Advertisement WESH poll: Florida voters favor approving medical marijuana Share Shares Copy Link Copy

Florida voters overwhelmingly support the use of marijuana as a treatment for people with debilitating medical conditions. That’s the result of a new WESH 2 News/Public Policy Polling poll taken of 503 likely Florida voters. On Nov. 8, Florida voters will have to decide whether they support or oppose Amendment 2, which is the Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative. A “yes” vote allows medical use of marijuana for individuals with specific debilitating diseases as determined by a licensed state physician. However, it also allows caregivers to assist patients’ medical use of marijuana A “no” vote means the state’s current stricter policy of medical marijuana uses would remain in effect. When asked whether they would support Florida’s proposed Constitutional Amendment 2, 69 percent said they would, while 24 percent said they would oppose it. Florida’s proposed Amendment 2 would broaden the spectrum of patients who would be eligible for marijuana as a medical treatment. Some of those patients include those living with HIV/AIDS, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, Crohn’s disease and Parkinson’s, to name a few. When asked whether they considered marijuana “medicine” when it comes to treating these conditions, 70 percent said they do, while 23 percent said they do not. But then there is the legality of Amendment 2. While a passage of Amendment 2 would mean its use for medical purposes for those with specific debilitating diseases would be legal, the drug would not be made legal for so-called “recreational” purposes. Under the Federal Government’s Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the drug would remain a Schedule One, controlled substance, much like heroin or LSD. When asked whether this made voters more or less likely to support Amendment 2, 41 percent said they would be more likely to support it while 21 percent said they would be less likely. 31 percent said that it wouldn’t make a difference. And then it came down to comparing marijuana to opiod pain killers. Opiods, such as Oxycodone, Fentanyl and Hydrocodone can cause impairment. But then again, so can marijuana. So when voters were asked what gave them more concern – the potential for opiod abuse, or the potential for marijuana abuse – 67 percent said the potential for opiod abuse gave them more concern, while 16 percent said marijuana gives them more concern and 18 percent said they were not sure. See the full list of questions and responses here. On Tuesday, Oct. 18, WESH 2 News will be holding a live debate about Amendment 2, and we want to hear from you. What kinds of questions do you have? What do you want to know about the Amendment? What kind of statements do you want to make either supporting or opposing Amendment 2? Head to the WESH 2 Facebook page to post your comments, questions and feel free to message us your videotaped remarks.