But just because they support medical marijuana, it doesnt mean they are going to vote for Amendment 2, something Dont Let Florida Go to Pot was quick to point out after the Q-poll came out.
Dont Let Florida to Go to Pot, Drug Free Florida and other opponents of Amendment 2 have only one course of action between now and the election: they have to go on the attack against Amendment 2 while not appearing to be against medical marijuana in general. Its a tough tightrope to walk but its their only option.
Polls show Floridians support Amendment 2 the more they know about it. The various opponents of Amendment 2 will look to argue the proposal has nothing specific about age requirements or mandating criminal background checks for caretakers.
Florida voters can look ahead to conflicting ads this fall. John Morgan and other backers of Amendment 2 will keep the focus on medical marijuana and its benefits for helping suffering people. The opponents will try to defeat the amendment on its edges, arguing it leaves too many loopholes to be effective.
What it comes down to is, supporters of Amendment 2 will rely on simple arguments about why Florida should allow medical marijuana while opponents will concede the point but point out the flaws in this proposal.
There arent that many interesting general election contests in Florida this year outside the gubernatorial race, two congressional races and a handful of legislative battles. Opponents of Amendment 2 will look to take advantage of it by getting their message out far and wide.
Both sides can count on large financial support from their backers. Floridians should be prepared for television and radio spots telling us about suffering seniors and cancer patients who need medical marijuana for relief, and commercials letting us know that criminals could end up as caretakers. Mailers will be cluttering mailboxes and filling up garbage cans across Florida letting voters know that medical marijuana will help a little girl with her grave medical condition and informing everyone that teens will have access to marijuana without their parents consent if Amendment 2 passes.
Medical marijuana is popular in Florida but that doesnt mean Amendment 2 is going to be a slam dunk, especially as opponents go after its weak spots. The battle over Amendment 2 will be one of the most prominent contests in Florida come November.
Tallahassee political writer Jeff Henderson wrote this analysis exclusively for Sunshine State News.
