Editorial Board

Treasure Coast Newspapers

The last time medical marijuana was on the ballot, we recommended a "No" vote on Amendment 2, reasoning that it was the job of the Legislature to craft medical marijuana laws. We advised the Legislature to get to work doing so.

Two years on, that work is nowhere near complete. The Legislature approved a program restricting use of medical marijuana to patients who suffer from a limited number of maladies. The state then tried to restrict production to a few favored growers, which led to lawsuits and delays.

As a result, thousands who could benefit from the substance continue to suffer.

This isn't good enough.

As a result, this time around, despite some persistent misgivings, we recommend a "yes" vote on Amendment 2: "Use of Marijuana for Debilitating Medical Conditions."

As in 2014, we remain leery of enshrining the right to access medical marijuana into the Florida Constitution; doing so may make it cumbersome to change the law if necessary. But we continue to believe, as we said then, that medical marijuana could ease the suffering of thousands of Floridians — many of whom, under current state law, are ineligible to legally use the substance.

The 2016 version of the amendment tightens up some language, more clearly delineating eligible illnesses, including cancer, AIDS, epilepsy and glaucoma. It clarifies requirements for parental consent for minors, limits the number of patients a caregiver can treat and stipulates doctors can be sued for malpractice if they prescribe marijuana negligently.

Opponents include the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Drug Free Florida Committee and the Florida Medical Association, who allege the amendment is a "scam to legalize pot," and that pot shops would proliferate if it passes. But that misses the intent of Amendment 2. This isn't about partying; it's about sick people.

In 2014, Amendment 2 fell just short of the needed 60 percent to pass. Polling shows up to 70 percent of voters back the amendment this year. Clearly, Floridians are sending a message — one the Legislature has failed to heed. So it's time, and appropriate, for the people to make the decision themselves.

WE RECOMMEND: Yes on Amendment 2