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51 US FL: Backers: State Pot Industry Worth BillionsMon, 23 May 2016
Source:Palm Beach Post, The (FL) Author:Ostrowski, Jeff Area:Florida Lines:128 Added:05/24/2016

Proponents Cite Benefits to Many Ill Floridians, Thousands of Added Jobs, Millions in Tax Revenue.

Entrepreneurs in the budding cannabis industry are salivating at the prospect that Florida might legalize medical marijuana.

Pot proponents say hundreds of thousands of Floridians with cancer and other ailments would benefit from medical marijuana - and they see the potential for a billion-dollar industry that could create thousands of jobs and generate millions in tax revenue.

"I look at this as one of the big job savers, job creators, tax getters," said Orlando attorney John Morgan, who's bankrolling a November ballot initiative to legalize pot for medical use. "Technology is taking jobs away every day. This business here is going to replace jobs and income like never before."

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52 US FL: Fight Over Pot Measure Hits AirwavesSat, 21 May 2016
Source:Orlando Sentinel (FL) Author:Rohrer, Gray Area:Florida Lines:94 Added:05/21/2016

TALLAHASSEE - The medical marijuana amendment is back, and the fight over the issue is poised to return to the airwaves and screens of all sizes throughout Florida.

Drug Free Florida, the group that successfully fended off a similar amendment in 2014, released its first video this week attacking the new measure that will go before voters on the November ballot. The three-minute video is running online only, but it signals the start of a campaign likely to inundate the state with ads.

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53 US FL: OPED: I Use Pain Meds, But I'm No AddictThu, 19 May 2016
Source:Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) Author:Hussey, Nicole Area:Florida Lines:79 Added:05/19/2016

Not all pain medication users are addicts. That sentence had to bemy first because it is a truth that is not well represented. The media have chosen to tell you ever more frightening tales about prescription pill abuse without letting you know about us-the responsible users. Opioids, narcotics, barbiturates, muscle relaxers, corticosteroids or tricyclics are a part of our daily medication regimen, but we aren't looking to get high.

I certainly don't deny there is a major problem with prescription drug abuse.

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54 US FL: PUB LTE: Losing Out On Pot TaxesThu, 19 May 2016
Source:Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) Author:Rose, Michael Area:Florida Lines:31 Added:05/19/2016

Because the legalization of medical marijuana will be on the ballot again this year, Florida legislators may want to remember that states are losing billions by not legalizing pot.

According to a new study, federal and state governments are missing out on $28 billion by not legalizing recreational marijuana.

The study was released on May 12 by the Tax Foundation, an independent think tank. Experts said most of that revenue would come from a tax on marijuana.

The study criticized moral objections to marijuana legalization-such as concerns over addiction-by suggesting that people abuse marijuana regardless of its legal status. And according to a national survey on drug use and health, roughly 12 percent of marijuana users were considered "abusers" of the drug.

Michael Rose, Lighthouse Point

[end]

55 US FL: Vote No on 2 Slams Marijuana Initiative As a FullTue, 17 May 2016
Source:Orlando Sentinel (FL) Author:Rohrer, Gray Area:Florida Lines:53 Added:05/18/2016

TALLAHASSEE - A group fighting a proposed amendment to allow medical marijuana in Florida released its first web video Monday, attacking the measure as a fig leaf for full-blown legalization of the drug.

The video from Drug Free Florida's Vote No on 2 campaign is posted on its website and isn't running as an ad on television or online. But it signals the first salvo from those opposed to Amendment 2.

The three-minute video features online searches of California marijuana shops, noting their marketing of marijuana-infused baked goods and other items aren't likely to be for genuine medical ailments.

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56 US FL: Palm Beach County Marijuana Incarceration CostsMon, 16 May 2016
Source:Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) Author:Reid, Andy Area:Florida Lines:83 Added:05/17/2016

Palm Beach County's cost for jailing people caught with small amounts of marijuana may be much less than initially estimated, according to revised figures released Monday.

Just last week, the county estimated that it cost taxpayers $1.1 million from 2009 to 2015 to jail people whose most serious offense was having a small amount of marijuana.

But at the urging of the Sheriff's Office, the county's Criminal Justice Commission on Monday revised its estimate to show that when marijuana is the only charge involved - excluding trespassing and other minor offenses that may coincide with a marijuana charge - the cost drops to about $322,245 from 2009 to 2015.

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57 US FL: LTE: States Allowing Marijuana See Rise in DUIMon, 16 May 2016
Source:Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) Author:Solomon, Carl Area:Florida Lines:27 Added:05/16/2016

No matter how defensively you drive in Florida, not having an accident is usually by luck, not skill. Almost every day we read about fatal DUI accidents. Usually the driver at fault, already has had 4-5 DUI convictions and is driving with a suspended license.

