Florida Medical Marijuana Campaign Effectively Relaunches Today

 Medical marijuana will be on the ballot in 2016 and the voters will pass what the legislature failed to.

The legislative session ended today - and with it the hopes of short term relief for thousands of sick and suffering patients throughout Florida. The House of Representatives decided to simply quit work, three days before the end of session, and with that, medical marijuana legislation is dead in Tallahassee. The same people who stood up against Amendment 2 last year, many stating that this was an issue better handled by legislature - simply turned their backs on patients, and ignored the will of nearly 3.4 million voters.  Despite courageous leadership from Senators and Representatives in both houses and both parties, Tallahassee has failed us again.

Clearly - the only way this is going to get fixed is through a constitutional amendment and our new petition. We have a donor - ready to match your donation through 
the end of May. here

"Today the Florida House of Representatives failed us, yet again. I never had much faith in Tallahassee to do the right thing. But I continue to have tremendous faith in the compassion of the people of Florida to do what the politicians refused to. Today marks the first day of the 2016 campaign for medical marijuana. We will put this issue back before the voters. We will win. Believe!" John Morgan

For press inquiries please contact Bianca Garza at press@unitedforcare.org 

Florida United for Care 2016

With Tallahassee incapable (to date) of passing a truly comprehensive medical marijuana law, it is clearer than ever that it will be left to us to provide medical marijuana access to the hundreds of thousands of sick and suffering patients that need help.

So I want to be clear on one major difference between the 2014 and 2016 petitions:

In 2014, our opposition falsely claimed that people with nearly any condition ("headaches and hangnails" they liked to say) would be considered a qualifying patient. We never agreed with that misrepresentation - and neither did the Florida Supreme Court. 

However, backed by an out-of-state billionaire, they convinced a lot of voters it was true.

In the 2016 petition, we simply clarified what the Supreme Court said and what our intent was: only people with serious, debilitating conditions would have access. As before, a doctor will be able to recommend marijuana for a patient, whether or not that patient's particular disease or condition is listed in the amendment language itself. We could not list every possible debilitating condition and didn't need to: It's not more limited or more restrictive. It's just clearer. The Legislature has proven itself unwilling to address what 24 other states have, so it's likely going to be back on the ballot - and this time we'll get the 60% we need to win.

Please help support our efforts by making a contribution, here: http://www.unitedforcare.org/contribute

If you've already contributed, please make sure you have signed the petition (here) and, please share this email with at least a few of your friends.

- Ben Pollara

DONATE TO UNITED FOR CARE

Black Farmers Association and Florida for Care Continue Fight for Inclusion of Minorities in SB 7066

SB 7066 is the low THC medical marijuana bill filed by Senator Bradley, R-District 7, which has a requirement where nurseries that have been in business for at least thirty years are the only ones that can apply for a license to grow and process the medicine. Earlier this week Rep. Matt Caldwell, R-North Fort Myers, who sponsored the amendment last year that allowed the requirements stated, “I thought the ones who’ve been here the longest should be the first in line”.

This requirement makes it impossible for black farmers to even apply for one of the five highly sought after licenses- However, the Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association is not going to sit idly by while this bill is pushed through committees.

Last week during the Health Policy Committee meeting members from the association stood lobbying against the requirement stating the injustices to not only the black farmer, but the small farmers in Florida.  Howard Gunn, an Ocala farmer and President of the Florida Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association said, “We basically would love to get into this business. We see the profitability. We think the black farmers can somehow make a better living”

An Amendment to SB 7066 has been filed that will change the requirement. The Amendment sponsored by Minority Leader, Senator Joyner of District 19, should it pass, will allow nurseries who have been in business for five consecutive years to apply for one of the highly sought after licenses.

Right now the Rules Committee is meeting and will vote on the amendment to change the requirement from thirty years to five. Florida for Care is hopeful this egregious requirement will no longer exist. “When you see such a large group of people being marginalized, it’s much easier to understand the injustice of this rule”, said Dan Rogers, Director of Legislative Affairs, “and let’s face it, no one wants to be called racist. This requirement is racist- it may not have been intentional- but there’s no denying the reality.”

