Medical marijuana patient has mixed feelings about recreational ballot initiative

 — A  veteran with a state-issued medical marijuana card has mixed feelings about the  Supreme Court allowing a question about legalizing recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older on the November ballot.

“It’s supposed to be recreational,” said Vin Seudath, 44. “Why are we still going to be criminalized?”

Seudath said if voters approve the recreational marijuana amendment, it would still be illegal to possess cannabis in Florida that was not purchased at a licensed dispensary or taken out of its original approved packaging.

“In fact, it doesn’t take away the criminal penalties for possession,” he said. “If you take it out of that plastic container and you want to put it into a glass jar so it cures properly … now you’re suddenly breaking the law.”

The veteran said there is also no “home grow” provision in Amendment 3, which he says is a major problem.

“This recreational bill is only recreational in name. It does not allow for people over the age of 21 to cultivate their own plants,” he said. “You cannot grow any kind of cannabis, hemp plants at all under this recreational bill.”

The group Smart & Safe led the recreational cannabis initiative with the marijuana company Trulieve as the primary financial supporter at nearly $40 million.  

“We are thankful the court has correctly ruled the ballot initiative and summary language meets the standards for single subject clarity,” stated Kim Rivers, Trulieve CEO. “We look forward to supporting this campaign as it heads to the ballot this fall.”

Gov.opposed the amendment and Attorney General  challenged it, stating the ballot language would mislead voters. The Florida Supreme Court ruled on Monday the initiative summary was clear and it was approved in a 5-2 decision.

The combined cost for a medical marijuana card with two doctor visits can range from $375-to-$675 annually, according to Medical Marijuana Treatment Clinics of . Seudath said what he likes about Amendment 3 is that it would give a lot more people access to marijuana who can’t afford a medical card.

“The positive of this is that people will have access,” he said. “More people, adults over the age of 21, will have access to getting their plants from a regulated, safe way.”

Seudath said he will reluctantly vote for the recreational marijuana amendment in November.

“I’m not going to vote against. It’s a step towards progress,” he said. “But I can’t fully go out and urge people to go out and vote for this knowing that it’s only recreation in name.”

In order for the ballot initiative to become law, at least 60% of  must approve it. If that happens in November, the recreational marijuana law will go into effect six months after the election.