November
4th, 2014 is going down in history as one of the most important midterm
elections in the United State and maybe the greatest progressive change
for the state of Florida.
The most important debate for Floridians is going to be whether to
vote YESON2; which will then legalized the use of Medicinal Marijuana
for the entire state.
- What is amendment #2 about?
Amendment 2 would make medical marijuana consumption legal in the state of Florida.
If pass, the law will allow doctors to issue certifications for
medical marijuana to Floridians with "illnesses or conditions for which a
physician is certain that the medical use of cannabis would most likely
outweigh the potential health risks for any patient."
A recent polled conducted by Anzalone Liszt Grove Research (ALG) Show
a 62% approval in favor of passing the law; other polls show a higher
number of approval.
Regardless of the fact that amendment 2 may pass there are many
confusing questions for voters and having them answer will help
determine the outcome.
The Tampa Bay Times published an article listing the most important
facts about Amendment 2 and the legalization of Medical Marijuana.
Stephen Nohlgren, a writer for the publication said, “Here is what is
known about how medical marijuana would work in Florida:”
Below is a list of those answers:
- Who could use medical marijuana?
A person with a doctor's certificate stating that the patient
qualifies for medical marijuana. The Florida Department of Health would
issue an identification card to be shown at purchase. The card would let
law enforcement know the patient can possess amounts set by law.
- What medical conditions would qualify?
Specific diseases or other "debilitating" conditions for which
the doctor thinks benefits of use would outweigh risk. Cancer, glaucoma,
HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, ALS, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and
Crohn's disease are all specified.
- When could a patient start legally using marijuana?
The effective date of the amendment is Jan. 6. After that date,
the Department of Health must implement regulations within six months
and begin issuing identification cards within nine months. If the
department fails to issue cards within nine months, the doctor's
certification will serve as identification.
- How much marijuana could a patient possess?
That will be determined by the Department of Health, based on
what is "reasonably presumed to be an adequate supply.'' Patients who
think they need more could appeal. Marijuana, oil, tinctures and
cannabis-laced food products would be allowed.
- How would a patient fill a prescription?
There will be no prescriptions because marijuana is not an
FDA-approved medicine with controlled doses. It would be more like an
over-the-counter herb. Certifying doctors must be licensed in Florida
and perform a physical exam and "full assessment of a patient's
history," but the amendment does not require doctors and patients to
have an ongoing relationship.
- Where medical marijuana would be sold?
Only at state-licensed dispensaries called "Medical Treatment
Centers." Growers would also be licensed as treatment centers. The
Department of Health would issue rules about how dispensaries would be
monitored. Growing your own pot would remain illegal, as it is under
current law.
- What if the Department of Health writes regulations so restrictive that usage is effectively banned?
The department must issue "timely" and "reasonable" rules that
"ensure the availability and safe use of medical marijuana by qualifying
patients." If the regulations are too restrictive, any Florida citizen
could sue to enforce constitutional intent.
- Can caregivers possess marijuana?
A person over 21 can buy and handle the marijuana on behalf of
up to five patients. Caregivers would have an identification card issued
by the state.
- How old must a patient be?
The amendment does not set age limits. In other states, use by
minors requires parental consent, as with traditional medicinal
treatments.
- Would insurance cover it?
That would be up to the insurer. The amendment does not require
coverage. Medicare does not cover nonprescription drugs and supplements.
- What about using it at work or in schools?
Schools and employers would be free to prohibit on-site use. The
amendment does not prohibit employers from requiring drug tests or
imposing sanctions for positive results.
- Would information on identification cards be public?
No. The Department of Health must keep records confidential,
even from employers or family members. But the information could be
disclosed for "valid medical or law enforcement purposes.''
- Could the Legislature set up its own system to regulate medical marijuana?
Yes, but it could not contradict the amendment. For example, the
Legislature could not make dispensaries illegal. However, it could
permit home cultivation, which is now banned by statute.
- Could the Florida Supreme Court ruling on the ballot language be appealed?
Not successfully. Federal courts leave interpretation of state constitutions to state courts.
- Could pot-smoking in public be regulated just as cigarette smoking is regulated?
Yes. Calling it medicine does not confer the right to use pot anywhere.
Driving under the influence of "medical" marijuana would still be illegal, as with alcohol.
Many other questions will surface before and after the election but
hopefully Floridians will come out and vote on November 4th and voters
will determine if the state is moving towards progress or wants to
remain in the dark ages.
http://www.examiner.com/list/medical-marijuana-questions-and-answers-will-floridians-vote-yeson2
YESON2!
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