Florida ban on smokable medical pot ruled unconstitutional
Published on 5/22/18
Florida lawmakers have been going back and forth with a few patients in the state who are frustrated with the limitations of Florida's medical marijuana laws. After months of litigation the dust has finally settled and in a turn of events the patients have won as a County Circuit Court Judge ruled that banning the smoking of cannabis is unconstitutional. The original medical marijuana amendment passed by voters in 2016 specified that certain public places could ban smoking, implying that it would be allowed otherwise. Shortly after the amendment passed, legislators passed another law the specifically banned smoking in the medical marijuana law, since then there has been nothing but trouble for many patients. At the head of this fight was one patient living with ALS who has been smoking for many years as it is the most reliable way to suppress her many symptoms.
Gievers wrote in her 22-page ruling that Floridians "have the right to use the form of medical marijuana for treatment of their debilitating medical conditions as recommended by their certified physicians, including the use of smokable marijuana in private places."
Jordan said that when she was diagnosed with ALS — amyotrophic lateral sclerosis — doctors thought she would live only three to five more years. She credits smoking with helping to prolong her life, and has been supported by her physicians.