The legalization of marijuana for medical use in the state of Florida is overlooking serious health issues that the use of marijuana induces. These malignant side effects of marijuana may worsen the condition of the very patients that is supposedly intended to help. Also, the legalization of marijuana would make it more accessible to the general public for recreational use, broadening its negative impact on the physical and mental health of America.

Both the Federal Drug Administration and the American Medical Association are not in favor of the medical use of marijuana.

"the number of significant side effects generated by long-term oral use of marijuana or long-term inhalation of marijuana smoke make marijuana a poor choice in the treatment of glaucoma, a chronic disease requiring proven and effective treatment."
-Glaucoma Research Foundation

For more information on the issue on the current news and debates going on over the legalization of marijuana across the United States please visit the sites listed below.

http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/evidence99/marijuana/Health_1.html

http://ncadistore.samhsa.gov/catalog/facts.aspx?topic=54

http://www.doitnow.org/pages/126.html

http://www.smoke-marijuana.com/facts/legalize/anti/

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/closetohome/science/html/gateway.html

http://www.glaucoma.org/treating/medical_marijua.php

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/26/holder-vows-to-end-raids_n_170119.html

http://www.isp.state.id.us/investigations/marijuana.pdf

http://www.usatoday.com/money/workplace/2007-04-16-medical-
marijuana-usat_N.htm

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1552034,00.html?iid=sphere-inline-sidebar

http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/viewresource.asp?resourceID=000881

http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/580/florida_medical_marijuana_petition_initiative#comment-31095

http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSHKG10478820080129