Black Farmer Sues Florida Over Medical Marijuana Rules

Black Farmer Sues Florida Over Medical Marijuana Rules

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A black farmer in the state of Florida has filed a lawsuit against the Florida Department of Health alleging that the state’s medical marijuana laws are unconstitutional and unfairly block him from obtaining a medical marijuana license.

Filed by Columbus Smith, an 80-year-old farmer from Panama City, the lawsuit specifically challenges emergency rules that are meant to streamline the medical marijuana licensing process.

Under the emergency rules, at least one of the five new medical marijuana licenses to be distributed by the state must go to a member of the Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association, which previously sued the state over licensing requirements that unfairly excluded many black-owned businesses.

Smith claims that because he has not been allowed to join the association, he is essentially precluded from being able to obtain a medical marijuana license, along with any other black farmer that doesn’t belong to the association.

“There is no rational basis for limiting the opportunity of black farmers to obtain a medical marijuana license to only the few members of that class of black farmers who are also member of a specific private association,” said the lawsuit, as quoted by the Sun Sentinel.

Hoping to amend the law, the lawsuit seeks to place an injunction against the issuance of medical marijuana licenses under the section on the Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association.

William Sumner is a freelance writer and marijuana journalist located in Panama City, FL. Passionate about writing, William is dedicated to journalistic integrity and providing quality insight on current events. You can follow him on Twitter @W_Sumner.

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