Medical Marijuana Amendment Polls Well But Foes Have Loopholes

A poll released by Gravis on Wednesday finds Florida voters are close to passing a proposed state constitutional amendment allowing medical marijuana use but it also shows opposition to aspects of it.

The poll finds 57 percent of those surveyed plan to back the proposed amendment while 31 percent say they will vote against it and 11 percent are undecided. The amendment needs 60 percent support in the November elections to pass.

But the poll finds Florida voters believe medical marijuana should generally be used for more severe conditions. Only 46 percent support the use of medical marijuana for people with minor medical conditions while 39 percent oppose it. Asked about whether medical marijuana should be used to treat nonserious conditions, including constant pain, menstrual cramps and anxiety, 60 percent of Florida voters opposed the idea while only 21 percent backed it. Only 26 percent of Floridians believe marijuana should be legal in all cases while 66 oppose across-the-board legalization.

The poll does offer some hope to opponents of the proposed amendment. A majority of those surveyed -- 54 percent -- said they would oppose the medical marijuana amendment if they are convinced it violates federal law, while 27 percent say they would continue to support it.

Gravitas also found Florida voters could turn against the amendment if opponents play up children's access to medical marijuana.

The current medical marijuana amendment does not differentiate between children and adults, Gravitas told poll participants. Children will be able to get access to medical marijuana without parental permission or without their knowledge. Knowing this, would you vote yes or no on the amendment?

Phrased that way, 64 percent of Florida voters oppose the amendment while 26 percent support it.

Gravitas also found the proposed amendment could be sunk by having a loophole over caregivers.

Supporters of this amendment say that they are providing medical treatment to persons in need, but this amendment also authorizes caregivers to assist in medical marijuana use, Gravitas told poll participants. There are no standards for caregivers and the language would permit drug addicts, drug dealers or felons to assist in smoking pot. Knowing this, would you vote yes or no on the amendment?

After being told this, Florida voters broke against the proposed amendment with 67 percent opposing it and 25 percent supporting it.

The poll of 808 registered Florida voters was taken from Jan. 30-31 and had a margin of error of +/- 4 percent.