Florida To Put Medical Marijuana On November Ballot

The Florida state Supreme Court is sending a constitutional amendment for medical marijuana to the ballot box in November, the Miami Herald reported. The court voted 4-3 Monday that the language and summary of the ballot initiative are not misleading and qualify for a popular vote.

According to the Florida Supreme Court's website, the ballot reads:

Allows the medical use of marijuana for individuals with debilitating diseases as determined by a licensed Florida physician.

Allows caregivers to assist patients' medical use of marijuana.

The Department of Health shall register and regulate centers that produce and distribute marijuana for medical purposes and shall issue identification cards to patients and caregivers.

Applies only to Florida law.

Does not authorize violations of federal law or any non-medical use, possession or production of marijuana.

It will take 60 percent of the vote to pass the amendment.

The dissenting judges argued that the title and summary of the proposal will result in “Floridians voting on a constitutional amendment in disguise.” The justices who ruled in favor of the initiative said it will allow voters to “cast an intelligent and informed ballot.”

The case is a victory for Orlando lawyer John Morgan, who spent $4 million on a medical marijuana drive. He argues he’s seen the benefit marijuana has had for his father, who suffered from esophageal cancer and his brother, who is a quadriplegic. Morgan gathered more than 710,000 signatures in support of the amendment, just over the required mark set by state law.

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi fought against the amendment, saying the wording is too vague and would open up an avenue for anyone to acquire marijuana whether they actually need it or not. Florida Gov. Rick Scott also opposes the amendment. He said he would vote against the measure but would respect the voters’ decision on the issue.