Pubdate: Thu, 19 Jun 2014
Source: Tampa Tribune (FL)
Copyright: 2014 The Tribune Co.
Contact: http://tbo.com/list/news-opinion-letters/submit/
Website: http://tbo.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/446
Page: 10A
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

CHARLOTTE'S WEB A DIFFERENT APPROACH FROM AMENDMENT 2

Florida's conservative lawmakers put aside the instinct to be against 
any form or marijuana legalization this past legislative session and 
passed a bill that legalizes a low-potency marijuana strain known as 
Charlotte's Web.

It represented a turnaround for the Republican-controlled 
Legislature, and this week Gov. Rick Scott signed the bill into law.

It's a humane decision that will provide some relief to children and 
others suffering from epilepsy, cancer and debilitating conditions 
that cause severe muscle spasms. But support for the law should not 
be confused with the staunch opposition by the governor and other 
conservatives to Amendment 2 on the November ballot, which would make 
medical marijuana legal on a much greater scale.

The new law legalizes a marijuana strain low in the THC content that 
causes the euphoric high sought by illegal drug users.

The strain is rich in what is known as CBD, which is non-euphoric and 
effective in treating seizures. It will only be sold through five 
licensed dispensaries in the state to authorized physicians.

In addition, a "compassionate use registry" will be created to track 
the doctors and patients authorized to sell and use Charlotte's Web, 
preventing a patient from getting approval from multiple doctors.

The law includes regulatory parameters that restrict the drug's use 
to patients suffering severe seizures and spasms that other drugs are 
unable to minimize.

The Charlotte's Web strain won't be smoked, and won't get anyone high.

That's different from the rules and regulations under Amendment 2, 
which if passed would allow for the smoking of THC-laden marijuana 
and expand the definition of allowable medical conditions for those 
seeking a medical marijuana ID card from a physician.

Cancer, glaucoma, hepatitis C, HIV and MS are included in the text of 
the amendment along with the vaguely worded, "other conditions for 
which a physician believes that the medical use of marijuana would 
likely outweigh the potential health risks for a patient."

Amendment 2's opponents, which include the Florida Sheriff s 
Association, are wary that "other conditions" might be construed to 
mean stress, back pain and other assorted ailments that could be 
manipulated by people wanting to legally purchase marijuana to get high.

The parents of children who suffer from severe seizures successfully 
lobbied state legislators this past session with their heartfelt stories.

Their message was aided by a desire among some lawmakers to have the 
compassionate use of a non-euphoric strain of marijuana separated 
from the medical marijuana question that will appear on the ballot.

Before heading to the polls in November, voters need to remember that 
the Charlotte's Web strain won't be smoked and won't get anyone high.

That's far different than the question posed under Amendment 2.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom