Pubdate: Thu, 23 Oct 2014 Source: Orlando Sentinel (FL) Copyright: 2014 Orlando Sentinel Contact: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/325 Note: Rarely prints out-of-state LTEs. Author: Richard Maladecki Note: Richard Maladecki is president and CEO of the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association. Page: A19 2 Views on Medical Marijuana NO: TOO RISKY FOR STATE BUSINESSES In recent months, many Americans, myself included, have become educated on the medicinal benefits that cannabis may provide to patients who have some terrible illnesses. Earlier this year, the Florida Legislature passed the Charlotte's Web law that allows medicinal cannabis for Floridians battling illnesses such as epilepsy, Lou Gehrig's disease and various types of cancer. But it's time to make something clear: Amendment 2 is one of the most loophole ridden pieces of legislation that you'll ever read. When explaining the medical conditions that could warrant the use of medical marijuana, the amendment cites a number of diseases, and adds: "other conditions for which a physician believes that the medical use of marijuana would likely outweigh the potential health risks for a patient." Like children who will be dressing up for Halloween, Amendment 2 is wearing a disguise; it's the legalization of recreational marijuana dressed up in a patient's gown under the guise of "medical marijuana." Why does a Hotel & Lodging Association care about medical marijuana? This amendment threatens businesses, big and small, by steering Florida into uncharted waters: It adds vague and troubling language to the state's constitution. The Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association represents nearly 80 percent of all lodging establishments in Central Florida. These businesses will be negatively affected by the damage that Amendment 2 would bring to Orlando's family-friendly image. With fewer visitors, the region would see a decrease in sales-tax revenues and tourist development taxes, which pay for many of our great Central Florida venues, such as the new Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, the Amway Center, the new Major League Soccer stadium and the renovated Citrus Bowl. In addition, more than 500 CFHLA members are non-lodging companies that work directly with hotels and operate in the hospitality industry. The majority of these members are small-business owners whose sales will take a direct hit with fewer travelers. While Florida is rebounding from one of the largest economic recessions in decades, the last thing that small businesses need is the passage of Amendment 2, which will threaten the tourism industry and create unnecessary risks in the marketplace. I urge citizens to do what is right for Central Florida and vote no on 2. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom