Florida Doctors Say No to Medical Marijuana

When voters go to the polls Nov. 4 to decide the fate of an amendment that would make medical marijuana legal in the Sunshine State, the Florida Medical Association is hoping they’ll vote no.

The group of 20,000 doctors has come out against the measure that would make prescribing pot an accepted practice, according to The Tampa Tribune. The announcement puts the medical association in company with many law enforcement groups, which also oppose legalizing pot.

“We believe the unintended consequences of Amendment 2 are serious and numerous enough for us to believe they constitute a public health risk for Floridians,” Alan Pillersdorf, president of the medical association, was quoted by the Tribune as saying. “The lack of clear definitions in the amendment would allow healthcare providers with absolutely no training in the ordering of controlled substances to order medical marijuana.”

While doctors and cops are urging voters to just say no, recent polls are suggesting the measure will pass by a solid margin. Quinnipiac University determined that nearly nine out of 10 Floridians favor making medical marijuana legal.

“Forget the stereotypes of stodgy old folks living out their golden years playing canasta and golf,” said Peter Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University poll in a media release.

What are your thoughts on legalizing pot for medical use? Share your insights by commenting below!