Medical Marijuana Discussion Underway In Florida

Katelyn Baker

Well-Known Member
Tallahassee, Fla. - The debate over how to implement the medical marijuana amendment in Florida continues.

New proposals from the Florida Department of Health are now coming under fire.

But Department of Health officials say before making anything permanent, its Office of Compassionate Use is talking to people all over the state.

Cheers rang out at the Amendment 2 workshop as people voiced their concerns about the proposed regulations.

One of the biggest issues under discussion, limiting who can receive medical marijuana-- could be used in treatment for cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, ALS, epilepsy, Crohn's disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.

Lauren Drake says she suffers from chronic migraines, yet her condition is not on the list," "I'm finding that the regulations that they're trying to set up isn't beneficial to really as many people as it could be."

Now it's up to the Florida Board of Medicine, not your personal doctor, to decide who should be eligible for treatment.

It's also proposing a 90-day waiting period before patients can get their first dose.

MEDCAN Dr. Mark Moore said, "I support no waiting period, I support physicians taking care of their patients as the know-how."

Only 7 nurseries would be allowed to grow and dispense in the state.

Miami attorney Stanislav Shamyev says that's not helping the people.

"The government is only taking care of the business, the investors and this is not the way it should be," says Shamyev.

Many people say the DOH's version of medical marijuana is not what they voted 'yes' on back in November.

Medical marijuana supporter Teri Cleeland says, "Simple regulations that make medical marijuana both accessible and affordable for patients who need it as soon as they need it."

Patients like Drake, who say without medical cannabis, she wouldn't be alive today, "My life is completely changed... I'm breathing."

The Office of Compassionate Use is trying to move quickly to figure out how to regulate the drug by July.

Legislature will also have a say in the matter, with session beginning March 7th.

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News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Medical Marijuana Discussion Underway In Florida
Author: Erin Lisch
Contact: 850-893-6666
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: WCTV
 
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