 30, 2014

“Daniel” wouldn’t hesitate to tell you his real name. Protecting him is my call. Until and unless Florida voters approve Constitutional Amendment 2 on Nov. 4, marijuana is still illegal in the state. Who knows who might come after him for something he alleges here? In addition to the chronic physical pain he suffers, he […]

Guest AuthorSeptember 25, 2014

As time goes by, it appears that Amendment 2 is facing serious opposition from likely voters. Though the press has loved quoting a flawed Quinnipiac Poll that showed 88 percent of voters were in support, once pollsters began asking the question as it would appear on the ballot, support has dropped significantly to somewhere between […]

Guest AuthorSeptember 18, 2014

John Morgan, the face of Morgan & Morgan, one of the largest law firms in the country, is often portrayed as larger than life. Some days it seems that you can’t turn on your television without seeing his concerned face and Kentucky accent earnestly suggesting, “If you’ve been in an accident, call Morgan & Morgan […]

Peter SchorschSeptember 16, 2014

Writers like Carl Hiaasen have made careers pointing to the corruption and absurdity of Florida’s brand of government. But, despite our frequent failings, there have been a few bright shining moments when Floridians could point with pride to the innovations of their public officials. On rare occasion, there has been a positive confluence of visionary […]

Guest AuthorSeptember 11, 2014

The following commentary about Amendment 2 was signed by seven former justices of the Florida Supreme Court, including five who served as chief justice: Parker Lee McDonald, Leander J. Shaw Jr., Stephen H. Grimes, Major B. Harding, Charles T. Wells, Raoul G. Cantero III, and Kenneth B. Bell: As former Florida Supreme Court justices, we […]

Guest AuthorSeptember 9, 2014

Last week’s Tampa Bay Times/Bay News 9/UF Bob Graham Center poll on Amendment 2, which would legalize medical marijuana, indicates that only 56.7 percent of likely voters are supporting the amendment. This is certainly good news for those of us who oppose the amendment, but much can change. What is significant about the poll is […]

Guest AuthorAugust 20, 2014

I have previously written that I support Amendment 2, the ballot initiative that may finally bring medical marijuana (MMJ) to the state of Florida. It is because there are people in my life for whom I care deeply that would benefit from it. Not to get them stoned, but to give them a greater quality […]

Guest AuthorAugust 18, 2014

The sham that is Amendment 2 continues to evolve. The latest iteration is the so-called Blue Ribbon Commission. While there is no doubt that the commission includes quality members, the idea of a self-appointed “commission” is just another example of the arrogance of the amendment proponents. This group has no authority whatsoever, so no one […]

Guest AuthorAugust 17, 2014

In November, Florida voters will likely approve Amendment 2 – a proposal that seeks to expand health-care options to include medical marijuana. At that point, it will be incumbent on lawmakers to implement regulatory schemes that protect rather than exploit Florida’s health-care system. Toward this goal, looking at the experience of other states can offer a […]

Tag: Medical marijuana

Ben Pollara: One more time, here are the reasons to pass Amendment 2

Stephen Goldstein: Medical marijuana patient describes pain, benefits, struggles

Barney Bishop: Amendment 2 not needed; we already have Charlotte’s Web

Gary Stein: On Tim Morgan: The man behind the man behind the fight for medical marijuana in Florida

Florida should be a leader in regulation of medical marijuana

Former Florida justices: Why those who are both for and against medical marijuana oppose Amendment 2

Barney Bishop: Support for passage of medical marijuana amendment slipping

Gary Stein: Medical marijuana amendment: Forced choices or freedom to treat?

Barney Bishop: Amendment 2: Blue Ribbon Commission is just a kangaroo court

Karen Cyphers: Lessons for Florida from a California cannabis tourist