In Florida, we will be voting whether to legalize pot. In some states that have legalized marijuana, fatal car crashes have doubled.

I for one will vote against the legalization of marijuana. If you disagree, tighten your seat belt and hope you survive the carnage caused by impaired drivers who may be under the influence of both alcohol and marijuana.

Carl Solomon, Delray Beach

[end]

58 US FL: Arrests For Pot Costs $158k, Analysis ShowsSun, 15 May 2016
Source:Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) Author:Swisher, Skyler Area:Florida Lines:78 Added:05/16/2016

It's the latest turn in a clash between the sheriff and county commissioners over whether deputies should give citations to those caught with a small amount of marijuana.

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw has said he has no plans to use a commission approved ordinance that lets deputies issue a civil citation, instead of a criminal charge, for possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana. A citation would be similar to a traffic ticket.

Now, a newly completed analysis by county staff estimates the expense that comes from jailing small-time offenders instead of ticketing them.

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59 US FL: Advances in Addiction Science Spark Treatment StrategiesSun, 15 May 2016
Source:Palm Beach Post, The (FL) Author:Santich, Katie Area:Florida Lines:166 Added:05/15/2016

Drugs, Booze, Food, Gambling All Lead to Changes in Brains.

He was 40 years old, a father of three and an Orlando house painter, clean and sober for eight years. One night last summer, he climbed into his truck, stuck a needle in his arm and injected himself with what would be his final dose of heroin.

"The paramedics worked on him for a long time. And when they declared him dead, he was still clutching his last bag of the drug in his fist," says Pastor Spence Pfleiderer. "That's the power of addiction."

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60 US FL: Benefactor Optimistic On Amend. 2Fri, 13 May 2016
Source:Orlando Sentinel (FL)          Area:Florida Lines:83 Added:05/13/2016

BENEFACTOR OPTIMISTIC ON AMEND. 2

For the second time in two years, Florida voters will be presented with a proposed constitutional amendment to legalize marijuana for medical purposes. United for Care, which backed Amendment 2 in 2014, is also backing the 2016 measure, also known as Amendment 2. Campaign chairman John Morgan has invested millions of dollars in both efforts. We discussed the issue with Morgan, campaign manager Ben Pollara and Flagler County Sheriff Jim Manfre. An excerpt of Morgan's responses follows. A video of the full interview is at OrlandoSentinel.com/opinion.

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61 US FL: Poll: 80% Of Floridians Support Pot AmendmentThu, 12 May 2016
Source:Orlando Sentinel (FL) Author:Saunders, Jim Area:Florida Lines:85 Added:05/13/2016

TALLAHASSEE - About six months before Election Day, Florida voters overwhelmingly support a broad legalization of medical marijuana but are less clear about a critical U.S. Senate race, a new poll shows.

The poll, released on Wednesday by Quinnipiac University, said that 80 percent of voters support a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow medical marijuana for patients with a wide range of conditions, such as cancer, AIDS, Crohn's disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.

Support for the proposal cuts across political and demographic lines. For example, it is supported by 71 percent of Republicans and 87 percent of Democrats. It is supported by 80 percent of men and 81 percent of women.

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62 US FL: Medical And Recreational Pot Have Voters' SupportThu, 12 May 2016
Source:Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) Author:Man, Anthony Area:Florida Lines:50 Added:05/12/2016

Florida voters overwhelmingly support legalization of medical marijuana, pollsters said Wednesday, and most also favor legalization of recreational pot use.

The Quinnipiac University poll found 80 percent of Florida voters said they would vote for a proposed constitutional amendment in November allowing for medical use of marijuana. Just 16 percent said they'd vote no.

Support is greater than 70 percent among every category pollsters analyzed, regardless of political party, gender, education, age and ethnicity. The question was specific, asking people if they favored medical use of marijuana "for individuals with debilitating medical conditions as determined by a licensed Florida physician."

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63 US FL: Marijuana Proponent Hopeful For LegalizationWed, 11 May 2016
Source:Palm Beach Post, The (FL) Author:Ostrowski, Jeff Area:Florida Lines:63 Added:05/11/2016

Attorney John Morgan Confident in Voter Turnout.

John Morgan, the deep-pocketed attorney bankrolling the effort to legalize medical marijuana in Florida, predicts November's election will produce the victory that eluded him two years ago.

Morgan spent more than $4 million on Amendment 2, the measure that won support from 57.6 percent of voters in November 2014. It needed 60 percent to pass.

"I didn't really realize how hard 60 percent was going to be," Morgan said Tuesday during a speech at the Marijuana Business Conference in Kissimmee. "It is hard - it's a landslide."

