Orlando, Fla.
A fiery debate was held Wednesday over controversial rules for medical marijuana.
A crowd packed the Health Department in Orange County to talk about proposed rules connected to Amendment 2.
"I shouldn’t have to drive hours to obtain my daughter’s medicine or pay a $25 shipping fee on top of the already exorbitant cost," one person said at the meeting.
With the passage of Amendment 2, the state is proposing rules, like a 90-day waiting period for patients to develop relationships with doctors who have been certified to order cannabis.
"Now’s the dog and pony show," said Morgan Haas.
Haas said lawmakers essentially not doing enough, while people like himself live with excruciating pain every day.
Haas is a two-time cancer survivor who broke his back and had to have his severed spinal chord fused after falling during a diabetic seizure. He said he has to take many opioids to cope with the pain.
"For three straight days I’m getting 150 mg of Fentanyl for the breakaway pain. I’m on 15 mg of Oxycontin four times a day," Haas said.
Medical marijuana is an option he would rather use and he warns lawmakers that the same 70 percent of voters who ordered the legalization of medical marijuana at the ballot box will hold them accountable.
"Next time you’re up for re-election, we won’t be voting for you," he said.
"Now I don’t have to wait 90 days to give toxic medicines, but for this, a plant, I have to wait 90 days," said Dr. Joseph Rosado.
Rosado said lawmakers’ trust in their ability to do their jobs should not be selective.
"It’s one of the most frustrating things because I became a doctor because I care about people and want to help them. If a patient has six months to live, I have to tell them they have to wait half of the rest of their life to get help," Rosado said.
The next hearing will be held Thursday night in Tallahassee.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Medical Marijuana Debate Held In Orlando
Author: Summer Knowles
Contact: 407-645-2222
Photo Credit: WESH
Website: WESH
