Judiciary Committee Overwhelmingly Approves CBD Medical Marijuana Bill

Submitted by Nancy Smith on April 21, 2014 - 2:49pm

With an overwhelming 15-3 vote Monday, the House Judiciary Committee kept the CBD medical marijuana ball rolling -- despite the "no" vote of Chairman Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala.

Eric Eisnaugle, R-Orlando, began the discussion of CS/HB 843 by successfully adding an eleventh-hour "friendly amendment" to the bill that would make it a criminal misdemeanor for any doctor or patient to misrepresent the patient's condition.

Bill sponsor Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, who repeatedly called CS/HB 843 "a cautious walk forward" -- with co-sponsor Katie Edwards, D-Plantation, Rep. Dave Hood, R-Daytona Beach, a brain cancer patient, and Rep. Cary Pigman, R-Sebring, a medical doctor in favor -- largely answered committee members' questions and satisfied concerns.

Baxley said he fears the bill will open the floodgates and make Florida "a stoner state." But he also said there's a chance he could change his mind by the time the bill gets to the House floor.

Next stop for the bill is Rules.

Watch Sunshine State News for commentary on this issue Tuesday morning.

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