Florida group pushes for pot legalization

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Published: 11/28/2012 10:19 pm

Updated: 11/28/2012 11:41 pm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The conversation is back, but this time with a renewed vigor. Advocates want to legalize marijuana in the Sunshine State this legislative session.

"We know cannabis does not belong in "Schedule 1" and we're asking the Attorney General to help us out," said Jodi James, Executive Director of the Florida Cannabis Action Network (FLCAN).

Here in Florida, marijuana is classified as an illegal "Schedule 1" drug. By definition, that designation means the drug has a "high potential for abuse and has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States."

But FLCAN is trying to change that. It sent a petition with 10,000 signatures to Attorney General Pam Bondi's office requesting cannabis be removed from "Schedule 1."

James tells Action News she also met in person with the Prescription Drug and Special Projects Unit.

"We met with the Chief Policy Advisor and he was excellent. I have every reason to believe he's going to do the best possible job," said James.

But not everyone is as enthusiastic.

"Florida would be one of the last states in the country to move forward legalization of illegal drugs the way they are now," said Mike Weinstein.

Weinstein, a local prosecutor and former member of the State House of Representatives, says there are plenty of reasons to not legalize marijuana in any way.

"Any use of illegal drugs tends to move toward more illegal use of more substantial drugs. The use of drugs tends to bring about other crimes as well," said Weinstein.

But the advocates argue this would not only be a cost-cutting measure but a life-saving law.

James says the fight has just begun.

"We will certainly continue to pursue this through the attorney general's office, through the courts, through the Legislature, and through the Constitution," said James.

So far, 18 states and Washington D.C. have enacted laws to legalize medical marijuana. This Election Day, Colorado and Washington legalized the drug for recreational use.

Action News reached out to the attorney general's office for comment and it sent us this statement:

"The Attorney General's Office believes the emergency rule-making process is designed for addressing drug problems that pose an immediate threat to the safety of Floridians, such as synthetic drugs.

This issue is best addressed through the legislative process, not through the emergency rule-making process."

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turtl3 - 11/30/2012 6:22 PM

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As long as no one leaves their house while using, because it does impair judgement. If you think otherwise then you are insignificant.

commonsense2 - 11/29/2012 6:08 PM

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I think it is time for us to move passed this issue in this country. I am a food server and just love when my tables discuss how pot should still be illegal while they enjoy a glass of wine, a beer, or a liquor drink. The best part is when they head out the door and hit the road with a buzz for the ride home. The argument that legalization of marijuana would just create more addicts has to be the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Maybe we should think about following Denmark’s lead and legalize it all. Their drug abuse problem has collapsed because people with real drug problems there can now seek real help. People like to connect marijuana with elevated crime rates. Well guess what morons, when you take the sale of drugs out of the hands of thug drug dealers and put it into regulated businesses, crime will not be there anymore. Just so we’re clear. Alcohol, tobacco, and PRESCRIPTION drugs account for about 600,000 deaths in the US per year. Now come on with the excuse that pot deaths cannot be tracked because there are no easy testing methods. Okay, how about we blame ALL automobile fatalities in the US per year on weed, about 40,000. Still doesn't hold a candle to the deaths that occur from the legal drugs does it. Either legalize all of it or make ALL of it illegal.

nativejax - 11/29/2012 1:01 PM

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Truthseeker, if a person is all ready 'screwed' up all ready, then NO doctor should prescribe it for them. If a person has 'mental problems' they need to find the root of it first,and THESE same people you are referring to are the same ones who KEEP the public in 'fear' of marijuana, instead of the positive beneficial uses for it. THAT and the fact that the United States signed a stupid treaty with other Nations we would not legalize it. It was called the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961...(what a bunch of CRAP).This is the 21 century...GOVERNMENTS of all Nations need to get their heads out of the era of the 'Salem Witch Hunts'. With so much SCIENTIFIC evidence of everything, WE SHOULD NEVER CLOSE OUR EYES TO EXPLORE ALL POSSIBILITIES TO HELP PEOPLE IN PAIN...or it exposes what kind of people have we become. AND I want to add again, if a person is prescribed a 'drug' of any kind and they have 'adverse or negative' reactions, THEY SHOULD NOT BE TAKING IT. Some people can not take certain meds, just as some people should not drink. It is poison to their system and they most times don't even know it. THAT'S why a doctor should be involved...NO DRUG should be taken as a 'recreational drug' how stupid, it will ruin your health,mind and body, and when YOU REALLY NEED a drug that works, it won't.