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64 US FL: Orlando Approves Citations For MarijuanaTue, 10 May 2016
Source:Orlando Sentinel (FL) Author:Weiner, Jeff Area:Florida Lines:116 Added:05/10/2016

Orlando on Monday became the latest Florida municipality and the first city in Central Florida to effectively decriminalize small amounts of marijuana, passing an ordinance that will allow officers to issue citations rather than make arrests.

The controversial measure, which was supported by Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orlando police Chief John Mina, was approved by the City Council on a 4-3 vote. It will take effect Oct. 1. The measure was opposed by the two former police officers on the council, Tony Ortiz and Samuel Ings, as well as Commissioner Jim Gray. The ordinance passed both public readings by the same slim margin.

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65 US FL: Medical-Marijuana Challenge Involves Licenses forTue, 10 May 2016
Source:Orlando Sentinel (FL) Author:Kam, Dara Area:Florida Lines:51 Added:05/10/2016

TALLAHASSEE - A new law that protects five nurseries may have given more ammunition to "ganjapreneurs" seeking an entry into what could be one of the nation's largest medical-marijuana markets come this fall.

The law was intended to inoculate from pending legal challenges the five growers, and their teams of consultants and investors, selected by Florida health officials in November to serve as medical marijuana dispensing organizations, responsible for growing, processing and distributing cannabis products to a limited population of patients. While the law did just that, it also gave at least one losing applicant new grounds for its existing complaint.

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66 US FL: Editorial: Pass Plan To Scale Back Pot PenaltyFri, 06 May 2016
Source:Orlando Sentinel (FL)          Area:Florida Lines:88 Added:05/06/2016

The Orlando City Council is scheduled to make an important decision Monday, one that could set the tone of law enforcement for years to come. A proposal by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer to decriminalize possession of a small amount of marijuana in the city is set for final action.

The ordinance passed by a single vote in its first reading on April 18. If the measure becomes law, it would give city police the authority to write a ticket to someone found with less than 20 grams (0.7 ounces) of marijuana rather than make an arrest. Several hundred people went to jail last year for just such a violation, and many may have ended up with a criminal record.

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67US FL: OPED: For Marijuana, Make Punishment Fit CrimeWed, 04 May 2016
Source:Tampa Bay Times (FL) Author:Kornell, Steve Area:Florida Lines:Excerpt Added:05/05/2016

Recent statistics from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office show that although African-Americans are 10 percent of the county population, they represent 41 percent of the arrests for minor amounts of marijuana. National statistics have prompted the American Bar Association and the American Civil Liberties Union to call for the decriminalization of the possession of up to 20 grams of marijuana by making it a civil violation, punishable by a ticket, rather than a criminal offense.

I proposed creating a civil citation program in St. Petersburg in October. This proposal does not legalize small amounts of marijuana or the other minor offenses covered in the ordinance. It does make the punishment fit the crime. No one deserves a permanent criminal record or to be forced into drug treatment for possessing small amounts of marijuana. No one's future job prospects should be limited for littering or stealing a shopping cart.

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68US FL: New Pot Rule Yields 81 CitationsTue, 03 May 2016
Source:Tampa Tribune (FL) Author:Fox, Geoff Area:Florida Lines:Excerpt Added:05/04/2016

First Violator Cited Less Than An Hour After Ordinance Took Effect

TAMPA - A stripper, a college student and a lawn maintenance worker were among the first people issued civil citations for possessing small amounts of marijuana since April 1, police records show.

Tampa City Council members on March 17 voted 5-1 to adopt the ordinance, intended to prevent offenders from having the lifelong stigma of a criminal record that can hinder job, scholarship and housing opportunities.

Council members said it will also free up police and the courts. Nearly 1,900 arrests made by Tampa police last year included charges of possession of small amounts of marijuana.

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69 US FL: PUB LTE: Misguided On PotSun, 01 May 2016
Source:Orlando Sentinel (FL) Author:Conboy, Dennis M. Area:Florida Lines:33 Added:05/01/2016

Regarding Orlando City Commissioner Samuel B. Ings' My Word column, "Ings: Here's why I'm voting no on easing pot penalties," on Wednesday: Ings' opinion is, at best, short-sighted and antiquated. Ings insists that recreational marijuana use should remain a criminal activity. The perception that recreational marijuana use is criminal is dying a slow death, and deservedly so. I expect Ings is unaware of how many of his friends might be recreational or medicinal users.

This ordinance would not promote open marijuana smoking, as he assumes; there is a fine. Marijuana use would remain illegal.

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70 US FL: Familiar Aroma Pervades SunfestSun, 01 May 2016
Source:Palm Beach Post, The (FL) Author:Dennis, Zach Area:Florida Lines:87 Added:05/01/2016

Concertgoers Indulge in Marijuana in Violation of City Law.

