Quote:
Originally Posted by Quietman
I still don't understand why it has been proposed as an Amendment to the state constitution instead of a state passed law. Am I missing something? If we amend our constitution it would be extremely difficult to backtrack if it didn't work out as expected. Or is that the end game?
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Florida has a GOP legislature and governor and very gerrymandered districts which will certainly maintain GOP legislative control into the foreseeable future. The war on drugs has been conducted by both parties but to a far greater extent the GOP which regularly features accusations of Dems being "soft on crime". As more states have liberalized their marijuana laws the political question became, can it happen in Florida. No way with the present legislature.
To see how well medical marijuana has done in the Florida legislature check 2013 SB 1250
Senate Bill 1250 (2013) - The Florida Senate
which the GOP directed legislature refused to even have a hearing or a vote.
The 2014 minor medical marijuana bill SB 1030 was passed in part to attempt to co-opt the push for Amendment 2. Posters on this forum have said, well we already allow Charlotte's Web so there is no need for Amendment 2. By the way our local Florida State senator, Alan Hays was one of the 16 out of 141 who voted NO on the bill
Senate Bill 1030 (2014) - The Florida Senate
In Florida the prospect of meaningful reform bringing us into conformity with other states is not happening with our legislature. That is why the supporters of MM went directly to the voters. I think it is likely it will come up for a vote again. With a slightly more diverse and younger electorate as you tend to get in Presidential election years, it is more likely to pass.