Governor Rick Scott Vetoes Funding for Medical Marijuana Research

Governor Rick Scott vetoed medical marijuana research funding worth $409 million. Three of those projects could have provided $3 million to Moffitt Cancer Center and the University of Florida. In the state’s budget, those funds were supposed to be used to study and research medical.

Senator Bill Galvano has pushed lawmakers to reclassify marijuana in order for more research opportunities to open up, according to WCTV News. Governor Scott thinks that both Moffitt Cancer Center and University of Florida have ample funding to conduct their research studies without state funding. In the budget proposed, two million dollars was allocated to University of Florida.

One million was allocated for Moffitt Cancer Center.  But, when the research funding made it to the Governor’s desk, he chose to veto them.

Senator Galvano said, “I want to know the real effects. What are the negative effects? What are the downsides?”

Jeff Sharkey, a marijuana lobbyist, doesn’t agree with the veto.

Sharkey said, “Research allows doctors and physicians to understand the impact of medical marijuana on these various conditions. This was a start to move this process forward.”

Canada’s program requires all medical marijuana growers to have doctors on staff full-time.

Tilray Medical Director Dr. Richard Lucas said, “You can start looking, for example, plants that MLS patients tend to use at a higher majority that people with other symptoms.”

A special session takes place June 7, but medical marijuana was not included on the original agenda. It may be added to attempt to revive the research funding.

Along with vetoing $3 million in research funding, Governor Scott also vetoed $370,000 for Moffitt Cancer Center because a bill regulating medical marijuana wasn’t passed. The state’s Department of Health is still responsible for creating the regulations for the medical marijuana program.