Florida was the number one state in the country for seized marijuana grown houses last year. Not really the kind of achievement worth bragging about, but definitely something to take notice of. High demand for potent pot has opened up a lucrative business opportunity for some, who find themselves turning their homes or other properties into small marijuana factories. [Read more…]
FL Prescription Drug “Pill-Mill” Bill Passed
Legislation drafted to assist Florida in combating the illegal prescription drug trade passed the state Legislature with overwhelming approval this week. And though Governor Rick Scott expressed uncertainty over some elements of the bill early on, he’s expected to sign off on it when it crosses his desk. [Read more…]
Florida Considers Removal of Some Drug Mandatory Minimums
Some lawmakers are looking to remove mandatory minimum sentences for drug users and allow judges to get back to the business of sentencing. And while the proposition has support on both sides, the Governor is adamant that changing sentencing laws is not the right solution. [Read more…]
Will Florida Prescription Drug Monitoring Be Nixed Before Launching?
It’s been almost two years since Florida lawmakers voted to create a prescription drug monitoring database. And yet it still hasn’t taken shape. A new article from the St. Petersburg Times examines all of the variables that have stood to delay the launch of the program and the issues that may be leading to its demise. [Read more…]
Florida Prescription Drug “Pill Mills” Raided
Six people are facing charges after law enforcement from federal and state agencies swooped in on south Florida pill mills this week. The owners and operators of the mills are accused of illegally dispensing more than 660,000 doses of oxycodone, according to this Reuters report. [Read more…]
Former Florida Officer Faces Charges That Could Affect Hundreds of Local Cases
A former officer with the Cocoa Beach police is facing charges of DUI while under the influence of prescription drugs. According to toxicology reports, hydrocodone, xanax, and a muscle relaxer were all found in his system. His current case paired with his former role as an undercover drug cop may serve to upset many cases currently caught up in the local courts. [Read more…]
Florida Governor-Elect to Drop Drug Office
Governor-elect Rick Scott made a controversial announcement this week that he will be dissolving the Office of Drug control at the first of the year. Having pledged to cut unnecessary spending, people are up in arms justifying the need for this office which played a role in getting the funding for the newest efforts at curbing the illegal prescription drug trade. [Read more…]
Prescription Drug Laws Stalled for Lack of Funding
Regulations to control Florida’s pain clinics and “pill mills” are in limbo as legislators “inadvertently” stopped progress due to funding. According to the Miami Herald, a new law designed to stop excessive state spending has tied up the prescription drug regulations scheduled to take effect just a few days ago. [Read more…]
Current FL Prescription Drug Problem “Worst” Ever
According to the St. Petersburg Times, the local Pinellas Sheriff is calling the current prescription drug abuse problem, the worst he has ever seen—and he’s seen a lot. He was with local law enforcement in the 1980s and the crack cocaine problems of the nineties. But what he sees now doesn’t compare, he says. [Read more…]
Florida’s Drug Prescribing Doctors Under Fire
With arguably one of the worst prescription drug problems in the country, Florida has seen record numbers die from prescription drug overdoses. Despite this, according to a report from St. Petersburg Times, law enforcement struggles to cut off the prescription drug trade where it starts–with the physicians. [Read more…]