Florida's State Senate exercised some real common sense on Monday, April 28. In a stunningly overwhelming vote by Florida's senate, by a vote of 36-3, the State Senate voted to legalize a strain of low-THC marijuana called Charlotte's web to be used to treat epileptic seizures in children. It was reported on Tuesday by the Associated Press via MyFox Tampa Bay that this bill which will help sick children will now go to the Florida House for its consideration.
As you know, I am a firm believer in Medical Marijuana, despite what studies at Northwestern and the Journal of the American Heart Association may have revealed. There are so many other studies which have shown that marijuana which was used medicinally had so many more healing properties. As with any drug including alcohol, if it is abused of course there will be negative outcomes. Certainly, if it is used for the intended reason, the benefits will outweigh the detriments.
As you may know, there is an initiative on the Florida ballot in November to consider a Constitutional Amendment to approve the legalization and usage of medical marijuana. In addition, a FOX 13 poll taken on Monday revealed that 88%, you read that right, EIGHTY-EIGHT PERCENT of their viewers, think medical marijuana should be legalized. That is a real indication how the vote will go in November.
- Medical marijuana Acapulco gold (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The bill, as passed in the Senate, had real bi-partisan support. The House bill also has bi-partisan support with Republican Matt Gaetz and Democrat Katie Edwards as co-sponsors of the House version of the bill. With that much support, the conference to iron out differences should be an easy affair. Opponents of the bills have indicated since the FDA hasn't approved marijuana or any of its ancillary substances, they are uncomfortable to vote in favor of medical marijuana. Sounds like a cop-out to me.
It is time for all lawmakers and us to put our big boy and big girl pants on and take a stand to finally use marijuana as a medical solution to so many illnesses and side effects of their "cures". I realize that cannabidiol (CBD) and THC are at least borderline controlled substances. But then, so is the formula that makes Jack Daniels, Seagrams 7, Budweiser and Merlot.
We need to be adults about marijuana and finally recognize it for its medical benefits. As of this writing, there are 21 states and the District of Columbia which have legalized it for its medical benefits. Surely, at least five more states will do so by the end of the year. It is time to pass a comprehensive law which will legalize it nationally for medicinal purposes.
You know how I feel about this issue. How do you feel?
No comments:
Post a Comment