The Black Farmers Agriculturalists Association is not going to rely on hope. They are at the Rules Committee this morning to once again lobby for their right to apply for a license. “5 years will be a lot better than 30, but I have constituents with me that believe there should not be any restrictions.” Stated Howard Gunn. In regards to the overall status of the bill he said, “We are hopeful the right decision will be made that will help all people and not just some people. We understand it’s been a long time coming for patients.”

“Florida for Care is about creating a free and robust market- passing this amendment will bring us closer to that goal.” said Ben Pollara, Executive Director of Florida for Care.

Florida for Care will spearhead legislation in March of 2015 in Tallahassee, setting the standard for what the state’s medical marijuana system should look like and how it can function most effectively. Such a system must balance three core principles: first, safe, affordable patient access; second, a tightly controlled state regulatory structure; and third, a robust, free market commercial enterprise.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Ben Pollara or Dan Rogers, please contact Bianca Garza via email at Bianca@floridaforcare.org

Florida did you know 3 wealthy people donated 98.5% of funds to oppose Florida's Amendment 2

Sheldon Adelson

Mel Sembler

and Carol Jenkins Barnett

daughter of Publix Super Markets founder George Jenkins
Where do you shop for groceries?

here

Support for medical marijuana, 84% among Florida voters

New poll came out that showed support for medical marijuana, in general, 
has reached 

84% among Florida voters.

While we're not surprised support is increasing, we have to take these numbers with some caution - as we learned in 2014 there's a big difference between general support for the concept of medical marijuana, and actual support for the ballot amendment itself.  (Especially when voters are being told outright lies by our well-funded opposition.)  In fact, a good number of our opponents last year - including two key spokespeople for the No on 2 side - expressed support for medical marijuana in general.

For that reason, we have to mobilize, right now - projecting a reasonably close race.  More (and younger) voters vote in presidential years, and that will help us - but not to the tune of 84%.

Please help us by signing the petition, signing up as a volunteer, and contributing to our outreach so we can do in this next election what legislature should be doing 
right now!

John Morgan ready to kick some ass

As legislature sits on their ass, 
I'm ready to kick some ass.

If it wasn't for medical marijuana, my brother Tim wouldn't be here today.  The legislature can solve this problem for patients throughout the state right now - but they're not.

So we are going to gear up and get ready to do what we did in 2014 - put medical marijuana back on the ballot.

Will you help us?  We have to raise even more money than before to make sure we are ready for any kind of opposition. Even one funded by an out of state billionaire.

Contribute here tonight and help me send a signal to Tallahassee: Medical marijuana is coming to FL despite your obstruction!

In the meantime... BELIEVE!

I do want to thank the few, brave Republican legislators who tried and failed to bring compassion to Florida. Unfortunately, the power of the pharmaceutical industry is proving more powerful than the people.

- John Morgan

Tallahassee making "disastrous choice"

The editorial board of Florida's largest newspaper, the Tampa Bay Times, just said what we already know: 
"The Florida Legislature is making a serious mistake by refusing to take up legislation that 
would legalize medical marijuana."

Tallahassee politicians are "conveniently forgetting" the 58% of Floridians for medical marijuana and instead "dodging the issue", ultimately coming to the same conclusion we have "no recourse" but to go back in the ballot.

But we can't do it without you. 

Please donate again today to put medical marijuana back on the ballot. 

Florida GOP running out the clock

I wouldn't trust a politician to be in control of my medical decisions - but that's exactly what's happening in Tallahassee.

Instead of giving physicians the right to do what they think is best for their patients, they're obstructing access to medical marijuana, making it impossible for doctors to truly fulfill their oath.

This obstruction, right now, is coming in the form of running out the clock.  And in 36 days, should legislature end without a bill, it means an automatic 2 year delay (minimum) before we can pass it at the ballot box and get legislature to implement. 

Over 3.4 million Florida voters said they wanted medical marijuana - and that 

will should not be denied by a couple of hundred legislators in Tallahassee.
I'm going to do what I can to get this done sooner, and if not,

I'm going to help get it passed in 2016.

