Will Weatherford on Amendment 2: 'De Facto Legalization of Marijuana'

Florida House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, joined Dont Let Florida Go to Pot on Thursday, speaking out against Amendment 2, a proposal to expand medical marijuana in the Sunshine State.

Lets not hide behind labels such as compassionate or medical when debating this amendment. Instead, lets call it what it really is: a de facto legalization of marijuana in Florida, said Weatherford, who is term-limited this year. From higher dropout rates, to possible health complications, and even workplace challenges, Amendment 2s risks pose a threat to Floridas future economic expansion.

Calvina Fay, the executive director of the Drug Free America Foundation, warned about Amendment 2 as well on Thursday, insisting it left too many loopholes on who could distribute marijuana if it passes.

Amendment 2 does not require background checks or for distributors to have any medical credentials whatsoever, said Fay. The result will be pot shops in our neighborhoods, in our shopping centers, and near places where our children play.