Florida Lawmakers Give Green Light To Smokable Marijuana
February 13, 2019
Patients could soon be allowed to smoke medical marijuana, but they’d have to purchase pre-rolled joints with filters, under a measure approved by a key House panel Tuesday.
Committees in the House and Senate advanced legislation to nix Florida’s ban on smoking medical marijuana, following an ultimatum issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis shortly after the Republican took office last month.
DeSantis threatened to drop the state’s appeal of a court decision that found the smoking ban ran afoul of a constitutional amendment that broadly legalized medical marijuana. The governor gave lawmakers until March 15 — 10 days after the annual legislative session begins — to address the issue.
“If that (court) decision were to stand, what we would be facing essentially would be the wild, wild west when it comes to using medical marijuana. We believe there should be guardrails around that. That’s why we’ve reconvened and put this bill together moving forward,” House Health and Human Services Chairman Ray Rodrigues told reporters after his committee signed off on a proposal to allow patients to smoke medical marijuana.
The House plan originally would have required doctors to get the approval of a “case review panel” before being able to order smokable marijuana for patients.
But on Tuesday, Rodrigues offered an amendment that stripped the “case review” from the proposal (PCB HHS 19-01), which would still require doctors to provide documentation supporting the smokable treatment. Instead of submitting the justification to a review panel, doctors would give documentation to the state Board of Medicine or the Board of Osteopathic Medicine.
The amendment also would require pre-rolled joints with filters. That was designed to address concerns about the negative health effects of smoking.
The amendment, which also would ban smoking for patients younger than 18, was approved by a voice vote.
The panel signed off on the amended measure with a 14-2 vote, after hearing from patients and other advocates who mainly supported the revamped bill and who urged lawmakers to get rid of the smoking prohibition.
John Goodson, a veteran who said he has post-traumatic stress disorder after serving in Iraq, told the committee he no longer needed prescription medications for high blood pressure, anxiety and depression after he began using medical marijuana.
Smoking marijuana allows patients to experience the benefit of what is known as the “entourage” effect, which is created by the combination of different compounds in cannabis, Goodson and other proponents of smoking medical marijuana said.
“I am a medical cannabis patient and I am under the influence of cannabis right now,” Goodson, who lives outside Tallahassee, said.
Concentrates or oral forms of medical marijuana “are not as helpful as the smokable cannabis,” Goodson said.
“I have PTSD from Iraq. It really shook my nerves to come up here, but it’s by far the most effective drug that I’ve had,” he said.
Lisa McCorkle, 35, said she was bedridden from the effects of prescription drugs until she began smoking marijuana nearly a decade ago.
“This saved my life,” she said, admitting that she purchases whole-flower marijuana on the black market.
Whole-flower marijuana is much more affordable for patients, who can also use the buds to create their own products, McCorkle said.
“We’re allowed to use our medicine as we want at home, right?” she asked.
Rep. Cary Pigman, an emergency room doctor who serves as the House committee’s vice-chairman, hesitated before answering.
“This is not the right venue to ask questions,” the Avon Park Republican said.
But, earlier, Rodrigues said patients can do whatever they want.
“Once the patient has the medicine in their own home, the privacy of their home, they’re free to do with it what they choose,” Rodrigues, R-Estero, said.
Later Tuesday, another key panel approved a Senate measure (SB 182) stripping the smoking ban from the state law.
Sen. Jeff Brandes, the bill’s sponsor, had originally planned to simply eliminate the prohibition. But the Senate Health Policy Committee last week amended his bill to require a second doctor opinion before patients could receive the smokable treatment, a change Brandes opposed.
On Tuesday, however, Brandes convinced the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee to do away with the second opinion, except for children who are not terminally ill. Those children would require the approval of a pediatrician.
Under Brandes’ amendment, residents in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and hospice facilities would be allowed to smoke medical marijuana, if the facilities allowed it.
The Senate proposal would allow medical marijuana dispensaries to sell whole-flower products in any form — not just pre-rolled joints — and would permit patients to use paraphernalia purchased at other retail outlets, such as smoke shops.
The different House and Senate measures, and the changes approved by the committees Tuesday, put lawmakers in a position to pass legislation that would likely be palatable to DeSantis by his March 15 deadline.
“We’ll ultimately find a place to land this,” Brandes told The News Service of Florida after the Senate committee meeting. “I think the March 15 deadline no longer seems out of reach.”
