Ron Strider
Well-Known Member
Legislation to implement voter-approved medical marijuana is moving forward as the House and Senate versions of the bill passed through their final committee stops Thursday.
The new version of the bill includes a number of changes to licensing for growers and the number of dispensaries allowed.
10 new growers would be allowed by October, bringing the number of licensed growers in the state to 17. Each grower could operate up to 25 retail stores.
The number of stores and growers would increase as the number of patients increase.
Black farmers are guaranteed at least one license, and citrus growers will receive preference for at least two of the ten new licenses.
"It breaks your heart when you see some of these old orange juice factories that are shut down, jobs lost. Now, transitioning those industries to something new," says Senator Rob Bradley.
But, medical marijuana activist Louis Rotundo says citrus growers aren't necessarily the most qualified to grow the plant.
"Those people don't tend to have much of a background in indoor growing, which is where this law requires you to be," says Rotundo of Cannabis Systems Inc.
Bill sponsor Ray Rodrigues disagrees.
"Some would argue it is easier to grow marijuana than any other plant. It's not called weed without there being a valid reason to that," says Representative Rodrigues.
The bill still does not allow for smokable marijuana.
Representative Carey Pigman says, "Breathing in soot, breathing in ash, carries a definite detriment, which we didn't want to extend to medical marijuana."
Democrats offered a smoking amendment, but it failed.
Representative Evan Jenne says without the inclusion of smoking, lawsuits are guaranteed.
"There will be folks that get an earful that they did not support smokable marijuana," says Rep. Jenne
The text of the amendment only mentions smoking once, banning smoking in public places.
Rep. Jenne says the language implies smoking is allowed in other contexts.
John Morgan, one of the main backers of amendment 2, has sworn to sue the state if smoking is not in the final version of the bill.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Florida legislators say yes to new licenses, no to smoking medical marijuana
Author: Jake Stofan
Contact: Eyewitness News | Tallahassee, Thomasville, Valdosta | Contact Us
Photo Credit: Scott Keeler
Website: Tallahassee, Thomasville, Valdosta News, Weather, Sports | WCTV
The new version of the bill includes a number of changes to licensing for growers and the number of dispensaries allowed.
10 new growers would be allowed by October, bringing the number of licensed growers in the state to 17. Each grower could operate up to 25 retail stores.
The number of stores and growers would increase as the number of patients increase.
Black farmers are guaranteed at least one license, and citrus growers will receive preference for at least two of the ten new licenses.
"It breaks your heart when you see some of these old orange juice factories that are shut down, jobs lost. Now, transitioning those industries to something new," says Senator Rob Bradley.
But, medical marijuana activist Louis Rotundo says citrus growers aren't necessarily the most qualified to grow the plant.
"Those people don't tend to have much of a background in indoor growing, which is where this law requires you to be," says Rotundo of Cannabis Systems Inc.
Bill sponsor Ray Rodrigues disagrees.
"Some would argue it is easier to grow marijuana than any other plant. It's not called weed without there being a valid reason to that," says Representative Rodrigues.
The bill still does not allow for smokable marijuana.
Representative Carey Pigman says, "Breathing in soot, breathing in ash, carries a definite detriment, which we didn't want to extend to medical marijuana."
Democrats offered a smoking amendment, but it failed.
Representative Evan Jenne says without the inclusion of smoking, lawsuits are guaranteed.
"There will be folks that get an earful that they did not support smokable marijuana," says Rep. Jenne
The text of the amendment only mentions smoking once, banning smoking in public places.
Rep. Jenne says the language implies smoking is allowed in other contexts.
John Morgan, one of the main backers of amendment 2, has sworn to sue the state if smoking is not in the final version of the bill.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Florida legislators say yes to new licenses, no to smoking medical marijuana
Author: Jake Stofan
Contact: Eyewitness News | Tallahassee, Thomasville, Valdosta | Contact Us
Photo Credit: Scott Keeler
Website: Tallahassee, Thomasville, Valdosta News, Weather, Sports | WCTV
