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." [continues 168 words]
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." [continues 295 words]
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. [continues 711 words]
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. [continues 231 words]
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. [continues 501 words]
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. [continues 576 words]
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. [continues 708 words]
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. [continues 64 words]
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." [continues 586 words]
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." [continues 784 words]
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. [continues 82 words]
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... [continues 471 words]
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. [continues 401 words]
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." [continues 1177 words]
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. [continues 1564 words]
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. [continues 628 words]
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]
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. [continues 635 words]
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. [continues 484 words]
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]
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]
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. [continues 335 words]
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]
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. [continues 1654 words]
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]
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. [continues 355 words]
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. [continues 472 words]
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. [continues 144 words]
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. [continues 698 words]
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. [continues 568 words]
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]
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. [continues 568 words]
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]
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. [continues 555 words]
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]
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]
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. [continues 485 words]
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]
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. [continues 287 words]
Broward Man Used Service Weapon to Steal From Drug Dealers A deputy U.S. Marshal from Broward County who used his government-issued duty weapon to steal 24 pounds of marijuana from drug dealers in northern California was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years in federal prison. Clorenzo "Mack" Griffin, 38, who grew up and lived in Fort Lauderdale, pleaded guilty last year to one count of conspiring to commit robbery. He was fired after his arrest. He admitted he planned, financed and participated in the Oct. 11, 2014, armed robbery in Yuba City with two friends from Miami prosecutors said he recruited to help him. [continues 678 words]
For millions of families, including those in our own Florida communities, a drug-fueled pattern of devastation and heartbreak has become a painful part of life. Too many of our loved ones are losing their struggle with heroin and other addictive substances. The facts are sobering. Thousands of Americans die each year from heroin, the most addictive drug on the planet. In Florida, heroin overdose deaths have increased 900 percent in recent years, rising from 48 in 2010 to 447 in 2014. [continues 425 words]
The Tampa City Council should approve an ordinance that favors civil citations over arrests for possession of small amounts of marijuana. The council gave its initial endorsement to the rule last week and should give final authorization when the issue comes up for a vote later this month. There is no need to create potentially life-altering criminal records over minor infractions for people who could use a second chance. Council members voted 6-1 on Thursday to allow people caught with less than 20 grams of marijuana to receive a civil citation and pay a fine rather than face jail time. Under the proposal, the first infraction would cost offenders $75. Subsequent offenses would rack up fines of $150, $300 and $450. If the council grants final approval and Mayor Bob Buckhorn backs the effort as expected, it could take effect as soon as April. [continues 354 words]
Marijuana is on the march in Florida. Volusia County made it legal to carry small amounts last week. South Florida counties did it last year. Tampa is preparing to do it next week. Even Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer is looking at the issue. Plus, a statewide campaign to legalize medical marijuana appears poised to pass this fall. Heck, this state's beginning to look like one big Grateful Dead show. Really, though, all this has little to do with Floridians being eager to get high and more to do with taxpayers - and law-enforcement officers - being sick of wasting tax dollars and judicial resources on small-time possession charges that often get dropped or reduced anyway. [continues 532 words]
TALLAHASSEE - A measure allowing terminally ill patients to use fullstrength marijuana in the last year of their lives is now before Gov. Rick Scott. Following emotional testimony Monday, the state Senate approved the legislation (CS/HB 307) on a 28-11 vote. It cleared the House 99-16 last week. Scott, though, has been described as "iffy" on the measure by lawmakers close to the issue. The bill would allow marijuana to be included as an experimental drug under a state law which allows doctors to order not fully approved medication for patients expected to die within a year. [continues 488 words]
TALLAHASSEE (AP) - Florida's latest medical-marijuana legislation is headed to Gov. Rick Scott. The Senate on Monday approved a House version of a bill (HB 307) that expands the use of the Right to Try Act, allowing the use of medical marijuana of all strengths for patients with terminal conditions. The bill, which passed 28-11, also adds regulations to the framework of the state's nascent cannabis industry covered by the 2014 Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act. Most of the debate on the Senate floor dealt with concerns about the regulatory and economic structures. [end]
Usually, when Americans think about the idea of officers of the law confiscating property with no warrant, trial or conviction they come up with two things: tin-pot dictatorships and dystopian movies. Unfortunately for Floridians, they should also think about their own legal code. This is what a controversial legal process is all about - property confiscation on the spot. Civil asset forfeiture is the practice of taking someone's property based solely on the suspicion of a crime. The property is seized by the police on the spot and will then go directly into the pockets of the agency who made the confiscation. It may sound ridiculous, but after decades of use, police departments now take advantage of profits from taking people's stuff in order to pad their budgets. [continues 558 words]
This letter is a response to Mike McLeod's Feb. 20 letter. Imagine you have traumatic brain injury, back injury and leg reconstruction. Imagine being in constant, debilitating pain where everyday routines prove impossible to manage. Imagine not being able to care for your children in the way you desire and they deserve. Imagine being tethered to oxycodone and morphine for any relief, only to endure side effects which make you rethink the pain relief. Imagine living with no true quality of life. [continues 156 words]
Val Camarillo reached into her bag of potato chips, looked out the open tent flap and watched as Okeechobee County Sheriff's deputies moved in. Camarillo, 22, of Fort Myers, and her two friends David Wilson, 21, and Missy Salomon, 20, have been watching as people receive citations and get arrested at the Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival in Okeechobee. Their tent, along with a slew of others', are located directly behind a makeshift substation for the Sheriff's Office-which has brought those nearby an endless supply of entertainment. [continues 344 words]
It is disheartening to see the Tampa City Council move ahead with a risky plan to decriminalize marijuana use. The council voted 6-1 Thursday to support an ordinance to issue only civil citations for possession of 20 grams or less of pot. Mayor Bob Buckhorn has indicated he supports the measure, so it's likely to go into effect soon after council gives it a second hearing on March 17. We respect the council's concerns, but this overly lenient plan is likely to lead to more drug abuse and crime. [continues 356 words]
Bill Lets Terminal Patients Use Full-Strength Marijuana. TALLAHASSEE - Nearly two years after passing a law to allow limited types of medical marijuana, the Florida House on Thursday approved a more far-reaching plan that would let terminally ill patients have access to full-strength pot. The plan (HB 307 and HB 1313) also would revamp the 2014 law, which has been bogged down in legal challenges over the selection of nurseries to get potentially lucrative contracts. Many House members pointed during a debate Thursday to how medical marijuana could help suffering patients. [continues 434 words]
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