Canna Chronicle
For anyone still wondering if Medical Marijuana will be back on the ballot this election,
the answer is a resounding YES! The Florida Division of Elections has confirmed that United for
Care has turned in the 683,149 valid petitions to qualify for the ballot. With a petition drive
that began in the summer of 2015 and ended at the New Year, over 1 million people in Florida
signed a petition to put medical marijuana back on the ballot. Chair of United for Care, John
Morgan, was instrumental in providing the necessary funds to initiate the process while donors
big and small helped pushed to efforts to over the top. Between private contractors working as
paid petitioners and dedicated organizers working with thousands of volunteers state-wide,
people who care about this movement braved the elements day in and day out to get us here.
Thanks goes out to all who have had a hand in achieving this milestone, yet, there remains
much work to be done.
Now, the advocacy side of the campaign begins. Sixty percent of Florida voters need to
be convinced that medical marijuana is a necessity. Last election cycle was heartbreaking to
see the ballot amendment fall short by two percent. The Florida Legislature has had two
legislative sessions now to address the issue and the Department of Health has failed to get the
Florida CBD industry running due to a corrupt licensing process. All these factors will play into
this election cycle as to why people should VOTE YES on Amendment 2.
Of all the factors in this election cycle, the most pivotal will be the increased turnout
due to it being the year we elect a new President of the United States. With the race shaping
up to be one of the most historic, it remains to be seen if the increased turnout will drive
support or opposition votes. If you support Amendment 2, get active and get involved. Help
out United For Care, NORML, or any other advocacy group supporting efforts to see cannabis
reform a reality in Florida.
By Christopher Cano, CannaChronicle Staff Writer & Executive Director – Central Florida NORML