TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Support for cannabis in Florida seems to be burning brighter, and an eclectic group of advocates took to the Capitol today to make sure a possible new law in 2015 doesn't go up in smoke.

They came from all parts of the state and headed to the 22nd floor of the Capitol, the highest place you can get in Tallahassee. There were the seniors, the veterans, the drug smugglers, and the guy who needs service dogs for his injuries. All in support of medical cannabis.

Jeff Clemens first filed a marijuana bill four years ago.

“The people are either supporting family members or their own ability to be able to treat their illnesses the way they see fit,” said Sen. Clemens (D-Lake Worth).

EnviroTextiles is introducing antibacterial hemp fabrics into the children’s plush toy market thanks to a new partnership with a humanitarian teddy bear company, Bears for Humanity. The plush bears are intended for children in need, including many children living in isolated hospital environments.

EnviroTextiles founder Barbara Filippone has provided certified agricultural fibers for the apparel industry over the past 23 years. Now that she’s working with Bears for Humanity and its President Vijay Prathap, she’s launching a new healthcare market for her certified organic hemp textiles to supply various products including lab coats, privacy curtains, sheets, towels and patient gowns.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Key investors in a campaign to legalize marijuana use in Ohio include a former pro-basketball star, a pro-football player and a fashion designer.

ResponsibleOhio on Friday released the names of 11 key investors in its campaign to legalize marijuana for medical and personal use in Ohio. The investors, along with other supporters, are members of the investment groups that will own and operate the 10 marijuana grow sites to be specified in the group's proposed constitutional amendment.

"The campaign is honored to have such well-respected businesswomen and men, as well as patient advocates supporting our effort to offer a common-sense solution to Ohio's failed drug policies," Ian James, ResponsibleOhio's executive director, said in a press release.      

Entrepreneurs hope to capitalize on multimillion-dollar green rush with plan for licensing authority

In the world of medical marijuana entrepreneurs in Illinois, there’s plenty of green behind the grass.

Hundreds of would-be medical marijuana growers and sellers have put millions of dollars on the line hoping for coveted state permits that were supposed to issued by former Gov. Pat Quinn by the end of last year.

To snag those valuable permits, the entrepreneurs hired consultants, lawyers and lobbyists.

They’re already paying rent, in some cases, or have money tied up in options to buy property.

And now, they wait. And with millions of dollars on the line, waiting can get expensive.