While across the country, California readies itself to vote on Proposition 19, also known as the Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010, here in Osceola County a local man has taken the preemptive approach of openly cultivating cannabis in 17 gardening pots located in his front yard.
This was no clandestine operation taking place behind sealed windows with hydroponic watering systems and grow lights. So easily cultivated that the blackest of green thumbs could grow it, St. Cloud resident Bryan Hartman took the low-tech approach of growing cannabis and simply exposed his fledgling sprouts to the plant loving Florida environment. Hartman proved so successful, that some of his plants had grown seven feet tall before attracting the notice of his neighbors, who then did what most neighbors would do. The would-be vanguard of the cannabis legalization movement now sits behind bars in the Osceola County jail.
Of course, one can only imagine that Hartman was making a political statement of sorts, being that openly growing cannabis is so blatantly illegal. However, since the arrest on Monday, there hasn’t been a single word from Hartman on the issue. Again, one can only imagine that Hartman has taken the advice of a lawyer advising him to keep quiet.
Should the voters of California pass Proposition 19, it could set a precedent that has a wide-ranging effect on the rest of the nation. It remains to be seen if the Federal Government would show California the same leniency it has shown Alaska, nevertheless, a vote of passage would be a clear sign that public perception is changing toward cannabis. Wide spread changes inclusive of the legal variety would be sure to follow.
Just yesterday, Jim Lewis, an independent candidate for state attorney general, led a pro cannabis rally outside the Broward County Courthouse calling for either the decriminalization of cannabis or the legalization of medical marijuana. Lewis also issued a statement on the issue which may be read here:
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/56688871/Jim-Lewis---Legalize-Marijuana-Press-Release
Despite efforts to bring the legalization of medical marijuana to a vote in Florida this November, the issue did not appear on the ballot due to insufficient signatures on the petition. Instead, Florida and the rest of the nation will look to California for a sign of things to come… or not.
Comments
I'm a lifelong Floridian & don't use cannabis. But, a lot of people have recently come forward to say they occasionally do partake. Everyone I've asked is completely disillusioned with the war on cannabis consumers. If someone with any money can back a serious issue to get cannabis legalization on the 2012 ballot it will probably pass. There's a lot of retirees here & they've heard the word & the word is good. The good word is cannabis makes an excellent medicine to treat what ails the elderly & others. The Miami Herald had a poll a few years back were 88% of respondents voted to legalize medical marijuana. Anyone Florida politicians believes they have the best interest of Floridian at heart by backing the continued ban on cannabis use is wrong. What they do have is federal taxpayer dollars paying them off to keep cannabis illegal. Get cannabis on the ballot & Florida will shock the nation by throwing out cannabis prohibition.
I'm sorry, I don't know why the link I gave isn't working, but you may cut and paste the link into your browser and find the page.
Corrected.
Really good article.
Thanks Lisa.
What kind of a world is it that we live in where citizens like Bryan Hartman rot in jail for crime of gardening? Madam Secretary Clinton promised Calderon to reduce U.S. demand for Mexican pot, but the administration has no plan to accomplish that goal. Mr. Hartman is actually doing something that helps to save lives in Mexico, and improve the economy in the U.S.. Each plant he grows is so much pot that doesn't have to be imported from cartels. What thanks does he get for keeping Clinton's promise? He should get a parade, not prison.
Jesus said, Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them. (Matthew 7:12).
I know I would not want my child sent to jail with the sexual predators, or my aging parents to have their house confiscated and sold by the police, over a little marijuana.
We can change the world when we get registered and vote.
Just Google your state name and the phrase, voter registration. In many states, you can simply print off the form and mail it in, but do it today! Registration deadlines are upon us!
I am an extremely educated young professional, but Florida's stance on Cann abis is so draconian that I refuse to live or work there. Their economy is going down the shit ter because they make their state so unappealing for normal twenty-somethings to live in. The place should be named South Jersey. The police will arrest you for a single joint there or less. What a sh. i tty state for educated people to live.
Florida should DECRIMINALIZE. It would be better for tourism. The rest of the country views law enforcement in Florida as particularly hostile. I've heard the phrase "Come on vacation, Leave on Probation" all too often in this state.
Florida is foolish for not trying to keep up with California.
I support Jim Lewis because he sounds like he has some common sense. TEA PARTY for ATTY GENERAL Jim Lewis. Somebody gets it. I'm a republican and he gets my vote.
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