Proponents of Florida's proposed medical marijuana amendment have picked up a major supporter.
According to the Tampa Bay Times, the Service Employees International union of Florida has thrown its support behind the amendment. The organization is one of Florida's largest unions, boasting some 55,000 active and retired health care professionals and and public service workers.
"Seriously ill patients should not have to expose themselves to prosecution for seeking to obtain the medicine they need," Martha Baker, a registered nurse and vice president of union, said in a release.
The national organization of the Service Employees International union has been a heavy donor to Democratic Party campaigns, according to the Times.
Voters will decide whether to pass a medical marijuana amendment to Florida's constitution on Nov. 5. The measure would allow people with debilitating medical conditions to use marijuana with a doctor's recommendation.
Opponents, including the Florida Medical Association, say the amendment is worded too loosely and could allow abuses.