As a new legislative session begins in the state capitol, Tallahassee lawmakers are set to take up an issue that's as divisive as ever: medical marijuana.  Before them lies the task of setting the ground rules for implementing the now-passed Amendment 2. 

  • Confusion on medical marijuana across the state
  • Officials in Pasco County awaiting guidance from Tallahassee
  • Questions of privacy, number of licenses to be granted still remain

Throughout the rest of the state, including Pasco County, there is plenty of confusion over medical cannabis.

"There's a lot of things that have not been defined or rolled out yet," said New Port Richey's Dr. Peter Candelora.  

Candelora was originally against medical marijuana, but had a change of heart after seeing patients benefit from it. He's now one of about 650 physicians in Florida certified to recommend medical marijuana.  

Candelora told us unresolved issues and questions come up all the time.

"Just the other day, a patient asked me if a medical marijuana recommendation would effect his concealed weapons license, " said Candelora.

Among the many complications to implementing Amendment 2 are questions of privacy. The names of patients must be submitted to a state database. They must also address how many more growing and dispensing licenses will be granted.

Pasco currently has a one-year moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries. Commissioner Mike Wells says he would be open to lifting it as soon as the state offers its guidance.

"We're really waiting on the state," said Wells. "In my opinion, as soon as they make their decision, we need to immediately get dispensaries open to public.  It can not wait.  There is a such a need out there."