Endorsements are firsts for both organizations; Foundations had calledfor greater research and access but never endorsed a state initiative previously
Miami Beach, FL –(ENEWSPF)–October 18, 2016. In a first for either organization, the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida (EFOF) and National Epilepsy Foundation (NEF) have endorsed Amendment 2, “Use of Marijuana for Debilitating Medical Conditions.” NEF and EFOF have long called for expanded research on medical marijuana and access to the same as a treatment option for epilepsy, but this is the first time the organizations have specifically endorsed a state medical marijuana initiative.
Karen Egozi, CEO of EFOF, which serves the estimated 400,000 Floridians suffering from epilepsy, issued the following statement:
“Important medical decisions, such as treatments and medications, should be made by the licensed physicians who know their patients best. That’s why the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, along with the National Epilepsy Foundation, supports Amendment 2. Florida’s epilepsy patients should have available whatever treatment options that their doctors recommend, including medical marijuana.”
In a letter to EFOF, Philip Gattone, M.Ed., President and CEO of the National Epilepsy Foundation, writes that the Foundation supports Amendment 2, “…so Florida residents living with epilepsy and uncontrolled seizures can gain safe, legal access to medical [marijuana] as a treatment option.”
United for Care campaign manager, Ben Pollara, reacted to the joint endorsements, saying, “This campaign has always been about the notion that medical decisions are best made between doctors and patients – not politicians. The Epilepsy Foundations support Amendment 2 for that same reason, and we are proud to stand with them and the 400,000 Floridians living with epilepsy and uncontrollable seizures. Medical marijuana may not be the right treatment for all with this condition, but doctors and patients should have the option; after this election, they finally will.”
Powered by over 14,000 volunteers, United for Care is the largest organization in Florida fighting for a sensible medical marijuana law. United for Care is a non-partisan campaign with an on-the-ground presence across the state including a campaign office in Miami.
Source: http://www.UNITEDFORCARE.org