*Only* The Beginning..Medical marijuana bill proposed in Fla.
.by Bubba the Love Sponge® Show on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 8:15am.
TALLAHASSEE, Florida (WALA) - A Florida Democrat is proposing the state’s first ever bill to legalize the medical use of cannabis. Rep. Jeff Clemens proposal includes letting Floridians weigh in on the issue by placing House Joint Resolution 1407 on the ballot.
The bill states medicinal cannabis can only be used under certain conditions, including a physicians prescription, diagnosis of a debilitating condition, and restriction of use to places that are not “in plain view of, or in a place open to, the general public.”
The bill does not require insurance companies to cover medicinal cannabis, or employers to accommodate use in the work place.
A recent poll by Gov. Rick Scott found nearly 60 percent of Floridians support the use of cannabis for medical purposes.
“There is no good reason for us to allow people to use synthetic drugs like oxycontin, methodone, percocet, and Prozac, but ban them from using a natural, safer drug,” Clemens said.
“Study after study has shown that the use of medicinal cannabis can help those suffering from debilitating diseases. Who could be against that?
Rep. Clemens announced his bill proposal Thursday surrounded by several health care professionals and people with debilitative conditions.
Among the participants was Cathy Jordan, 60, of Bradenton. She has lived with ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease for 25 years and she says cannabis helps her manage the disease.
“Cannabis is a neuro-protector, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory,” said Jordan.
“I am here today to help patients and the families of patients with neuromuscular diseases and brain disorders to educate themselves on cannabis.”
Fifteen other states have passed variations of Rep. Clemens’ proposal. It has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in new private industry revenue and millions of dollars in state tax revenue.
But Rep. Clemens says the true focus is to provide natural relief to people who are dealing with difficult medical issues.
“We have a fantastic opportunity to provide relief to thousand of Floridians,” Clemens said.
“It would be madness to not move forward with letting the people of Florida vote on this issue.”
AI
