A marijuana plant grown for medical purposes in Seattle. Medical marijuana advocates are starting an organized push in Florida. (AP archive)
Published: Monday, July 8, 2013 at 4:20 p.m.
Last Modified: Monday, July 8, 2013 at 4:20 p.m.
Kim Russell is not a hippie.
A devout Christian, Russell homeschools her children and drives them to play dates in a minivan. The 42-year-old is treasurer of a stay-at-home moms group and a member of her local Republican executive committee. She does not own any tie-dye clothes.
Still, the bumper sticker on Russell's Chrysler Town & Country can draw “interesting looks.” Passing drivers sometimes smile or give her a thumbs up when they read that Russell wants to make medical marijuana legal in Florida.
The issue has been an obsession since shortly after Russell's father was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and she learned the drug may help control the symptoms.
Russell cashed out her retirement account and took on asecond mortgage to finance a petition drive in 2009. She went to speaking engagements in pearls and a suit. It was the second push for a medical marijuana amendment in Florida in a decade.
Like the first, it failed for lack of resources. But Russell and others are betting the third time is the charm. They have reason to be hopeful.
This month medical marijuana proponents are starting the most organized effort Florida has ever seen to enshrine doctor-approved cannabis in the state's constitution.
Unlike past petition drives, this one will be well funded. Personal injury lawyer John Morgan — famous for his “for the people” television and billboard ads — is pledging to do “whatever it takes” to pass the referendum next year.
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