Citing concerns over traffic safety and public health, the Florida Sheriffs Association and the Florida Police Chiefs Association announced their opposition on Tuesday to a proposed constitutional amendment that would legalize the use of recreational marijuana.
The sheriff’s association recently approved a resolution opposing the initiative during a meeting last week.
“The well-being and health of the citizens of Florida are threatened through the legalization and normalization of recreational marijuana,” said Bill Prummell, President of the Sheriffs Association and the Charlotte County Sheriff, in a prepared statement. “Our priority is the safety and security of our communities, and the data clearly shows that legalization leads to increased public health issues, road safety concerns, and a rise in youth marijuana use. We must take a stand to protect our citizens, especially our youth, from the negative impacts of marijuana.”
Read: Alabama AG Joins Coalition Opposing Biden Admin’s Proposal To Reschedule Marijuana
Echoing these sentiments, Florida Police Chiefs Association President Charles Vazquez, Chief of the Tampa International Airport Police Department, issued a statement emphasizing the strain legalization could place on law enforcement and public health resources.
“Based on the experience of other states, we know that law enforcement resources, as well as public health and other governmental services, will be taxed with new call volume due to the nature of marijuana impairment and its relationship to criminality, including victimization, and mental health.”
However, Smart & Safe Florida, the political committee leading efforts to pass the proposed constitutional amendment, disputes these claims. They argue that legalization does not necessarily lead to increased crime or traffic safety issues.
Read: Trulieve Boosts Florida Recreational Marijuana Campaign With Additional $5 Million
“While marijuana can impair driving abilities, the claim that legalization leads to significantly more impaired driving fatalities is not supported by evidence,” information on the Smart & Safe Florida committee website states. “Proper education, enforcement of impaired driving laws, and investment in public safety measures can mitigate any potential increase in marijuana-related traffic accidents.”
The initiative, which will appear on the November ballot as Amendment 3, proposes that adults 21 years or older be allowed to possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and accessories for non-medical personal consumption by smoking, ingestion, or otherwise. This follows the 2016 constitutional amendment passed by voters that allowed medical marijuana.
Help support the Tampa Free Press by making any small donation by clicking here.
Android Users, Click To Download The Tampa Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for our free newsletter.