Florida Democrat Vice Chair Breaks With Wasserman Schultz on Medical Marjiuana

Despite U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., the chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), saying she opposes Amendment 2, a leading Florida Democrat showcased his support of the medical marijuana proposal on Monday.

Like too many American families, my family was stricken by tragedy when my mother Jerrilyn was diagnosed with cancer, said Alan Clendenin, the first vice chairman of the Florida Democratic Party on Monday. For over a year we watched my mother battle this horrific disease. We lost my mom Aug. 25, 2008.

Clendenin didnt call out Wasserman Schultz by name but he did take aim at Washington politicians who oppose the proposed state constitutional amendment.

It confounds me to see there are still some that would deprive their family members and friends, suffering from debilitating disease, appropriate medical care recommended by their physician, Clendenin said. I find it outrageous that some Washington politicians believe they are better equipped to make health care decisions. I find it shameful there are some that would label a critically ill patient a criminal and subject them to fines or even prison.

My family would have welcomed any therapy that would have relieved my mothers pain, Clendenin added, before noting the two leading Democratic gubernatorial candidates support Amendment 2. I am proud to stand with Sen. Nan Rich and former Gov. Charlie Crist in support of this important legislation. Nov. 4, 2014, I will be voting yes on Amendment 2 to legalize use of marijuana for physician-approved medical conditions.