ORLANDO --
Support for medical marijuana in Florida is dropping with just a few days left until Election Day, according to our latest News 13/UF Bob Graham Center Poll released Thursday.
The new numbers show 46 percent of likely voters support medical marijuana, while 43 percent are against it and 7 percent are undecided.
Amendment 2 needs a 60 percent "yes" vote in order to pass.
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Thursday's results are down slightly from our last poll we conducted just weeks ago, which showed 48 percent were in favor of Amendment 2, and 44 percent opposed to it.
Our pollsters say it's becoming more clear that Amendment 2 may not get the 60 percent vote it needs to pass, but those on both sides of the argument are fighting until the very end.
Last year, Jeanette Bokland never thought about marijuana, but that was before she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer and had to undergo harsh chemo therapy. She said it got so rough, she thought about giving up her fight.
"It broke me," said Bokland. "I was actually thinking about researching on the Internet whats going to happen if I stop my chemo."
But then, a friend gave her some medical marijuana to help ease the pain. It was in candy form, and she ate it, knowing it was illegal.
"I relaxed. It settled down the nausea and the anxiety that went with it," Bokland said. "I could sleep, and most importantly, I could eat a little bit."
Bokland said the marijuana was what got her through her cancer fight, and its why she's pushing for Amendment 2 to pass — because of the relief it could bring to the sickest people.
But on the other side, there's a strong warning about the consequences the constitutional amendment would bring.
"It does not belong in our constitution," said Seminole County Sheriff Don Eslinger, who believes the way the amendment is written is flawed, that it doesn't hold anyone liable or provide enough restrictions.
"There's no age requirement on a qualifying patient. There's no state relationship or certification for a personal caregiver. There's no residency requirement," Eslinger said. "It's not just for Florida residents, it's for whoever."
Voter turnout among youth be the determining factor. Our lasest poll shows support in the age group 18 to 34 is growing, but it still doesn't appear to be enough to get the 60 percent needed.
Our poll also found that many people are not supporting medical marijuana because it is a constitutional amendment, not a legislative move.