In the meantime, can you make a small donation to United for Care, make this campaign stronger, and help us keep the pressure on Tallahassee?

Please make a donation today and support our end of month goals at http://www.unitedforcare.org/contribute.

We can, and will, get this done.  But so many people would benefit if it gets done sooner.

John Morgan

Not feeling good about Tallahassee

I just got back home after spending the last two days in Tallahassee, lobbying for a medical marijuana bill that a huge majority of Floridians have been asking for.I got some news to share: it ain't looking good!

Despite the voices of 58% of Floridians and our efforts in the legislature, the third week of the session just ended without a hearing in either house.

We need to redouble our efforts to get back on the ballot in 2016. 

To do that we need you to sign the petition and get everyone you know to do the same.

United for Care: why you should care

You may never have smoked it or know anyone that has.

But chances are, you know someone that will have the kind of serious, debilitating medical condition that could be helped, or alleviated somewhat, by medical marijuana. The science is there. That medical marijuana helps people was largely undisputed in the last election.

If someone close to you has or unfortunately develops cancer, glaucoma, epilepsy, ALS, MS, severe neuropathic pain, PTSD, AIDS, or similar ailments - they may benefit from having access.We are fighting for that access in both the state legislature and on the streets.
Please help us fund this fight. If we're going to fight it out again on Election Day, 2016, we need to raise $10 million between now and then.

We can't rely on big donors alone. Even $25, $50, and $100 donations kept us close. We need your help again. Please help us fund the fight for medical marijuana
by contributing today.
If you haven't yet signed the new petition, please click here.

Florida Have You Signed The Petition?

The legislative session has started in Tallahassee - which means the clock is ticking for medical marijuana in Florida.  

In less than 60 days, the legislature will either answer the call of 3.4 million Florida voters - or they will have put full responsibility for passing medical marijuana squarely back in the hands of us - United for Care, you and the rest of our supporters will carry the burden of fulfilling the will of the majority.

That's a big responsibility, folks. And we aren't waiting: 

We can't afford to.   

The more we can collect through volunteer efforts and online, the more money we'll have to fight the lies our opposition is surely going to push out from here until election day.

One of the reasons we fell short last year is because so much of our money went to gathering petitions; money we could have spent answering lies on the airwaves.

If you haven't yet signed the petition, please download it here, sign it, and mail it in.

Tallahassee legislators are watching carefully to see if our intensity has dropped.  The harder we work, the more pressure they'll be under to pass a good, clean medical marijuana bill that helps people now, not 18 months from now. 

Thank you for your continued support.

 - Ben Pollara

P.S. f you've already signed the new petition, please forward this email to everyone you know!!! If you've already done that, DO IT AGAIN!!! And if you've already done that, please consider a donation to our petition efforts! 

Broward County Court; Jury Rules Medical Marijuana Patient “Not Guilty” on All Counts

A jury in the 17th Judicial Circuit in Broward County, Florida ruled that Ft. Lauderdale resident, Jesse Teplicki, was “not guilty” on all criminal charges surrounding his medical use of marijuana for the treatment of his chronic anorexia. Michael C. Minardi, partner at the Kelley Kronenberg law firm and longtime medical marijuana advocate, successfully argued Mr. Teplicki’s medical necessity defense in front of a jury of his peers. Today’s verdict is groundbreaking in that it is the first time that the “medical necessity” defense was successfully argued in a jury trial, since Florida courts established the defense over 20 years ago. 

Florida for Care Executive Director, Ben Pollara, reacted to the verdict with elation, “This verdict that Mr. Minardi won for Jesse Teplicki is a game changer on the eve of the start of the 2015 legislative session. Legislative leaders in Tallahassee now have to look at medical marijuana through the lens of this precedent established by a Florida jury, in addition to the 58% of Floridians who voted for medical marijuana at the polls last November.”

He continued, “the medical use of marijuana is no longer solely a political issue with wide popular support, it is legal precedent in Florida courts. This ruling should be a message to the legislature that they should act this session on establishing a medical marijuana system in our state so that sick and suffering Floridians don’t have to fight in court for the right to use the medicine recommended by their doctors, as Mr. Teplicki did today.”

