Policy Update: Marijuana Legislation Passes Florida Senate

By: MPP (D.C. Based Marijuana Policy Project)

Despite hundreds of concerned citizens contacting their legislators via e-mail and telephone in opposition to HB 173, the Senate passed this misguided legislation 36-0 yesterday. It is now up to Gov. Charlie Crist (R) to veto the bill.

After you have sent an e-mail, please call Gov. Crist at (850) 488-7146 and ask him to veto HB 173. If you are directed to voicemail, your message can be as simple as, "Hello, my name is _______, and I oppose HB 173. Please veto this bill, which would send many people to jail as traffickers whose only real crime is growing marijuana for personal reasons. Our state can't afford these long prison terms."

Below are some talking points to help you discuss this issue with a staff member should you be able to get through:

Distribution of 25 plants is a felony in third degree, punishable by 5 years in prison and $5,000 in fines.

HB 173 will send many people to jail who never had any intention of trafficking marijuana, not to mention saddling them with a felony record.

- Florida courts currently recognize a medical necessity defense for medical marijuana patients. If HB 173 passes, legitimate medical marijuana patients who grow their own medicine could be unjustly accused of trafficking marijuana.

- Florida's already overcrowded jails do not need to be filled with nonviolent offenders whose only crime is growing marijuana for personal use.

- The federal trafficking standard is four times higher than the provided for in HB 173 — this bill is overkill and far beyond a reasonable standard.

For More Info: www.mpp.org