Pubdate: Sat, 31 Jan 2015 Source: Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) Copyright: 2015 Sun-Sentinel Company Contact: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfl-letters-to-the-editor-htmlstory.html Website: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/159 Note: Editorial from Florida Times Union, Jacksonville BILL STARTS MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISCUSSION A proposed law to better define who can use medical marijuana could resolve Florida's debate over how to make the drug available only for those who need it. A bill recently submitted by state Sen. Jeff Brandes, a Republican who represents St. Petersburg, is promising. It effectively addresses many of the issues with Amendment 2, an overly broad and poorly defined proposed constitutional amendment that fell just short of being approved by voters last fall. It's vital that medical marijuana be used and distributed in Florida in a way that is: Responsible and well-regulated. Constantly monitored by physicians and other qualified health care professionals. Only accessible to severely ill patients who will use the drug as part of a legitimate treatment plan to ease physical suffering. Who would deny this kind of relief to a patient suffering from ALS or multiple sclerosis? Or from someone battling the nausea caused by chemotherapy treatments? - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom