Florida State Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, expressed his support for the proposed constitutional amendment that would legalize recreational marijuana use but announced Thursday plans to introduce legislation banning smoking of all types in public places.
Gruters said his proposal is partly in response to the anticipated passage of the marijuana amendment, known as Amendment 3, which he expects will be approved by voters in November.
Related: Florida GOP Senator Backs Pot Amendment, Making Some Republicans Scratch Their Heads
“This is all being driven by Amendment 3, but I’d support it regardless,” Gruters told reporters.
The former chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, who is running for state chief financial officer in 2026, emphasized that his legislation aims to create “guardrails” to protect the public.
“This is a simple, straightforward bill within our authority. The goal is to get ahead of this issue,” he said.
Gruters plans to file the bill for the 2025 legislative session, which begins in March.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has voiced opposition to the proposed marijuana amendment, warning that its passage could lead to Florida “smelling like marijuana.”
Read: Billionaire Ken Griffin Donates $12 Million To Oppose Florida’s Recreational Marijuana Amendment
Meanwhile, the Smart & Safe Florida political committee, which backs the amendment, has assured that it would allow the state to regulate marijuana use in public spaces similarly to how tobacco and alcohol are governed.
Florida currently bans smoking in indoor workplaces and permits local governments to restrict smoking at beaches and parks they own.
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