United For Care Needs Our Help

Contribute

Jeff Kottkamp and Ethan Nadelmann to Give Keynotes at Legislative Policy Conference

Tomorrow Florida for Care is hosting this year’s first policy conference- just before the start of legislative session. Among local politicians, lawyers, and experts will be former Lt. Gov Jeff Kottkamp, who is now advocating with Florida for Care for medical marijuana, and Executive Director of Drug Policy Alliance, Ethan Nadelmann.

WHAT: Legislative Policy Conference

WHERE: Westin Coral Gables, 180 Aragon Ave. Coral gables, FL 33134 at the Merrick Ballroom

WHEN: Friday, February 27, 2015

WHO: Florida for Care staff, former Lt. Gov Jeff Kottkamp; Executive Director of Drug Policy Alliance, Ethan Nadelmann, other speakers will be present

WHY: With the recent filings of SB528 and HB683 many Floridians want to the landscape of our legislature.

Florida for Care Bringing Nation’s Leading Drug Reformer

Florida for Care is hosting their first policy conference of 2015 this week. On Friday, February 27, 2015 they will bring Sheriffs, legislators, County Commissioners, advocates, medical professionals and business people together to discuss medical marijuana in Florida. Among those speaking at the conference will be Ethan Nadelmann, Executive Director of Drug Policy Alliance. “We are thrilled to have Ethan back. I suspect he’ll shed light on where Florida goes from here.” Stated Ben Pollara, Executive Director of Florida for Care.

Ethan Nadelmann was present during FFC’s last conference where he touched on Jamaica’s state of affairs in regards to medical marijuana- just over a month later Jamaica, as he predicted, decriminalized marijuana clearing the way for safe, legal access to medical marijuana. He also told guests of the last conference, “Building this industry isn’t just good for business, it’s the right thing to do”.

In addition to Ethan’s Afternoon Keynote speech, there will be panels titled Best Business Practices and Government Regulations.

The Policy Conference is being held at The Westin Colonnade of Coral Gables. The Conference is from 8am to 3pm on Friday, February 27 with a social networking event the evening before from 6:30 to 9pm. Registration is required to join the conference.

For more information on the event or how to become a member email Eric Stevens, Executive Deputy Director, at Eric@floridaforcare

Florida for Care will spearhead legislation in March of 2015 in Tallahassee, setting the standard for what the state’s medical cannabis system should look like and how it can function most effectively. Such a system must balance three core principles: first, safe, affordable patient access; second, a tightly controlled state regulatory structure; and third, a robust, free market commercial enterprise.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please call Bianca Garza at 407-930-3525 or email her at press@floridaforcare.org 

Former Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp to Advocate for Florida Medical Marijuana Legislation

Former Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp is now advocating on behalf of Florida for Care, the organization pushing for comprehensive medical marijuana legislation.

A separate effort from the new ballot petition introduced last week, Florida for Care's work is purely centered on legislature, and working with both parties to secure access for patients with debilitating medical conditions. 

"Former Lt. Governor Kottkamp's vast understanding of legislative politics and his experience leading the Governor's Office of Drug Control will, without question, be a huge boost to our efforts," said Daniel Rogers, Florida for Care's Director of Legislative Affairs.

"I'm proud to work with Florida for Care on this very important mission.  We have a unique opportunity to bring something compassionate to the table - and respond to the majority of Floridians - 58% who supported medical marijuana in the last election," said Jeff Kottkamp.

Kottkamp's efforts on behalf of Florida for Care are also personal to him:  

"Like so many other Floridians who back medical marijuana, I have my own story. I watched my mother suffer with cancer for 10 years. I think when we have loved ones and think there is any way to alleviate their suffering, how can we not do whatever it takes?" Kottkamp said.

Over 3.3 million people - 58% of voters supported medical marijuana in the 2014 election, garnering roughly 500,000 more voted than Gov. Rick Scott and more than 900,000 than the opposition. voted in favor of medical marijuana in 2014.