boojo99 - 11/29/2012 5:57 AM

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I don't quite understand why people are so afraid of a drug that has so many benefits.It is incredibly misunderstood. Driving slower,healthy appetite and an overall sense of relaxation should be a welcome thing in our society. 40 yr's of experience tells me that marijuauna benefits by far and away exceed any negative attributes.Many years working as a nightclub manager I have dealt with thousands of dangerous intoxicated people. Alcohol is the most dangerous legal drug of all. I have yet to meet a dangerous person just smoking. It's not possible. This fact is tainted by the ones that self medicate with a conglomeration of any and all drugs out there.Anybody that would argue that point is lying,or ignorant. If they smoked some they would be torn between a cheeseburger with fries(probably up size)or pizza,then again, tacos sounds friggin awesome!Wait a minute,china buffet has crab legs and frozen yogurt. Aaaagh,to much effort right now, pizza will deliver and we have a quart of chunky monkey in the freeze and netflix. Kiss me babe,I think your awesome. Simple scenario. There are so many things to worry about these days. This one doesn't rate. With all the revenue's that would be attained we might be able to knock down the deficit. The taxation would be huge.Hell, the 100% of us 47% could use the break.at least until us regular folks qualify for the 14% .Just saying.

Truthseeker - 11/29/2012 4:51 AM

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The majority of the people in this state are already screwed up enough without marijuana. I can only imagine what it will be like with it.

crystalmcbee89 - 11/28/2012 11:39 PM

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I believe that if it were to be passed, then just do it right. Like a medical business. Go by the guidelines and boundaries set up for these businesses. Make sure that it's taken care of properly and that Doctors are involved in their patients care and treatment with this medicinal use of this drug. Make sure the patients are monitored. Make the business strict on it's handelings of these medicines so it stays where it needs to be and not on the streets. I think it could help create quite a few jobs and bring in more revenue for the state. There are ways to keep children away from these medicines. And all it is going to require to do is make laws and guidlelines that need to be followed. Have a board in charge of the handlings and dealings of this with doctors and nurses and educate people that it's used for MEDICINAL purposes ONLY. By having smart, logical people in charge, you would not only help those in need, those in pain, those who would like better alternatives and more options for their medical problems, you would help your community. Jobs would be more available to make an honest living. And even better if it's in a medical field. You could bring revenue in to help support schools and the homeless in our area. It would provide an array of options for this state and community to get us up out of debt and still helping those in need. Those who have hit that dead end road of no other treatment options available to them. Have it treated as what it would be called for: a medical way of treatment. Not a recreational drug. but a medicinal drug. and it needs to be taught, handled, and in just that way. No drinking while on this drug. No other narcotics. It's a medicine. Treat it as such. As prescribed by YOUR DOCTOR.

Heartthrob - 11/28/2012 11:38 PM

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I am a 30 some odd year old, college graduate professional. I suffer from Chronic pain due to a MVA where i was pinned by a car. For years i have been living in severe pain. Doctors have flooded my body with a myriad of 'approved'narcotic pain relievers. I have been through numerous procedures and therapies to help alleviate my pain. I suffer from insomnia, depression, anxiety, difficulty at work, difficulty in interpersonal relationships/ social life etc... in every facet of my life my pain dictates what i can and cant not do. I am at the point where i am desperate for a new way to combat this medical issue. I have never been a pot head, an advocate for it etc. However i feel like this may finally make a natural remedy for a wide array of maladies, a viable option. I dont see what the HUGE dissaproval for this issue is. Its a natural substance far less threatening and wrought with side effects (like many FDA approved medications), It would stimulate profit to the state (if regulated through the state), it would cut down on the COUNTLESS wasted man hours of our law enforcement organizations and liberate them to focus on crimes that need their attention more. It would cut back on any marijuana related crimes/arrests/prison overcrowding etc. from a sociological stand point the legalization and regulation of marijuana for medical necessity holds more potential for a positive impact on society rather than a negative one. its just basic economics.

nativejax - 11/28/2012 11:20 PM

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It should be legalized. It will help this country get out of debt. It has MANY medical benefits and should be dispensed and used under a doctors care. AND patients and parents should treat and TEACH it as any other drug a person has to have to help them get well. BUT it should NOT be mixed with other drugs or alcohol, or abused... just as most medications we have sitting in our medicine cabinets. It is far more harmless than alcohol..which kills. No one has ever read or heard of ANYONE ever dying of marijuana over dose alone. ONLY when its mixed with ANY other drug or drink is it dangerous.

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