Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush recently advised constituents to vote against a medical marijuana ballot measure in the upcoming midterm election, claiming that marijuana operations work “under the guise of using it for medicinal purposes.” This accusation, however, blatantly ignores the extensive research that proves the many benefits medical marijuana provides a community.

In fact, Bush's argument runs counter to the recent study which revealed that between the years of 1999 and 2010, states where medicinal marijuana was legal had an average of 25% lower rate of prescription painkiller overdose deaths. In addition, a study conducted by the American Public Journal of Health, which looked at data from the years 1990 to 2007, found that medical marijuana can reduce a state's suicide rates by five percent.

Thus, not only does the legalization of medical marijuana have significant benefits for the mental health of citizens, it also can greatly help a state's economy. In Colorado, where recreational marijuana is legal, there are an estimated 7,500 to 10,000 jobs created by the industry.Washington State, which also legalized recreational marijuana, is predicted to gain roughly $190 million in revenue over a four year period from marijuana production and sales, including the obligatory taxes and license fees.

The only way to ensure change for medical marijuana legalization is to get out there and vote in this year's midterm election. To learn more about Florida's medical marijuana ballot measure, click here. To register to vote, click here.