This past November, residents of Florida celebrated as the state unamiously passed Amendment 2 which would allow resiednts of the state to consume, grow and purchase medical marijuana.
Like all good things, there’s an element of, “to good to be true” hanging over the amendment that has residents clashing with legislators.
Per Leafly:
Three months after Florida voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment on medical marijuana, state health officials and prospective patients are at odds over proposed rules that would spell out who could get cannabis.
State officials have recommended restrictions on what type of patients can qualify for medical marijuana, and where they can obtain it. Their suggestions, however, have prompted a wave of opposition across the state, with nearly 1,300 residents attending what are normally low-key bureaucratic hearings to press for less restricted access to marijuana.
“Patients, doctors, caregivers and activists all had a unified message which is rare,” said Ben Pollara, who is the campaign manager for United for Care. “They want impediments removed and a free market place.”
Amendment 2, which was approved by 71 percent of voters last November, was enacted on Jan. 3. It allows higher-strength marijuana to be used for a wider list of medical ailments than what was currently allowed in state law. The rules have become a flashpoint because the amendment requires the state to adopt them by July 3 and have them in place by September.
The state held hearings in several locations and Thursday’s two hours of public testimony in Tallahassee mirrored what happened earlier this week in Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Orlando. Most who spoke statewide are also concerned about high prices and limited availability so far of cannabis products. Only five of the seven organizations approved to dispense cannabis are up and running.
The debate in Florida will continue. The House of Representatives in the state are set to chime in with their version by March 7th.
We will do our best to get direct quotes from residents in Florida who are active on the ground over the next few months.