Polling suggests the campaign to legalize medical marijuana will get more than half of all votes cast, but will it meet the 60 percent needed to be in the constitution?
This past year, lawmakers approved Charlotte’s web, a low-THC form of marijuana. If Amendment 2 doesn’t get to 60 percent, some are suggesting the Charlotte’s web law could be expanded to treat more diseases. Any ballot campaign would have to wait until at least 2016.
Medical marijuana is now legal in 23 states and Washington DC. The most recent poll released Monday in Florida shows marijuana at 50-42 with 8 percent undecided. Six of every 10 votes cast are needed for approval. Sponsor United for Care said its internal polling shows it close, but with marijuana getting above 60 percent.
The campaign has seen a decline in support from over 80 percent after millions have been pumped in by a casino billionaire.
Duval County Sheriff John Rutherford is on the stump for Florida Sheriffs, trying to sway undecided voters.
“It’s for anything a doctor wants to give it to someone for, and that is the fraud in this thing,” Rutherford said.
Both sides said the plain language should determine your vote. Supporters say there are no loopholes.
“It’s only for a debilitating medical condition,” said Jim Eaton with Yes on 2. “You have to get a licensed Florida doctor to certify that you have that condition. So, I think it’s fairly clear.”
One school of thought is that if Amendment 2 comes close but doesn’t hit the 60 percent mark, lawmakers will still have to take it up.
Lawmakers have in the past made changes in law after a constitutional amendment got close to the 60 percent threshold.
And if they don’t take action, another ballot initiative is almost a certainty.
Marijuana is 2nd most watch race in Florida
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