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House Democrats Applaud Republican Marijuana Bill

House Minority Leader Mark Pafford (D-West Palm Beach)
State of Florida

Florida’s sheriffs have come out in opposition to a Republican proposal to expand medical marijuana.  But Sen. Jeff Brandes’ (R-St. Petersburg) bill is getting a favorable reception from the minority party. 

A medical marijuana initiative nearly passed on last November’s ballot, and the response from voters has prompted Republican lawmakers like Sen. Brandes to put the issue on the agenda for the upcoming session.  Democrats have filed proposals for years, and House Minority leader Mark Pafford (D-West Palm Beach) says he’s glad the move is gaining a foothold.

“What that looks like, I don’t know,” Pafford says.  “Sen. Brandes, I’m glad he’s filed it, because that really does deserve a very open debate, and I think the state needs to move beyond Charlotte’s Web.”

Last year the Legislature passed a law allowing limited use of non-euphoric marijuana—often referred to as Charlotte’s Web, a particular brand of low-THC cannabis oil.  But the arduous process of implementing that law has fueled interest in expanding medical marijuana in the state.

Nick Evans came to Tallahassee to pursue a masters in communications at Florida State University. He graduated in 2014, but not before picking up an internship at WFSU. While he worked on his degree Nick moved from intern, to part-timer, to full-time reporter. Before moving to Tallahassee, Nick lived in and around the San Francisco Bay Area for 15 years. He listens to far too many podcasts and is a die-hard 49ers football fan. When Nick’s not at work he likes to cook, play music and read.