The Republican Party of Florida Executive Committee decided to table the issue of medical marijuana rather than take a side at their Summer 2014 Quarterly Meeting, Sept. 12-13 in Lake Buena Vista, FL.
A resolution was advanced for the RPOF to officially oppose Amendment 2, legalizing medical marijuana, on the November ballot. In a 20-13 vote (with 2 abstentions), the Executive Committee ultimately decided to table the issue – effectively opting out of the debate. The winning argument was that in a close election for incumbent Governor Rick Scott (R), there are many Republicans that might support medical cannabis. The Republican Party needs those votes for Gov. Scott.
In a debate that reflects the varied opinions within the Republican Party, those who speak up for health freedom and those who practice an inclusive political strategy seem to be making advances.