WEST PALM BEACH - After 7:30 p.m. Friday night, you could smell it.

There was no escaping the odor, which permeated the night sky like smoke bellowing from a chimney. The stench of marijuana was as prevalent and as synonymous with SunFest as the downtown traffic jams.

While the crowd can easily tell you what was being smoked, it - like law enforcement - cannot tell you specifically who was smoking it. As one vendor, who requested to remain anonymous, remarked, "It is impossible to pinpoint where it is happening at."

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71US FL: Tampa's New Pot Law Has Schools Revisiting Rules forSun, 01 May 2016
Source:Tampa Tribune (FL) Author:Dawson, Anastasia Area:Florida Lines:Excerpt Added:05/01/2016

It's Relevant to Student Discipline, Employment Policy

TAMPA - City officials toiled over the details for months before adopting a law decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana.

It's been a month since the regulation took effect, but one segment of the community is still wrestling with its reaction to changes that make possession no more serious than a traffic ticket in the eyes of the law: Hillsborough County schools.

Students likely still will be punished for possession - Hillsborough County schools are drugfree for all students and employees - but decriminalization could change the way teachers and other employees are hired, school officials say. At least in Tampa. "The world is changing around us," school board Chairwoman April Griffin said. "We need to have a conversation about what it means if you've received a citation as opposed to being arrested."

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72 US FL: PUB LTE: Kudos For Pot VoteSat, 30 Apr 2016
Source:Orlando Sentinel (FL) Author:Thomas, Lucresha Area:Florida Lines:34 Added:04/30/2016

Mayor Buddy Dyer and the city of Orlando recently passed, 4-3, the initial vote to deprioritize arrests for possession of small amounts of marijuana. I'm thankful for Dyer and Commissioners Regina Hill, Patty Sheehan and Robert Stuart for their support of the ordinance. I, unfortunately, left the City Council meeting feeling disappointed in Commissioner Samuel Ings for voting against it.

We live in a society where young black men and boys have been a target of the war on drugs. Ings argues that this policy would tarnish the image of Orlando as a family vacation destination.

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73 US FL: OPED: Obama Must Do More To Fight HeroinThu, 28 Apr 2016
Source:Orlando Sentinel (FL)          Area:Florida Lines:80 Added:04/28/2016

President Obama's administration has missed opportunities to stem the opioid overdose crisis, and therefore it's no great surprise that heroin overdose deaths have tripled since 2010.

The administration dragged its feet on requiring mental health and addiction treatment to have the same insurance coverage as physical ailments; inexplicably, it took five years to write the federal regulations needed to implement the 2008MentalHealth Parity and Addiction Equity Act. Many insurance plans still ignore the need for parity, studies show. The administration is only this month finalizing rules to implement parity for mental health and addiction treatment in Medicaid...

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74 US FL: OPED: Ings: Here's Why I'm Voting No on Easing PotWed, 27 Apr 2016
Source:Orlando Sentinel (FL) Author:Ings, Samuel B. Area:Florida Lines:73 Added:04/27/2016

The City of Orlando 2016-36 Ordinance relating to the possession of cannabis and cannabis paraphernalia encourages bad behavior. Accountability to our community as a whole for a wholesome life is a must for us as elected officials.

If we were to sanction this ordinance, we would be going down a very slippery slope. People are confused. Some think this measure would decriminalize, or legalize, marijuana, and others think it allows the use of medical marijuana. People need to know, and understand, that this ordinance would make it easier for criminals to use marijuana with fewer criminal charges and less punishment.

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75 US FL: Science Of Addiction Is Challenge To ApplySun, 24 Apr 2016
Source:Orlando Sentinel (FL) Author:Santich, Kate Area:Florida Lines:165 Added:04/24/2016

He was 40 years old, a father of three and an Orlando house painter, clean and sober for eight years. One night last summer, he climbed into his truck, stuck a needle in his arm and injected himself with what would be his final dose of heroin.

"The paramedics worked on him for a long time... and when they declared him dead, he was still clutching his last bag of the drug in his fist," says Pastor Spence Pfleiderer. "That's the power of addiction."

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76 US FL: Medical Marijuana Will Be Back On The BallotWed, 20 Apr 2016
Source:Orlando Weekly (FL) Author:Cordeiro, Monivette Area:Florida Lines:207 Added:04/20/2016

Love Is In The Air

Remember that time in 2014 when medical marijuana got a half-million more votes than Gov. Rick Scott but was still defeated? No? Let's recap.

