On November 8, 2016, the Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative (the "Initiative") was approved by 71.32% of Florida voters in the general election. The Initiative expanded the medical conditions for which qualified physicians may legally order medical marijuana for their qualified patients.
In an e-mail dated July 11, 2018, Wells Fargo Vice-President Antoinette Infante indicated that information was uncovered regarding Florida Agriculture Commissioner candidate and Wells Fargo client Nikki Fried, indicating that Ms. Fried's political platform advocated for expanded patient access to medical marijuana. As a result, Ms. Infante asked that Ms. Fried confirm the types of transactions she expected and if any of the transactions would include funds received from lobbyists for the medical marijuana industry. A copy of the e-mail from Wells Fargo is attached hereto as Exhibit 1.
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution requires that Congress make no law abridging the freedom of speech or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the Government for redress of grievances. Wells Fargo's inquiry of Ms. Fried regarding funds from lobbyists for a legal industry penalizes the exercise of First Amendment rights and could impede the actions of those wishing to effectuate the will of the overwhelming majority of Florida's voters who approved the Initiative.
On numerous occasions, Wells Fargo has been asked to provide the policy upon which Ms. Infante's inquiry was based or to indicate what action has been taken subsequent to July 11, 2018, to address this problematic issue. Wells Fargo has yet to provide information on either. If Wells Fargo fails to submit information addressing this request by October 23, 2018, an item will be placed on the following County Commission agenda seeking that action be taken to address Wells Fargo's actions.
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