Midterm elections are just weeks away and in addition to casting votes in the governor's race, congressional seats and the state legislature, Floridians will also consider a proposal on medical marijuana.
Amendment two would change the state's constitution to allow the use of marijuana for certain medical conditions. It needs 60% approval to pass. The initiative would allow a licensed Florida physician to prescribe medical marijuana for individuals with debilitating diseases.
Critics are concerned that legalizing medical marijuana will lead to a slippery slope. Ben Pollara is the director of United For Care, the group backing the amendment. Pollara said that's not been the case in other states.
"Twenty three states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana across the country. Only two states have legalized recreational marijuana, Colorado and Washington," Pollara said. "Massachusetts legalized recreational marijuana in 2008 and didn't pass medical marijuana in 2012. There is zero history that one leads to the other."
That's not enough for Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, who opposes the ballot initiative. He said the drug is dangerous.
"When was the last time you went to the doctor and he said take this home and smoke it until you feel better?," Judd said.
Pollara and Sheriff Judd are our guests on this Sunday's edition of Political Connections. The pair answer questions about the proposal with Al Ruechel and Ybeth Bruzual. PolitiFact Florida also ran fact checks on the amendment. Watch the special edition of Political Connections this Sunday, September 21st, at 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.