Pubdate: Sat, 25 Oct 2014
Source: Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
Copyright: 2014 Sun-Sentinel Company
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/mVLAxQfA
Website: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/159
Author: Adam H. Putnam
Note: Adam H. Putnam is the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture.
Page: 22A

MARIJUANA AMENDMENT POORLY WRITTEN

While Amendment 2 may have good intentions-to provide relief to 
Floridians suffering from serious illnesses-the poorly written 
language of the amendment will have irreversible, unintended 
consequences on our reputation as a family-friendly and 
business-friendly state.

Gaping holes in the amendment language will open the floodgates for 
widespread marijuana use in Florida. Any patient who suffers 
debilitating diseases "or other conditions" would qualify for medical 
marijuana, meaning anyone with as much as a headache could buy pot.

With no restrictions on age, even our children-who are at highest 
risk of the long-term effects from marijuana-will be able to access 
this gateway drug. Research shows that one in six kids who try 
marijuana will become addicted to it, and drug use among minors can 
impair critical brain development.

And without restrictions on use in the workplace, there's nothing to 
keep people from working while under the influence. Marijuana use 
results in short-term memory problems and impaired thinking. It 
reduces alertness, concentration and reaction time.

These side effects make for a dangerous workplace, as workers who 
smoke pot are 55 percent more likely to be involved in an accident 
and 85 percent more prone to suffering an injury while on the job.

We've worked hard to make Florida the best place to live, work and 
raise a family. Don't let Florida go to pot now. Vote no on Amendment 2.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom