Despite losing an effort to legalize medical marijuana in 2014, proponents are looking to revive the effort for 2016 when turnout will increase thanks to a Presidential election and a US Senate race.

While John Morgan was the driving force in 2014, he might well be need to be marginalized publicly for the effort to be successful. Morgan’s personal story and funding efforts enhance the push to legalize medical marijuana are laudable. But his bad judgment, lack of self-control on the stump and poor handling of the media helped bring an issue that appeared to be a slam-dunk down to a level where it did not achieve the 60% needed to pass. Furthermore, the theory that it would turn out more voters for Democratic candidates were a total flop, partly because of Morgan’s own comments attacking other Democrats and distancing the effort from other progressive causes.

The obscenity laced tirade Morgan gave to a group of college students which became a sensation in statewide political circles was simply one of his missteps.  Morgan’s efforts on this issue as stated above are noble. But he as a rich, partisan trial lawyer who was seen as among the state’s most prominent Charlie Crist backers quickly became a polarizing figure even BEFORE his numerous misstatements. The issue simply became about his personality and his involvement – it was an easy talking point for political journalists across the state as well as the opponents of the amendment.

Making patients the face of the effort and placing them not only in TV shows but all over the media including on the types of public affairs shows where Morgan and political consultants stole all the oxygen this go-round could make all the difference. The amendment fight was politicized first by Morgan’s involvement, then by the conservative opposition forces and finally by some of the political operatives employed in the Amendment 2 effort. Putting the emphasis back on patients, victims and the health of those who need this remedy will be critical to getting some skeptical media back onside as well as convincing those voters who either opposed the amendment in 2014 or stayed home to support it.

For the good of this ballot initiative in 2016 or in any future election cycle to help the initiative pass he 60% threshold needed to become part of Florida’s Constitution Morgan should fade into the background.

Any redo attempt may also require a different political team behind it and a completely different outreach strategy but that is a discussion for another day.