Patients and lawmakers have complained about delays in the Department of Health’s implementation of the 2016 amendment, which has spurred legal and administrative challenges.
A number of medical marijuana-related rules floated by health officials have languished for months and DeSantis has yet to appoint a surgeon general to head the agency.
But Rodrigues indicated health officials could act quickly to make smokable cannabis available to patients.
“Given how important this is to the governor, I cannot imagine that this will be delayed significantly from the Department of Health,” he told reporters after Tuesday’s meeting.
Rep. Clay Yarborough, a Jacksonville Republican who cast one of the two “no” votes on the House proposal, said he did not want to “restrict what folks are doing in their homes.”
“At the same time, if they go out and they are having effects on other people, or driving behind the wheel, or in their neighborhoods, or at the places of employment, that is a concern,” he said.
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Woman, Two Children Critically Injured In 10 Mile Road Crash
February 12, 2019
FOR AN UPDATE TO THIS STORY, CLICK HERE.
A woman and two children were critically injured in a crash with a truck Tuesday afternoon in Cantonment
The Florida Highway Patrol said 38-year old Kelsey Burdeaux of Lillian, AL, pulled her Toyota Camry from a stop sign on 10 Mile Road into the path of a box truck driven by 36-year old Fredrick Powell of Mobile that was traveling north of Stefani Road.
Bourdeax and two children, ages 7 and 10, were transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in critical condition. Powell was not injured.
The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
No Serious Injuries In Highway 29, Kingsfield Wreck
February 12, 2019
There were no serious injures in a two vehicle crash about 8:00 Tuesday morning on Highway 29 at Kingsfield Road. The crash is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Today Show Video Features North Escambia’s Donut Boy
February 12, 2019
Bratt’s very own Donut Boy Tyler Carach is featured in a new Today Show video.
Tyler is a Byrneville Elementary School student by day, and an after school superhero that’s on a mission to thank law enforcement officers.
Tyler and his mother Sheena, who is a former police officer, created the “I DONUT need a reason to THANK a cop” program after an encounter with Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies at the former Gilley’s Store in Bratt during the summer of 2016. He asked if he could use some of his own money to buy doughnuts for the officers, purchasing four packs of chocolate doughnuts to share with the deputies.
He learned that there are just over 400 sworn officers in the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and he composed a letter to a Pensacola Krispy Kreme asking for a discounted bulk price. The store manager instead donated 420 doughnuts to the project. Tyler, dressed in a superhero doughnut cape, delivered the doughnuts to Sheriff David Morgan and his department.
And now he’s on a mission to thank every cop in America. It’s a mission that’s taken him all over the country to law enforcement agencies of all sizes, from the Flomaton Police Department to the New York City Police Department. He was first featured on NorthEscambia.com shortly after his adventure began, and he has since appeared in media across the country including the CBS Evening News, The Steve Harvey Show and many, many others.
The Today Show video was shot at the Carach family home in Bratt during the first week of January.
(If you do not see the embedded video, click here.)
Pictured inset: Tyler Carach the first time he shared doughnuts with deputies in Bratt back in 2006. Pictured first two photos below: The filming of a Today Show video in Bratt during January. Also pictured below: Tyler at the Atmore Police Department and with Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan. NorthEscambia.com photos and photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Mayor: Poarch Creek Indians Want City Land For New 5-10K Seat Arena
February 12, 2019
Atmore could be home to a 5,000 to 10,000 seat arena.
During a workshop meeting Monday afternoon, Mayor Jim Staff said the Poarch Creek Indians want to acquire city owned acreage to construct a performance arena just north of the Wind Creek Casino and Hotel. The property is located west of Highway 21 behind the Creek Smoke Shop.
Staff said the arena could be used for multiple purposes, including a music venue. He said the development would likely lead to more hotels and restaurants that would translate to jobs and boost sales tax revenue. Because it would not be located on exempt PCI reservation property, the city and county would also realize property tax revenue.
He said the current outdoor amphitheater at Wind Creek seats 2,500 people.
“That 25 hundred fills up everything we’ve got,” Staff said of local hotels.
The council took no action on the land. The deal must first be negotiated and contracts created.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Health Department: Flu Activity Mild In Escambia County
February 12, 2019
According to the latest report from the Florida Department of Health (FDOH), flu activity is increasing statewide and heightened activity is expected for several more weeks.