Two years ago, Florida's biggest political issue, aside from Scott beating Charlie Crist and his loyal Vornado Air Circulator fan for a second term, was Amendment 2, a measure that would have legalized medical marijuana for people with debilitating medical conditions. United for Care and its chairman, Orlando attorney John Morgan, pulled in millions of dollars to fight for the initiative. Drug Free Florida, which counted on supporters like the Florida Sheriffs Association, the Florida Medical Association and the Florida Chamber of Commerce, hauled in its own share of cash, including a $5 million contribution from casino billionaire Sheldon Adelson, to oppose medical marijuana.

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77 US FL: Orlando Closer To Ok On Pot MeasureTue, 19 Apr 2016
Source:Orlando Sentinel (FL) Author:Weiner, Jeff Area:Florida Lines:110 Added:04/19/2016

Orlando moved a major step closer to effectively decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana on Monday, when the City Council narrowly backed a measure that would allow officers to issue tickets to some people caught with the drug.

Commissioners voted 4-3 to approve the ordinance, which would make possession of 20 grams (about two-thirds of an ounce) or less a violation of city code carrying a $50 fine for first-time offenders.

The council plans to take a final vote on the measure on May 9. If approved then, it would take effect immediately.

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78 US FL: OPED: Alabama Marijuana Sentence Is WrongSat, 16 Apr 2016
Source:Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL)          Area:Florida Lines:31 Added:04/16/2016

Lee Carroll Brooker, a 75-year-old disabled veteran suffering from chronic pain, was arrested in July 2011 for growing three dozen marijuana plants for his medicinal use behind his son's house in Dothan, Ala., where he lived. For this crime, Mr. Brooker was given a life sentence with no possibility of release.

Alabama law mandates that anyone with certain prior felony convictions be sentenced to life without parole for possessing more than1 kilogram, or 2.2 pounds, of marijuana, regardless of intent to sell. Mr. Brooker had been convicted of armed robberies in Florida two decades earlier, for which he served 10 years. The marijuana plants collected at his son's house-including unusable parts like vines and stalks-weighed 2.8 pounds.

At his sentencing, the trial judge told Mr. Brooker that if he "could sentence you to a term that is less than life without parole, I would."

U.S. Supreme Court justices should take the case and overturn this sentence.

[end]

79 US FL: Demings Not Opposed To Marijuana ProposalFri, 15 Apr 2016
Source:Orlando Sentinel (FL) Author:Hudak, Stephen Area:Florida Lines:113 Added:04/15/2016

Orange County should consider Orlando's proposal to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, the sheriff and Mayor Teresa Jacobs said Thursday.

Sheriff Jerry Demings stopped short of giving his full support to Orlando's measure, which would allow police to issue a civil citation rather than arrest someone who is caught with 20 grams or less of pot. But he said he "would not be opposed" to the county adopting a similar policy.

Jacobs said she wants the county's public safety council to dive into the issue.

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80 US FL: Orlando Considers Marijuana MeasureWed, 13 Apr 2016
Source:Orlando Sentinel (FL) Author:Weiner, Jeff Area:Florida Lines:97 Added:04/14/2016

City May Decriminalize Small Amounts of Pot

Orlando could soon become the latest Florida city to effectively decriminalize small amounts of marijuana, allowing police officers to issue citations, rather than make arrests.

The City Council on Monday will consider an ordinance that would make possession of 20 grams (about two-thirds of an ounce) or less a violation of city code, carrying a fine of just $50 for first-time offenders, similar to a traffic ticket.

"I think, in this day and age, giving somebody a second chance ... without establishing a criminal record helps improve their opportunities in the future," said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, who supports the measure.

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81 US FL: PUB LTE: Proctor's Marijuana Ordinance Should BeSun, 10 Apr 2016
Source:Tallahassee Democrat (FL) Author:Troupe, Rodricka Area:Florida Lines:27 Added:04/10/2016

I agree with Commissioner Bill Proctor for proposing a looser pot ordinance. He made a good point that people should get issued civil citations rather than a criminal arrest for small amounts of marijuana.

There would be fewer people in jail. The cost of $60 for every inmate could go to the people with more serious crimes. There could be more room in jail for the people who have been waiting on trial for a while.

Everyone should be allowed to get another chance. The way the law is now, some people are going to lose their jobs, homes, cars - anything they own. No one is perfect. I agree with everything Commissioner Proctor said, and I am thankful to him for proposing the new ordinance.

Rodricka Troupe, Tallahassee, Drickatroupe2015@gmail.com

[end]

82 US FL: LTE: Possession of Marijuana Should Stay a CriminalSun, 10 Apr 2016
Source:Tallahassee Democrat (FL) Author:Robinson, Courtney Area:Florida Lines:23 Added:04/10/2016

Recently Leon County Commission Chairman Bill Proctor proposed a looser marijuana ordinance. I don't agree; I do not think marijuana should be decriminalized, because it's bad for people to use it.

