TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Ben Carson made his way to Florida's capital Monday, where he held a book tour event. He was asked about some of the bigger issues facing the state, including expanding marijuana access.
The line of people wrapped around nearly every aisle and outside of Tallahassee's Books a Million store, all waiting to catch a glimpse of the Republican presidential candidate. Deborah McQueen got to the store at 7 a.m. to get the first spot in line.
"I think he's such a humble man," she said. "He's such a brilliant man, that I think it's important that we have that type of a person as a leader."
The GOP frontrunner arrived to a loud ovation from the large crowd.
Carson's team said more than a thousand people showed up for the signing.
We asked Carson about what's expected to be a huge issue in Florida for 2016: Increasing access to marijuana.
"Medical marijuana, when it's done in the proper way and the proper form, can be very beneficial, particularly with patients with seizure disorders," Carson said.
But that's as far as the retired neurosurgeon would go on the topic. He said no to the idea of recreational use.
"Many studies have demonstrated that persistent regular use of marijuana by the developing brain can result in significant decreases in IQ," Carson said. "We already have enough people with low IQs, we don't need to be generating more."
Florida has already legalized yet-to-be-available medical marijuana for seizure patients. There is more state legislation planned for expanding access to the drug, as well as a ballot amendment for full-blown medical marijuana that barely failed in 2014.