Recreational marijuana amendments unlikely to hit Florida ballot in 2016

Unit 1
http://www.bradenton.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article57716023.html

Medical marijuana petition is officially on the ballot in November, but recreational marijuana amendments are almost definitely not going to make it.
Photo GRANT JEFFERIES/Bradenton Herald

 

 

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article57716023.html#storylink=cpy

Good and bad news came to supporters of legalizing marijuana in Florida.  It was announced that voting for the approval of medical marijuana will appear on the 2016 ballot but voting for the approval of recreational marijuana is struggling.  Originally three groups filed for recreational marijuana ballots initiatives but so far two of the three have removed their request.  The request needs just under 700,000 signatures to qualify for review and they only have about 4,000.  If the request passes review it needs over 60% of the voters to chose it on the ballot.

Recreational Marijuana supporter Robert Jordan walks along the Palma Sola Bay Causeway asking drivers for support.
 Photo GRANT JEFFERIES/Bradenton Herald 

Supporters of legalizing marijuana in Florida are trying to have a referendum on the 2016 presidential ballot.  Colorado and the state of Washington successfully passed the referendum in the 2012 election.   Florida will need a plurality to pass the legalization.  It is a perfect example of democracy where it is a governmental system where decisions are made by the people.   The citizens of Florida started a initiative where they proposed this new law.  Instead of taking the issue to their representatives they decided to take the matter into their own hands.  The government may have the power to tax the marijuana.  This can provide the government with a lot of revenue to use for infrastructure, schools and more.

Robert and Cathy Jordan are currently growing marijuana at their East Manatee county home. Cathy, who has Lou Gehrig's disease, depends on the drug to sustain her life.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article57716023.html#storylink=cpy

 Photo GRANT JEFFERIES/Bradenton Herald