Florida Lawmakers Clueless; Hiring Outsiders to Write the State’s Marijuana Laws

It’s no secret that Florida has had a terrible time deciding its regulations for its medical marijuana program. Some wonder why the state is having so much difficulty when there are plenty of other states to replicate. The state has become so befuddled that it is hiring outside companies to write the laws for them.

The biggest issue may be that Florida lawmakers were given complete freedom to determine their own rules for rollout of the program, according to Miami New Times. The issue may just be that the lawmakers charged with determining rules just aren’t up-to-speed on the industry. It may also be that common sense rules aren’t being implemented.

For example, one lawmaker wanted to ban smokable and edible forms of marijuana. So, an advocate asked how would it be ingested. This is a valid point. Another example is Miami Beach City Commissioner sending emails to residents scaring them about medical marijuana dispensaries. Apparently Miami still thinks that medical marijuana is illegal in the State of Florida.

The voters are getting restless and lawmakers are tired of going around in circles. The numerous hiccups, however, are part of the learning process that every state has had to go through. As the saying goes – slow and steady wins the race. Perhaps these lawmakers will examine regulations from other states for better guidance in their rule/regulation making process.