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The issue: Medical marijuana.
We suggest: Legalize it - with controls.
Marijuana as medicine? There is a long-standing history of this now-illegal drug being used for therapeutic purposes to ease chronic pain and provide other forms of relief.
There is a point in history that marijuana was deemed - correctly - to be a dangerous drug. Its cultivation, sale, possession and use were made criminal acts.
However, marijuana has a beneficial side, a side that needs to be considered carefully and permitted by law under strict controls. Not everyone who uses - or wants to use - marijuana is a "pothead," or potential drug addict. Some people are painfully, chronically sick; and legalized medical marijuana is their only recourse.
There is an ongoing campaign to amend the Florida constitution to permit the "medicinal use" of marijuana in our state. On the page opposite this one you will find arguments pro and con regarding this issue.
The cause is right, but the vehicle is not.
Repeated medical studies have shown that marijuana, used for medicinal purposes, can provide relief in a number of ailments. In fact, the federal government does provide medical marijuana to eight Americans. But the current campaign here applies to what the State of Florida can and will do regarding this drug. It is clear the state needs to do more.
However, amending the constitution is not the way to go. This campaign, by a group known as Floridians for Medical Rights, (See Florida Group Organized to Campaign for Fall Initiative For Medical Marijuana) demonstrates once again why our constitution needs to be revised and strengthened to keep our democratic blueprint safe from such trivialities as fishing net bans and medical marijuana. These subjects should be - must be - addressed by statute, by law, by the Legislature. And it is to the Legislature that responsible proponents for controlled medical use of marijuana must take their battle.
Opponents cite such statistics as these: American children ages 12-17 who use marijuana are 85 times more likely to use cocaine than those who do not. The next question is - what's the point? Where's the linkage between legally controlled medical marijuana and a joint on the street corner?
There is none. Opponents argue that approving a doctor's prescription for marijuana sends the wrong message to young people. That's an opinion - and one not firmly based in fact. What is clearly, painfully factual is that there are Floridians whose medical conditions are such that only the elements in marijuana can ease their suffering.
A poll conducted by Florida Voter showed the majority of those surveyed supporting the legalization of medical marijuana - with controls. Sadly, in a political move, Florida's Cabinet rejected such a notion - rendering it unlikely for serious legislative consideration. See Governor of Florida and Entire Cabinet Vote to Oppose Medical Marijuana Initiative... Without a Hearing
With the proper safeguards and controls - and penalties for misuse - legalized medical marijuana should become part of Florida law. But not part of Florida's constitution.
You Have The Power
•Florida's Legislature must address the question of legalizing the medical use of marijuana. But such an issue has no place in Florida's constitution.
WRITE/CALL
Sen. Ron Klein
3333 S. Congress Ave.
Suite 305-A
Delray Beach, FL 33445
274-4777
279-1990 (fax)