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Governor DeSantis Opposes Florida Amendment 3 on Recreational Marijuana Use

Governor DeSantis Opposes Florida Amendment 3 on Recreational Marijuana Use

Governor Ron DeSantis says he opposes Florida’s proposed Amendment 3.

It would legalize recreational use of marijuana by adults in the state.

DeSantis believes the amendment is too broad and could negatively impact the quality of life in Florida. But many disagree.

WEAR News spoke with an advocacy group in favor of the amendment, which says it would help the economy and reduce the number of overdoses from laced marijuana.

“I’m not for it, I don’t think it’s the right thing to do,” DeSantis said. “I don’t think we should screw up the state.”

Governor DeSantis said in Milwaukee this week that he is concerned that Florida will become like other states that have legalized recreational use.

“Ten years ago, Colorado did it and said, look, people are going to use it anyway. If you legalize it, you tax it. It’s safer, it’s going to shut down the drug trade, and it’s probably more for public safety,” DeSantis said. “I get that, but it’s been tried and it’s failed.”

“You go to places like Denver and it smells like marijuana,” he added. “It’s not good for the quality of life.”

He fears that people can use it anywhere and at any time.

Taylor Bishop is vice president of the Krewe de Kannabis, an organization that advocates for the legalization of recreational use and aims to break the stigma around marijuana through education and advocacy. She even went to the Capitol to talk to lawmakers about it.

“If we’re really looking for public safety and what’s best for the population, legalizing marijuana can help us do that,” Bishop said.

She says if recreational drug use for adults were legal in Florida, the number of drug overdoses in our region would decrease.

She says some accidental overdoses occur when people buy marijuana on the street and discover it contains a lethal dose of fentanyl or other harmful drugs.

“Right now, we have a huge overdose pandemic in Escambia County and by legalizing marijuana, we will significantly reduce that and allow more people to have access to recreational marijuana as adults,” Bishop said.

According to the Escambia County EMS dashboard, there have been 982 overdoses reported so far this year. That’s more than 2.5 overdoses per day.

Crystal Silins is the president of Krewe de Kannabis. She says legalizing recreational use would reduce that number and help the economy.

“Everyone knows someone who has had an overdose and it’s as common as cancer these days,” Silins said.

“Several states have donated extra tax dollars that they get from the proceeds of cannabis sales to local schools, local businesses, local government,” Silins said. “It’s there and it’s proven that a little bit of change goes a long way, even in the state of Florida. There’s a little bit that goes to the government and the state from the sale of medical marijuana, so small percentages can go a long way.”

Despite the governor’s claims, she says the amendment will be regulated if passed.

“That doesn’t mean that anyone can just turn on a light on the street,” said Silins.

“There will be more regulation. Every year we have a legislative session that introduces new ideas, new reforms, new ways to shape the laws so that they are beneficial and safe,” Silins said.

For the amendment to be adopted, 60% of voters must vote in favor.

A recent Florida Politics poll found that 64% of respondents supported this.

Another from Fox News found 66% support. Both polls found broad support from every demographic except people over 65.