Pubdate: Thu, 15 May 2014
Source: South Florida Times (FL)
Copyright: 2014 Beatty Media LLC
Contact: http://www.sfltimes.com/index.php?option=com_contact&Itemid=3
Website: http://www.sfltimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5504

COUNTY TO STUDY IMPACT OF MARIJUANA

MIAMI -- With agriculture accounting for 20,000 jobs and a $2.7 
billion impact on the economy of Miami-Dade County, commissioners 
have agreed to conduct a study on the impact on this economy from 
possible legalization of marijuana.

The County Commission, at its meeting May 6, approved a resolution 
sponsored by Commissioner Dennis C. Moss, whose South Miami-Dade 
district is heavily agricultural.

The impetus came from a last-minute debate in the recent Legislative 
session which ended with a decision to place limited legalization of 
marijuana in Florida for medicinal purposes on the 2014 ballot.

Several bills were filed for consideration during the session to 
allow for a constitutional referendum on legalizing the use of 
marijuana for medicinal purposes.

In addition, as the resolution notes, between 57 and 82 percent of 
Florida voters support passage of the proposed amendment, known as 
"Use of Marijuana for Certain Medical Conditions" which must garner 
at least 60 percent of the votes to become law.

If the referendum is approved, medical use of marijuana for 
Floridians with certain ailments will be allowed, as determined by a 
Florida doctor.

The commission "should be prepared for the possibility that medical 
marijuana is legalized and its potential effect on agricultural 
areas," the resolution states.

It directs the mayor to conduct a study to assess the potential 
impacts of such a development and to provide a report within 60 days.

The resolution takes effect May 16 unless vetoed by Mayor Carlos 
Gimenez."I sponsored this legislation in response to state bills that 
were filed and subsequently approved by the House and Senate during 
the 2014 legislative session," Moss said in a satement. "I feel that 
it would be in the county's best interest to understand the potential 
effects on agricultural areas."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom