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Doctors Weigh In On Potential Legalization of Medical Marijuana

Jeff Milner via Flickr

Opponents of legalization say the potential consequences outweigh the benefits. Dr. Christopher Lariche is a psychiatrist specializing in addiction.

"I look at it more from the level of patients - an increase of addictive disorders, and a decreased price of marijuana and more availability", Lariche said.

Medical marijuana is still illegal under federal law. However, D.C and 21 states have laws legalizing the drug in some form. Supporters of legalization in Florida argue that marijuana has important medical benefits.Dr. Neil Miransky says at this point, any debate is purely driven by politics.

"Can people who have non-medical excuses get medical marijuana cards if we legalize it? Sure. Is it worth not having this as a medication available to people who desperately need it have no other effective alternatives? That’s the political question", Miransky said.

The court often delays a decision for months, but this one is expected to come sooner. If it passes, close to 700,000 more voter signatures are required to get the item on the ballot.

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