Despite Spending by Opponents, 88% of Floridians Support Medical Cannabis

Law enforcement organizations and groups who support the ongoing and futile prohibition of marijuana are spending millions in Florida to fight a referendum that would allow sick residents access to the medicine. But their millions are going to waste. A new poll from the Quinnipiac University indicates support for medical cannabis is holding steady at 88% and the bill that will go before voters come November is likely to pass.

Involving 1,251 registered voters, the poll was taken from July 17th through the 21st. In  Ma, a similar poll from the University found the same level of support: 88%. This despite groups like Drug Free Florida investing millions in a counter-campaign.

“These numbers make a strong bet the referendum is likely to pass,” said Peter Brown, assistant director of the poll, according to Reuters.

The poll also found young voters to be the highest supporters of the bill, with 95% of those ages 18 to 29 backing it. Over the age of 65, only 83% support legalizing medical marijuana, though even that figure is impressive for the older population.

Regarding recreational pot, 55% of respondents support legalizing it, though such a formal push for recreational marijuana has not been seen in the Sunshine State.

Earlier this summer, lawmakers in Florida passed an extremely limited medical marijuana bill. Recently, lawmakers in the Southern state approved a cannabis-based treatment using cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive derivative of marijuana, shown to be effective at treating violent seizure disorders, particularly in children. The bill is so limited, though, that the Marijuana Policy Project says it doesn’t qualify the state as a “medical marijuana” state.

That legislation exempted “very sick people from criminal laws for using marijuana that is low in THC and high in CBD if certain requirements are met.” The MPP says the bill puts considerable pressure on doctors, “arguably forcing them to violate federal laws” in order to give their patients access to medicinal cannabis.

In other words, the bill signed on June 16 by Gov. Rick Scott is not enough. Come November, it’s highly likely voters in Florida will make it easier for patients with conditions like cancer, seizure disorders, and chronic pain to find relief in a natural form. A 60% majority will be needed in November for the measure to become law.