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Medical marijuana initiative okayed for November ballot, Fla. Supreme Court says

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- A Florida measure that would allow the use of medical marijuana has cleared its final hurdle and will be on the November ballot.

   The state Supreme Court on Monday approved the language for the proposed constitutional amendment.

   The justices approved the ballot summary 4-3 just three days after a petition drive reached the required number of signatures to place the measure on the ballot.

   The decision is a defeat for Attorney General Pam Bondi, who challenged the ballot language by saying it's misleading.

   Personal injury lawyer John Morgan has spent about $4 million to place the issue before voters.

   Gov. Rick Scott is opposed to medical marijuana. His Democrats challengers, state Sen. Nan Rich and former Gov. Charlie Crist, both support it.

   “I have a great deal of empathy for people battling difficult diseases and I understand arguments in favor of this initiative.  But, having seen the terrible affects of alcohol and drug abuse first-hand, I cannot endorse sending Florida down this path and I would personally vote against it. No matter my personal beliefs, however, a ballot initiative would be up to the voters to decide,” Florida Governor Rick Scott said in a statement.

The wptv.com web team contributed to this report.