Florida Democratic PartyRepresentative · Florida House District 83
5.0 / 5
CANNABIS SCORE
2024 Questionnaire
Score 5.00
Many states consider the ability for patients to cultivate at home a key to access and affordability. Will you support legislation designed to expand access by allowing home cultivation?
Yes
Do you know someone who benefits from the existing hemp businesses operating in Florida?
No
Should businesses currently licensed to cultivate, process/manufacture, or sell Cannabis products be allowed to expand into the adult social market?
Yes
Do you intend to introduce a Cannabis-related bill if elected?
Yes
Would you accept donations or volunteers from FLCAN supporters?
Yes
Is there anything you want our members and supporters to know?
As a candidate for Florida’s House of Representatives, I want supporters of cannabis to know that I stand firmly for responsible, equitable, and forward-thinking cannabis reform. Here’s what I want to communicate to my supporters: In deciding whether to allow this, we must consider both the potential economic benefits and the need for a fair, competitive, and inclusive market. By combining market expansion with social equity provisions and consumer safety protections, a “Cannabis Market Equity and Expansion Act” could address both economic and social concerns, helping to create a more inclusive and responsible cannabis industry. In which case, if such a bill was introduced and enacted, I would say yes.
I believe in the importance of expanding access to cannabis, both for medical purposes and for adult use in a safe, regulated market. Florida has an opportunity to benefit economically from legal cannabis, and I will advocate for legislation that reflects the will of the people who overwhelmingly support legalization.
I recognize the injustices caused by past cannabis prohibition, especially the disproportionate impact on minority communities. I will push for policies that include social equity programs, ensuring those most affected by the War on Drugs have access to licensing, job opportunities, and business ownership within the legal cannabis industry. It’s critical that this market benefits everyone, not just large corporations.
Legal cannabis should be safe cannabis. I will support robust regulations that protect consumers, ensuring that products are thoroughly tested and accurately labeled. Public health must be a priority, and I’ll work to ensure that cannabis is regulated in a way that promotes responsible use while keeping it out of the hands of minors.
The legal cannabis industry is a powerful engine for economic growth. I will support initiatives that help Florida capitalize on this market by generating tax revenue that can be reinvested into education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Additionally, legal cannabis has the potential to create thousands of well-paying jobs across the state, from agriculture to retail, and I’m committed to fostering that job growth.
As more Floridians rely on medical cannabis for relief from serious conditions, it’s vital that their access is protected and expanded. I will advocate for reforms that make medical cannabis more affordable, accessible, and widely available, including removing unnecessary barriers for patients and caregivers.
I believe it’s time to decriminalize cannabis use. Far too many lives have been derailed by minor cannabis charges, particularly in marginalized communities. I support legislation that decriminalizes possession of small amounts of cannabis and expunges past records for those convicted of nonviolent cannabis offenses. This is a step toward justice and fairness.
I am committed to ensuring that the growing cannabis industry adopts sustainable agricultural practices. I will push for policies that encourage environmentally friendly farming techniques, water conservation, and energy-efficient production methods to protect Florida’s natural resources while supporting cannabis cultivation.
The potential tax revenue from a legalized cannabis market should be used to benefit all Floridians. I will advocate for using cannabis taxes to fund community initiatives like education, healthcare, affordable housing, and public infrastructure improvements, ensuring that legalization has broad positive impacts.
By advocating for these policies, I am sending a clear message that cannabis reform in Florida is about more than just legalization—it’s about justice, safety, opportunity, and economic progress for all Floridians.
On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being not interested, do you consider yourself pro-Cannabis?