The push to legalize some forms of medical marijuana is gaining traction after a bill approved by the Legislature is on its way to Gov. Rick Scott's desk.
The bill would allow doctors to prescribe medical marijuana to patients who suffer from epilepsy, seizures or severe muscle spasms. The strain of marijuana in the bill is known as “Charlotte’s Web.” It has less THC, the ingredient that causes users to feel high, and more of a non-euphoric compound called CBD.
Ben Pollara of United For Care says that while the bill is expected to be signed by Scott, it won’t help other patients suffering from other diseases, like cancer.
“It doesn’t go far enough, it doesn’t go as far as Amendment Two does to provide care for the most number of people, but I think it’s a huge step forward," he said.
United for Care led the initiative to add a medical marijuana amendment to the ballot this fall, gathering over 1 million signatures during a petition drive.