It's OK to put people in jail for possessing marijuana. Possession should be a misdemeanor. People need to go to jail for what they did. People need to understand it is dangerous to drive under the influence of marijuana.

Courtney Robinson, Tallahassee, Robinsonc420@gmail.com

[end]

83 US FL: OPED: DEA Should Reclassify MarijuanaSat, 09 Apr 2016
Source:Orlando Sentinel (FL)          Area:Florida Lines:60 Added:04/10/2016

Under the federal Controlled Substances Act, marijuana is classified as a schedule 1 drug, which means it has no medicinal value and is highly addictive. But the Drug Enforcement Administration is, once again, considering moving it to a less restrictive category that better reflects both its danger and the undeniable facts on the ground - that nearly half the states in the nation allow the use of cannabis for medical purposes, and several allow it to be used recreationally. The DEA told lawmakers that it intends to make a decision by July.

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84 US FL: PUB LTE: Legalize And Tax PotFri, 01 Apr 2016
Source:Tampa Tribune (FL) Author:Zucker, Larry Area:Florida Lines:30 Added:04/02/2016

I believe I might have a solution to wrong-way drivers. Legalize marijuana and use the taxes from it to install devices that would prevent wrong-way drivers from entering onto exit ramps. It's a pretty simple solution. I do not indulge in the smoking of marijuana. But I truly believe that legalizing it won't make people who don't use it run to get it.

The people who use it will do so whether it's legal or not, so let the rest of us benefit from it by taxing it.

I'm sure we could find other uses for the tax dollars also.

I'm looking forward to all the replies to this.

Larry Zucker

Valrico

[end]

85US FL: Small Amount Of Pot Can Still Lead To ArrestFri, 01 Apr 2016
Source:Tampa Tribune (FL) Author:Fox, Geoff Area:Florida Lines:Excerpt Added:04/01/2016

4 Criteria Must Be Met to Receive Only a Citation

TAMPA - A new law allowing Tampa police the option of issuing civil citations for those possessing small amounts of marijuana takes effect today. But don't be fooled. The new ordinance does not mean that everyone found with up to 20 grams of weed - about three-quarters of an ounce - will automatically avoid arrest.

For instance, if you get pulled over while driving and smoking marijuana, your vehicle will still likely get searched - thanks to the lingering smell, also known as probable cause - while you sit, handcuffed, in the back of a patrol car.

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86 US FL: LTE: Smoke And MirrorsSun, 27 Mar 2016
Source:Tampa Tribune (FL) Author:Webb, Robert Area:Florida Lines:22 Added:03/27/2016

Be careful, Tampa! As the city loosens the consequences of pot, officials need to think through the long-term results. Don't lose our city to the pot enthusiast. Yes, Colorado now reaps millions in new tax dollars, but at what cost? The destruction of what was once a beautiful place to live? Just be careful.

Robert Webb

Tampa

[end]

87 US FL: LTE: Next Time, Do The Proper Research On PotSun, 27 Mar 2016
Source:Tampa Tribune (FL) Author:Winterstein, Thomas Area:Florida Lines:66 Added:03/27/2016

I read the editorial in The Tampa Tribune on Feb. 20 concerning "Sanctioning drug use in Tampa" and was pleased to see that you are skeptical about the ordinance, which Mayor Bob Buckhorn signed into law last week. You have every reason to be skeptical. You should be more than skeptical.

Those people who want to legalize marijuana are not informed of the harm caused to individuals from its use, especially to the brains of young people. I also believe that people are not aware of the difference between medical marijuana and recreational marijuana.

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88 US FL: Scott Approves Medical Pot For Terminally IllSat, 26 Mar 2016
Source:Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) Author:Saunders, Jim Area:Florida Lines:82 Added:03/26/2016

Sponsor Says Governor Has 'Heart & Compassion'

TALLAHASSEE With Floridians poised to vote this fall on broad legalization of medical marijuana, Gov. Rick Scott on Friday signed a bill that will allow terminally ill patients to have access to marijuana as they try to ease suffering.

The bill, which lawmakers approved this month, was one of 68 measures that Scott signed into law Friday. He also vetoed one bill dealing with a utility in Alachua County.

Scott did not issue a comment on the medical-marijuana bill (HB 307), but House sponsor Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, went on Twitter to say the governor showed "heart & compassion" by signing the measure.

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89US FL: Scott Signs Bill Allowing Pot For Terminally IllSat, 26 Mar 2016
Source:Tampa Tribune (FL)          Area:Florida Lines:Excerpt Added:03/26/2016

He Didn't Comment on Hb 307, Which Expands Existing Law

TALLAHASSEE - With Floridians poised to vote this fall on broad legalization of medical marijuana, Gov. Rick Scott on Friday signed a bill that will allow terminally ill patients to have access to marijuana to ease suffering.

