By Jessica Travis on Tuesday, August 6, 2013

In the latest effort to legalize medical marijuana in the Sunshine State, attorney John Morgan is using his prominent status in the Orlando legal community as well as a hefty sum of his own financial backing to push two bills through the Florida Legislature onto the 2014 ballot. With support from People United for Medical Marijuana, an Orlando-based fundraising committee, John Morgan makes a powerful attempt to allow the Florida voters to decide on the issue of legalizing medical marijuana on their state’s ballot. Morgan has become passionate about reforming the marijuana laws in his home state ever since he saw the immense benefits the substance provided to his ailing father. Morgan’s father, who battled cancer and emphysema in his later years, said marijuana acted like a wonder drug, allowing him to eat, relax, and ease his suffering.

With the 683,149 signatures required to bring the legislation to the Florida ballot, Morgan’s battle for the reformation of marijuana laws appears like an uphill fight. However, although Florida has traditionally been a conservative state, the demographics of the state voters are changing. With a high immigrant population and a more liberal view from Florida’s younger generation, Morgan’s required signatures may come easier than expected.

Although the laws on marijuana are harsh in Florida, medical marijuana laws are rapidly passing in legislation all over the country. Currently, eighteen states, ranging from the liberal state of