The report shows flu activity in Escambia County was mild reached a plateau and was mild, compared to increasing flu cases in almost tw0-thirds of Florida counties.
“It’s not too late to get your flu shot,” said FDOH-Escambia director, John J. Lanza. “Everyone over six months of age should get the flu shot, especially those with increased risk for flu-related complications.”
People with increased risk for flu-related complications include children from birth to age 5, adults age 65 and older, pregnant women, and people who have existing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop protection against the flu.
Graphics: Florida Department of Health
Ernest Ward, Ransom Split Middle School Volleyball Games (With Gallery)
February 12, 2019
Ernest Ward and Ransom split wins in middle school volleyball Monday night.
In varsity action, Ransom Middle School defeated Ernest Ward 25-15, 25-11. In junior varsity play, Ernest War defeated Ransom 25-21, 24-26, 15-13.
Ernest Ward will travel to Beulah Academy of Science on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., and Ransom will travel to Beulah Middle School on Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
HS Weightlifting: Northview Defeats Catholic
February 12, 2019
The Northview Boys Weightlifting team defeated Catholic, while falling to West Florida in a tri-meet Monday afternoon at West Florida.
The final score was:
West Florida 47
Northview 40
Catholic 19
Placing for the Chiefs were:
119-lb. class – Freshman Ashton Ray (3rd)
129-lb. class – Junior Trent Kite (1st)
129-lb. class – Junior Gary Clayton (4th)
139-lb. class – Sophomore Logan Bryan (1st)
154-lb. class – Senior Jarius Moorer (1st)
169-lb. class – Junior Aunterio Minor (2nd)
199-lb. class – Freshman William Swearengin (2nd)
199-lb. class – Sophomore Trevor Scott (3rd)
219-lb. class – Junior Jacob Hawkins (1st)
219-lb. class – Senior Lance McLaughlin (2nd)
238-lb. class – Junior Jojo Parker (2nd)
238-lb. class – Freshman A.J. Hasty (4th)
Heavyweight – Junior Cameron Findley (3rd)
The Chiefs return to action next Wednesday at Baker.
New Mobile Highway, Beulah Road Traffic Signal Now Active
February 12, 2019
A new traffic signal on Mobile Highway at Beulah Road was activated Tuesday morning. Officials urge drivers to use caution when approaching the new signalized intersection.
Before this morning the signal was in flash mode to acquaint motorists with the new location, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
$30K Grant Will Benefit Atmore Economic Growth Planning; Public Workshop Planned
February 12, 2019
Atmore will benefit from a $30,000 federal grant to help plan the city’s long term economic growth.
The USDA Rural Community Development Initiative Grant was awarded to Smart Growth America in Washington D.C. The grant was announced Monday at Atmore City Hall by Jerry Gehman, volunteer city advocate.
The success of Atmore and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians is intertwined, according to Smart Growth America. It will offer an opportunity for the leadership of both entities to work together to achieve a shared vision and prosperity.
Atmore is currently making critical decisions about relocating and expanding community facilities as well as identifying locations for future development. And, the historic downtown remains a “potent economic asset that it is looking to have listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Smart Growth said.
“Receiving this workshop is a testament to Atmore’s forward thinking and visionary leadership,” said John Robert Smith, senior policy advisor at Smart Growth America . “Atmore should be very proud to be included as one of just six communities across the country participating in the program. We’re excited to help them examine their economic and fiscal choices to make sound decisions for the future.”
Later this month, Smart Growth will spend two days with local leaders surveying the city. They will take a walking and driving tour to see firsthand what Atmore has to offer. They will see the airport, take a downtown walking tour, see local industry, visit the hospital, Rivercane and more.
The public is invited to offer their input at a public workshop at 6 p.m. on February 19 at the Escambia County High School Auditorium.
“They get to see us just like we are now,” said Gehman.
“This is a first for Atmore, and I am excited about the long term benefits. I encourage our citizens to participate in the community meeting,” said Atmore Mayor Jim Staff. “Learn how this effort will help us grow in both short term and long term projects.”
Smart Growth also received grants for projects for small governments in Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Maine and West Virginia
Pictured top: Jerry Gehman announces a $30,000 federal grant for economic development planning in Atmore Monday at the city hall. Pictured inset: A “Discover Atmore” mural in downtown Atmore. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.