Rep. Katie Edwards to Rick Scott: Sign SB 1030, Medical Marijuana Bill

Rep. Katie Edwards, D-Plantation, a key architect of the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014, called on Gov. Rick Scott Friday to sign Senate Bill 1030 into law.

For two years, Edwards has sponsored legislation to allow people suffering from cancer, Lou Gehrigs disease and other illnesses to be able to use medical marijuana legally under the direction of a licensed Florida physician. She and other Florida Democrats, including state Sen. Jeff Clemens, have argued that cannabis-derived therapies rich in cannabidiol (CBD) can improve the quality of life for the seriously ill. Edwards won the support of Republicans and Democrats by focusing on the need for expedited research and development of CBD in treating children with epilepsy and other seizure disorders.

This year, Edwards -- an attorney with a strong background in agriculture -- worked in bipartisan fashion in crafting the legislation that won overwhelming approval in both the House and Senate this week and is now awaiting action by the governor. She successfully argued that the bill should include legalized access to low-THC cannabis for Floridians suffering from cancer, ALS and Parkinsons Disease.

With more than 125,000 children and 380,000 adults in Florida with severe epilepsy and other debilitating illnesses, its time to ease the suffering and bring relief, said Edwards. I urge the governor to promptly sign Senate Bill 1030 into law.