A proposal by Florida's drug czar to unleash a marijuana-eating fungus is receiving sharp criticism from environmentalists and drug law reformers. It is frightening to think that in search of a quick fix, Florida's drug czar is willing to risk even greater long-term ecological and social problems.
Critics are uncertain.
If it isn't executed effectively, it's going to target rare and endangered plants. Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary David Stuhs also warned of the fungus' potential dangers. Mutation of the organism would not only threaten Florida's natural environment, but would also put at risk our economically vital agriculture industry. Despite such concerns, state officials plan to begin testing the fungus at a research facility outside of Gainesville. U.S. officials have previously used fungi to destroy coca plants in South America, but local farmers complained that it spread to banana, tangerine, and other food crops.