Florida for Care will spearhead legislation in March of 2015 in Tallahassee, setting the standard for what the state’s medical cannabis system should look like and how it can function most effectively. Such a system must balance three core principles: first, safe, affordable patient access; second, a tightly controlled state regulatory structure; and third, a robust, free market commercial enterprise.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Bianca Garza via email at press@floridaforcare.org

Florida for Care Cautious to Support HB 683

While Florida for Care applauds the filing of House Bill 683 by Rep. Greg Steube (R-D373), there are serious reservations regarding its provisions, which are far more restrictive than its Senate companion bill SB528.  “We are encouraged to see this companion bill filed by Rep. Steube. However, the exclusion of qualifying symptoms - in addition to qualifying diseases - and the prohibition on a patient’s ability to consume their medicine as recommended by a doctor is alarming.", said Ben Pollara, Executive Director of Florida for Care. here

For more information or to schedule an interview with Ben Pollara or Dan Rogers, please contact Bianca Garza via email at Bianca@floridaforcare.org

Sign the New Petition for Medical Marijuana

Thank you for helping us get medical marijuana back on the ballot for 2016.  We need everyone to sign the new petition.  

***YOU MUST SIGN THE NEW PETITION EVEN IF YOU FILLED OUT ONE IN 2013 or 2014.***

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE NEW PETITION HERE

FLORIDA FOR CARE PLANS NEXT EVENT

 Florida for Care,

the medical marijuana lobbying group, has announced the date of its first policy and regulation event for 2015. The event will be held at The Westin Colonnade Coral Gables with a cocktail, networking reception on the evening of Thursday, February 26^th followed by a day of presentations on the 27^th.

They will be discussing upcoming medical marijuana bills as well as progress on the petition that United for Care is planning.

“We anticipate an information packed day with speakers ranging from the medical marijuana industry leaders to Florida’s legislators. A full agenda will be released soon”, stated Ben Pollara, Executive Director of Florida for Care.

For information on memberships, sponsorships or tickets contact Eric Stevens at Eric@Floridaforcare.org or 305-547-9831

Florida for Care will spearhead legislation in March of 2015 in Tallahassee, setting the standard for what the state’s medical cannabis system should look like and how it can function most effectively. Such a system must balance three core principles: first, safe, affordable patient access; second, a tightly controlled state regulatory structure; and third, a robust, free market commercial enterprise.

 For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Bianca Garza via email at press@floridaforcare.org

Florida for Care attends Department of Health’s

Public hearing on rewriting of SB 1030; Calls on Legislature to pass broader reformToday the Florida Department of Health conducted a public hearing in Orange County on rulemaking for Senate Bill 1030. SB 1030, also known as the Charlotte Web Law, was passed in 2014 by the Florida Legislature and was signed into law by Governor Rick Scott. This bill will allow for a high CBD, low THC form of cannabis known to help people with epilepsy and sever seizure disorders.

The DOH's plan today was to rewrite the rules on how the cannabis oil medicine will be produced and distributed.  Florida for Care’s Legislative and Policy Director, Dan Rogers, was present during the hearing.
“While the Department of Health is making progress, this bill is just not comprehensive enough for the vast majority of truly sick and suffering Floridians,” said Mr. Rogers. He continued, “Florida for Care intends to advocate for the passage of a comprehensive bill in the 2015 legislative session that will allow all suffering Floridians who could see relief through the medicinal use of marijuana to realize that relief.” Florida for Care will be working with members of the legislature to introduce a medical marijuana bill following the broad majority support the issue received in the November 2014 elections.
“A half million more Floridians voted for medical marijuana than voted to reelect our Governor. We need to make sure the will of people is heard and acted upon,” stated Ben Pollara, Executive Director of Florida for Care.
Florida for Care will spearhead legislation in March of 2015 in Tallahassee, setting the standard for what the state’s medical cannabis system should look like and how it can function most effectively. Such a system must balance three core principles: first, safe, affordable patient access; second, a tightly controlled state regulatory structure; and third, a robust, free market commercial enterprise.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please call Bianca Garza at 407-930-3525 or email her at press@floridaforcare.org

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