Some political causes gain traction only when promoted by people who have personal connections to the issues as well as political clout.
That may or may not be the central motivation for former lieutenant governor Jeff Kottkamp’s decision to file paperwork that permits him to start lobbying on behalf of a new medical marijuana (MMJ) bill in Florida. But it’s likely that Kottkamp’s connections to the issue and the process will no doubt play a role in his efforts.
Kottkamp has made it clear that he is lobbying for the Florida for Care legislative bill and not for the United for Care ballot amendment that is already in the petition process to be part of the 2016 election. He will work with Florida for Care’s director of legislative affairs, Dan Rogers, who characterized Kottkamp’s involvement with the lobbying plans as “a huge boost to our efforts.”
For his part, Kottkamp says that working for an MMJ bill was attractive to him on a personal level. “Like so many other Floridians who back medical marijuana, I have my own story. I watched my mother suffer with cancer for 10 years. I think when we have loved ones and think there is any way to alleviate their suffering, how can we not do whatever it takes?”
At the same time, says Kottkamp, he is well aware, having previously led the Governor’s Office of Drug Control, of how destructive prescription pills can be.
“Look, I think we’ve seen that — at a minimum — 57 percent of Floridians approve of medical marijuana,” he said. “We have a unique opportunity to shape public policy with our legislation, and to fix some of the glitches inherent in (Amendment 2) and bring something very compassionate to the table.”
Amendment 2, which would have legalized the use of marijuana plants as medicine, not merely as cannabis oil as an existing law does, barely failed to pass in November 2014, garnering just shy of the needed 60 percent of votes.
It’s worth noting that drivers in Florida can still be held accountable for being under the influence of marijuana while operating a motor vehicle. Please contact one of our specialists to discuss the details of your individual situation. We may be able to help.
