House District 14

Candidate Therese V. Wakefield-Gamble

5.0

Florida Democratic Party


2024 Questionnaire

Score 5.00

If you have you run for state office before, what year?

n/a

Will you pledge to protect patient access to Medical Marijuana if Amendment 3 passes?

FLCAN supports safe, affordable, and accessible Cannabis for patients. The Constitution was amended in 2016 by popular vote to allow qualified patients access to medical Cannabis. This program must be reauthorized should Amendment 3 - adult non-medical use pass in November.

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

Regulating Cannabis Businesses

The Department of Agriculture is already licensing businesses to grow, process, and sell low-THC Cannabis products. The Department of Health licenses businesses to grow, process, and sell Cannabis products to qualified patients. After the passage of Amendment 3 in November, we will have non-medical adult use.

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

Since November 2019, polls have shown 2/3 of Americans believed Marijuana (Cannabis) use should be legal.

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 strong supporter of Amendment 3 for the legalization of marijuana, I firmly believe in its potential to prevent employment discrimination and provide an alternative to addictive prescription drugs. In line with my community-first campaign, I support businesses currently licensed to cultivate, process, or sell cannabis products expanding into the adult social market. Here’s why: Community Benefits: Allowing these businesses to expand into the adult social market can create new economic opportunities within our community. Local businesses will grow, creating jobs and generating tax revenue that can be reinvested in community services, education, and infrastructure. Consistency and Expertise: Existing businesses already have the necessary expertise and infrastructure to ensure that cannabis products are produced and sold safely and responsibly. By expanding into the adult social market, they can maintain high standards and provide consistent, regulated products to consumers. Preventing Discrimination: Legalizing marijuana and allowing established businesses to operate in the adult social market can help reduce the stigma associated with cannabis use. This can lead to a fairer employment landscape where individuals are not discriminated against based on their legal and responsible use of cannabis. Health and Safety: With the current opioid crisis, providing access to legal, regulated cannabis can offer a safer alternative to addictive prescription drugs. Existing businesses, with their experience, are well-positioned to educate consumers and provide products that can alleviate pain and other medical conditions without the risks associated with opioids. Supporting Local Entrepreneurs: Allowing local cannabis businesses to expand into the adult market supports homegrown entrepreneurs and keeps the economic benefits within our community. This aligns with our commitment to prioritize and uplift local businesses and residents. In summary, permitting licensed cannabis businesses to expand into the adult social market aligns with the principles of Amendment 3 and my community-first campaign. It supports economic growth, ensures product safety, reduces employment discrimination, and offers a healthier alternative to prescription drugs. Together, we can create a thriving, inclusive community that benefits from the responsible legalization and regulation of cannabis.

On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being not interested, do you consider yourself pro-Cannabis?

10