The bill, which lawmakers approved this month, was one of 68 measures that Scott signed into law Friday. He also vetoed one bill dealing with a utility in Alachua County.

Scott did not issue a comment on the medical-marijuana bill (HB 307), but House sponsor Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, went on Twitter to say the governor showed "heart & compassion" by signing the measure.

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90US FL: Column: Taking Another Crack at Medical Marijuana inFri, 25 Mar 2016
Source:Tampa Tribune (FL) Author:Dockery, Paula Area:Florida Lines:Excerpt Added:03/25/2016

Two years ago, the medical marijuana constitutional amendment was on the ballot in Florida. Even though a majority of voters supported it - - 58 percent - it failed to meet the 60 percent threshold needed for passage.

There was a strong and well-financed opposition that relied on doomsday scenarios and scare tactics. Others who opposed the measure did so by saying the change should be done by the Legislature in statute, not by citizens in the Florida Constitution.

During that time the Legislature - opposed to full-fledged decriminalization of marijuana for medical purposes - passed a very limited form of non-euphoric marijuana for children with epilepsy or chronic seizures.

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91 US FL: Column: Medical Marijuana in Florida: Where Are WeFri, 25 Mar 2016
Source:Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) Author:Dockery, Paula Area:Florida Lines:98 Added:03/25/2016

Two years ago, the medical marijuana constitutional amendment was on the ballot. Even though a majority of Florida voters supported it - 58 percent - it failed to meet the 60 percent threshold needed for passage.

There was a strong and well-financed opposition that relied on doomsday scenarios and scare tactics. Others who opposed the measure did so by saying the change should be done by the Legislature in statute, not by the Florida Constitution.

During that time the Legislature - opposed to full-fledged decriminalization of marijuana for medical purposes - passed a very limited form of non-euphoric marijuana use for children with epilepsy or chronic seizures.

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92 US FL: PUB LTE: Ease Pot PenaltyWed, 23 Mar 2016
Source:Orlando Sentinel (FL) Author:Tyson, LaShanna Area:Florida Lines:35 Added:03/24/2016

Regarding the Sentinel editorial "Drug policy gets smarter in Volusia" on March 10: I applaud the efforts of Volusia County in decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana, and I believe that Orange County, along with the city of Orlando should follow suit.

With the current push to legalize medical marijuana, it doesn't make financial sense to arrest and prosecute those who are found with small amounts of the drug. It costs taxpayers an exorbitant amount of money to prosecute an individual for an infraction. If the government would make marijuana legal, it would give government an absolute advantage in the market, as it could regulate and legally produce more of it than the current street pharmacists at a lower cost, effectively putting them out of business.

The editorial stated that in lieu of prosecution, the penalty would be a $100 fine. This alternative would greatly cut the state's cost when compared to prosecuting offenders, which in return would increase local economic growth for the municipality.

LaShanna Tyson Altamonte Springs

[end]

93US FL: Tampa OKs Reduced Pot PenaltyFri, 18 Mar 2016
Source:Tampa Tribune (FL) Author:O'Donnell, Christopher Area:Florida Lines:Excerpt Added:03/18/2016

Civil Citation Would Be Option for People With 20 Grams or Less

Fines, rather than arrests, now will be the approach for people found in possession of small amounts of marijuana after the Tampa City Council on Thursday gave final approval to a new law that downgrades the offense to a civil citation.

Council members voted 5-1 to adopt the ordinance, which gives police the option to issue a fine for adults found with up to 20 grams, roughly three-quarters of an ounce, of marijuana. The new law is expected to go into effect in a few days, once signed by Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, who supports the measure.

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94 US FL: PUB LTE: News Coverage Of Opioids One-SidedThu, 17 Mar 2016
Source:Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) Author:Dean, Susan Area:Florida Lines:34 Added:03/17/2016

Just once I would like to see a story that mentions opioids in a positive way.

Your story on March 16 indicated that the CDC is recommending that doctors not prescribe opioids to patients without trying to treat pain in other ways. Very few legitimate physicians will immediately write an opioid prescription as a first choice. But the stress that is being placed on doctors is causing legitimate physicians to reconsider their treatment formularies.

Opioids saved my life and my sanity. I have been taking them for many years. They allowed me to work in a stressful job until I was 68 years old; they allowed me to spend my summers traveling all over the world; and they have kept me from spending my retirement in bed, in pain. There are many of us who have benefited considerably from these pills. We are legitimate patients consulting legitimate doctors who are trying to give us the best possible lives, and now once again our "lifeline" is being attacked.

We are the users not the abusers.

