Roger Stone Bashes Medical Marijuana Push as Charlie Crist Front

Political consultant Roger Stone initially decided to support the push for medical marijuana in Florida, and was even happy when attorney John Morgan came forward to take the reins of People United for Medical Marijuana (PUFMM). But Stone's optimism on the push for legalizing medical marijuana in the Sunshine State dissipated once Morgan took the reins of PUFMM, and now he's accusing the organization of acting as a front for potential gubernatorial nominee Charlie Crist.

"Sadly Morgan's true motive seems to be not the passage of medicinal marijuana but it's use as a wedge issue to turn out younger votes and minority voters to benefit the comeback bid of former Republican Governor Charlie Crist who is attempting to reinvent himself as a Democrat (and who works for Morgan's law-firm)," wrote Stone.

Stone brought up a recent speech Morgan gave in front of Tampa's Tiger Bay Club last week to "promote medical marijuana" which, according to Stone, "morphed into a diatribe against Florida Republicans and cheerleading for Crist."

An earlier poll indicated medical marijuana may turn into a significant issue in the governor's race and could possibly help a candidate who backs it. Gov. Scott is opposed to the legalization of medical marijuana.

PUFMM is currently struggling to collect more than 683,000 valid voter petitions to get medical marijuana on the 2014 ballot. According to recent surveys, about seven in 10 Florida voters say they'd likely back a medical marijuana amendment. It takes 60 percent of voter approval to pass a Florida constitutional amendment.

Stone believes Morgan is the wrong choice to lead medical marijuana reform.

"Florida is a true "purple" state where it will require the votes of Republicans, Democrats and Independents to get the 60 percent needed pass a constitutional amendment that would allow doctors to prescribe medicinal marijuana for their patients who need it," Stone said. "The hyper-partisan Mr. Morgan is the wrong man to lead such an effort."

Polls indicate Charlie Crist could put up a tough fight against Gov. Rick Scott, but Crist has not yet declared whether he will be running for governor in 2014.