Amendment 2 Goes Up In Smoke
Florida really surprised me this past midterm election, addressing an issue that I thought would be kept in the dark for at least a few more years.
Yeah, we voted for governors and senators and to save the whales, which is certainly still important, but Amendment 2 was the one that made everyone’s ears perk up whenever it was mentioned. Amendment 2 sparked up (pun-intended) a lot of controversy within our community.
On the November 4 ballot, Floridians had the chance to vote yes or no on the amendment. The Florida Right to Medical Marijuana Initiative’s response was overwhelming; it’s as if everyone was going to get a complimentary weed plant if they came out to vote.
Even though this election had a very strong millennial turnout, it still wasn’t enough to pass the bill. With a close call, 2% shy of the 60% requirement needed, the bill burned out.
The news was devastating to those who thought they’d be able to spark up some trees anywhere with no consequence. That is the misconception that blinds Floridians from the difference between legalization and decriminalization.
Colorado, for example, called for legalization and decriminalization of marijuana. Meaning the herb can be used to treat serious illnesses. People also have the right to use it recreationally, as long as they’re 21 years and older.
Florida law called for the legalization of medical marijuana; not to be used for your own personal enjoyment. Yes, there have been reports on how it’s really easy to get yourself a medical marijuana card in California, but don’t assume that every state is going to treat this issue the same way.
California has been way ahead of us when it comes to social liberalism and how they deal with marijuana offenses (28.5 grams or less of marijuana possession is punishable by a maximum fine of $100 and no criminal record, while 20 grams or less in Florida is considered a misdemeanor and punishable by up to a max fine of $1,000 and one year in prison), and with Florida full of conservatives it’s safe to say that even if this amendment would have passed, there would have been a great amount of restrictions attached to it.
Sure enough, the amendment contained six limitations as to how it would be constructed. These included how the amendment would not affect laws relating to use of non-medical marijuana, possession and production/sale. Legal consumption would be restricted to qualified patients with diseases. (cancer, glaucoma, epilepsy etc.)
At the end of the day, the amendment was specifically to help those that have actual health conditions—not to make the stoner’s life easier.
No one should be butt hurt about the amendment not passing, or how close we actually got to getting it to pass. We should rejoice in the fact that, even though it was weed related, our generation was able to take an interest in voting, and hopefully that ignites an interest in concerning themselves with other community matters.