The Florida Supreme Court will hear arguments today on a medical marijuana ballot initiative proposed for the upcoming 2014 election. Backers of the proposed amendment, People United For Medical Marijuana,
say the politicians arguing against it are twisting the truth in the amendment's wording to prevent the ill and suffering from legally benefiting from relief that medical marijuana provides. But that's not the only reason they oppose it.
Over 80% of Floridians favor legalizing medical marijuana, as does Democrat Charlie Crist. For years, legislators in Tallahassee have blocked laws for it, but as other states legalize it, it's only become more popular. Yet
Pam Bondi, House Speaker Will Weatherford, Rick Scott,
and others are actively opposing it. Why? Do they believe, as they claim, that it could lead to de facto "unfettered" marijuana legalization under the guise of compassionate medicine?
"The proposal hides the fact that the Amendment would make Florida one of the most lenient medical-marijuana states," says Bondi's initial court brief.
Hardly. Bondi's public reasoning against it hides the fact that those opposed to the amendment are Republicans who back Rick Scott and Pam Bondi. That is the actual driving force behind their opposition. Those who favor it tend to vote for Democrats, which could translate to larger Democratic turnout......more
