Welcome to

The proposed rules for growing and dispensing low grade marijuana are taking shape at the state Capitol. Regulators held a second hearing today, and as Mike Vasilinda tells us, qualifying patients may soon be able to have the drug delivered.

It wasn’t the smell of pot, but of money that hung in the air of the standing room only rule making hearing. Doug Mannheimer, representing Costas Farms, warned that financial problems for nurseries could be on the horizon. “Many legal marijuana businesses around the country , in different states, find themselves, now, in a banking quagmire” says the veteran lobbyist.

The most compelling testimony came from two mothers spearheading the Charlotte’s Web effort. Paige Figi told regulators the emphasis should be on quality.  “Quality is very important. To have access to the proper quality.”

And Holly Mosley, who’s daughter Ray Ann was the poster child for the low THC drug in Florida says her only goal is to get the drug available for her child and others as quickly as possible. “I had an email just this morning from a mom, begging me, please help, I’m desperate. My daughter is in the ICU. How can I help get this here  faster” says Mosley.

But the earliest the drug will be available is spring, providing no one files a legal challenge.

Growers like this one will still be chosen by a lottery, but only the most experienced will make it into the pool.”

Grower who doesn’t make the lottery, or lose it could delay the availability. Sponsor Matt Gaetz says that would be unfortunate. “I hope that no one is so sinister that they would litigate their own business interests above the needs of dying children, but that remains to be seen” says Gaetz.

The final rule will allow just five growers and distributors, but the latest draft says that patients can request 30 day supplies be delivered from any of the five dispensaries.

The rule being developed also calls for inspections by the state and law enforcement. If the inspections find any irregularities such as the presence of heavy metals or mold, the entire batch would have to be destroyed.

Two weeks and still no answers in the shooting death of a well known Florida State law professor. Matt Galka tells us what’s next for police in the investigation.

14 days and still no suspects.  Well known FloridaS tate law professor Dan Markel’s shooting murder is still yielding more questions than answers.

Dave Northway/Tallahassee Police Department

“We investigate all leads. We do not specifically look at certain leads and say ‘those are not credible,'” said Tallahassee Police Department Public Information Officer Dave Northway.

Police have released scattered information in the two weeks since the Canadian born professor’s death. The latest was the 911 call from a neighbor.

Officials have admitted an error by a dispatcher delayed EMT response to the father of two. It took an ambulance 19 minutes to get to Markel’s home.

Police reports indicate the focus of the investigation was on the garage, and Markel was sitting in his car when the crime happened.

Police have released one photo. They are still searching for information on a Toyota Prius type vehicle that was seen leaving the area around the time of the shooting.

“What we’re asking for is that our community members give us the time to follow all the proper steps in the case and we bring the case to a close as quickly as possible,” said Northway.

A reward for information on the case started at $3,000. It has since been bumped to $10,000.

Tallahassee Police will not say whether or not they are working with other state or federal agencies in order to try and solve the case.