Susan Dean, Davie

[end]

95 US FL: Panel Offers 37 Ways To Fight HeroinTue, 15 Mar 2016
Source:Orlando Sentinel (FL) Author:Hudak, Stephen Area:Florida Lines:94 Added:03/15/2016

As heroin-related deaths continue to spike in Central Florida, a task force of education, law-enforcement and public-health experts rolled out more than three dozen recommendations Monday to help Orange County fight the resurgence of the street drug blamed for 82 deaths last year.

The group suggested equipping police and deputies with naloxone, a medicine that instantly reverses the potentially fatal effect of heroin; increasing the number of so-called "detox beds" to treat addicts; and creating a program for heroin-addicted inmates in the Orange County Jail.

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96 US FL: PUB LTE: Look To Swiss StrategySat, 12 Mar 2016
Source:Tampa Bay Times (FL) Author:Chase, John G. Area:Florida Lines:33 Added:03/15/2016

Re: Heroin epidemic demands a federal response - March 8, commentary

I don't doubt that Rep. Vern Buchanan's motives are good, but he proposes trying harder on a policy that has never worked in 100 years: the federally supported drug war. He writes of 'disrupting the local and global heroin supply chain' and 'federal grants to combat drugs' and his 'fight against bogus pill mills.' That's the same drug war-speak we've been hearing forever.

I suggest we ask the Swiss for help. Their policy began in 1994 as an experiment, then expanded and was voted by referendum in 2008 to be part of their health services. Methadone is not a 'controlled substance.' The goal is not abstinence. Addicts who cannot get by on methadone are prescribed heroin. Most important, there is no heroin supply chain to disrupt; it dried up because there was little profit in it.

John G. Chase, Palm Harbor

[end]

97 US FL: PUB LTE: Legalize ItSat, 12 Mar 2016
Source:Tampa Tribune (FL) Author:Arthur, Skip Area:Florida Lines:26 Added:03/12/2016

I am a '60s person, a retired exec, a Vietnam-era vet, et. al.

I was at Woodstock and Goose Lake. I have been smoking joints since then - no, not every day or even every week. It is not addictive and does not force one to use heavier, hardcore drugs.

Marijuana should be legalized and taxed like many of our Western states have done. Of course, in Florida the cartels will not let that happen. They would lose money. This is 2016. Will someone wake up?

Skip Arthur

Largo

[end]

98 US FL: Editorial: Drug Policy Gets Smarter In VolusiaThu, 10 Mar 2016
Source:Orlando Sentinel (FL)          Area:Florida Lines:81 Added:03/11/2016

You don't have to condone illegal drug use to recognize that it makes no sense to brand someone a criminal for possession of less than an ounce of marijuana. Especially if the offender is a young person, the resulting arrest and criminal record could be a barrier to future success in life.

Such concerns motivated Volusia County Council member Joshua Wagner to champion an ordinance that decriminalizes getting caught with a small amount of marijuana. So instead of an arrest, court appearance and hefty fine or possible jail time, the penalty for possession of 20 grams (0.7 ounces) or less of marijuana in unincorporated Volusia will now usually result in a $100 fine, but no criminal record. The ordinance takes effect in April.

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99 US FL: LTE: Smoking Marijuana Harmful In Many Different WaysThu, 10 Mar 2016
Source:Bradenton Herald (FL) Author:McLeod, Mike Area:Florida Lines:35 Added:03/11/2016

In response to Stan White of Dillon, Colo., Pot Smoking Capital of the USA. Smoking marijuana has been proven to damage social life, ruin job opportunities, give anger issues, decrease motor skills and create vehicle accidents, increased heart rate, disorientation, lack of coordination, depression, going to sleep and not waking up on time and then feeling tired.

Long-time joint smokers often suffer from bronchitis and inflammation of the respiratory tract. Smoking marijuana in heavy use can cause brain abnormalities. Taking the medicinal ingredients (THC) from marijuana and putting it in pill form or oil will aid the medical needs just like smoking it and it will not disrupt nerve cells in the brain like smoking does.

Do you really want to chance harming our kids with this ridiculous idea of smoking marijuana for medical reasons? Go down this road and it will give the green light to our kids now and in the future.

Mike McLeod

Palmetto

[end]

100 US FL: LTE: Reject 'Party Now, Pay Later' Pot CitationsThu, 10 Mar 2016
Source:Tampa Tribune (FL) Author:Miller, Teresa Area:Florida Lines:60 Added:03/11/2016

Voting 6-1, the Tampa City Council is considering a civil citation for persons over 21 who are arrested with 20 grams or less of marijuana. The intent of this citation is to potentially prevent a person from getting a criminal record for possessing pot, and to save our county money in court and jail costs. It was suggested that minority groups are being arrested at higher rates for possession and impacting their ability to get a job in the future.

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