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Marijuana Defeated, Not Rejected

November 5th, 2014 by Mike Vasilinda

Voters did not make medical marijuana a part of the constitution, even though 57 and a half percent did vote yes. 57 percent in any other race would be considered a huge victory…which is why supporters are calling their loss a win.

883 thousand more people voted for medical marijuana than voted against it. The amendment  missed becoming a part of the constitution by just 2 and a half points. Contrast that with Rick Scott, who had a margin of victory of just 70 thousand votes.

Supporters of the marijuana amendment are claiming victory. Jeff Sharkey, who founded Medical Marijuana Business Assn. of Florida says the vote was strong. Q: “In any other race, what would you call this?” “I think we would call it a landslide, Mike. As you pointed out, 57 and a half percent is certainly a majority of Floridians who supported the concept.”

The sponsor of last year’s low THC marijuana bill is already suggesting that that bill could be the vehicle for more responsible legislation.

State Representative Matt Gaetz tweeted the legislature could continue  modernizing medical cannabis policies. Sharkey thinks lawmakers will do exactly that.

“You know, we fell a couple points short.It’s still going to lead to a productive discussion. It’s not going away, its here to stay.”

But No on 2 Consultant Sarah Bascom says their campaign ended last night and despite the 57 percent showing, a loss is still a loss. “It’s not in the constitution. That was our concern from the beginning.”

The Yes on 2 campaign targeted younger voters, who did not turn out, but younger voters do turn out in higher numbers during Presidential elections.

Voters in Washington DC agreed to allow people to grow and possess marijuana without penalty, while Oregon and Alaska legalized recreational marijuana.

 

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