A standing-room-only crowd of more than 700 people packed into a high school auditorium in Lakeland Thursday night. They came to see Florida heavyweights John Morgan and Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd square off over legalizing medical marijuana.
Many in the crowd waved signs for or against Amendment 2, which would legalize medical marijuana in Florida. Proponents cheered lawyer John Morgan, who spoke in favor of the amendment, saying marijuana has the power to relieve suffering. Morgan described his brother's painful condition before exhorting the audience to go to the polls in November.
"This is the moment of our lifetime in Florida to do something where we don't have to rely on politicians," Moran said. "We can rely on ourselves. To go out, and for God's sake vote, and vote for compassion. And when you do, do it for the people."
Sheriff Judd said he would enforce the law either way, but that the amendment contains multiple loopholes that would bring about unintended consequences, such as making pot more available to young teens.
"I am your servant," Judd told the audience. "But, it's my job as your sheriff to say, 'beware of the consequences.'"
The constitutional amendment will be on the November 4th ballot.
