This November, Amendment 3 will be on the Florida ballot, proposing a radical change to our state’s drug policies and making recreational marijuana legal. This new policy would make Florida the state with the largest legal limit, meaning an individual (including potential drug dealers) could possess enough marijuana for 100 joints and law enforcement would be limited in their ability to protect those who are targets of the dealers, including our youth. Throughout my 33 years in law enforcement, I have seen firsthand how drugs have ruined lives and endangered our communities. So, believe me when I say Amendment 3 poses serious threats to the wellbeing of Floridians, and the associated risks outweigh any benefits.
One of the biggest threats that recreational marijuana use poses to Floridians is its detrimental effects on mental health. Many in favor of legalization cite marijuana as being non-addictive and even having benefits for mental wellbeing. This could not be further from the truth. During my time as chairman of the Statewide Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder, I have learned just how addictive this drug can be. Twenty-one to 30% of recreational marijuana users develop a marijuana use disorder. If the user is under 18, they are seven times more likely to develop a marijuana use disorder. Studies have shown that nearly half of adolescent males with marijuana use disorder later develop a schizophrenic spectrum disorder. By making recreational marijuana more accessible, we are only worsening our state’s addiction problem and endangering our youth.
As president of the Florida Sheriffs Association, it is my sworn duty to protect not only the members of my local jurisdiction, but the whole state. Amendment 3 will certainly endanger our communities by enabling an illicit drug market to thrive. For example, between 70-80% of the marijuana sold in California’s legal pot shops was produced and grown illegally. Recreational use will only encourage the illicit drug market, thanks to an increased consumer base to sell to.
As a law enforcement officer, a father, and a devoted member of this community, I can safely say this is not the future that I want for our great state. Safety is my career, my number one priority, and something I want for every Floridian.
This November, I urge you to vote “NO” on Amendment 3. While it may seem like a harmless amendment, legalizing recreational marijuana will have destructive long-term effects on our communities, especially our youth and those battling mental health issues. Amendment 3 is falsely promoted as having economic benefits like job creation or increased tax revenue. However, these benefits are not only overstated, but are overshadowed by the dangers and social costs associated with the amendment. It’s not smart to risk Florida’s future on a drug that will do more harm than good.
Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell is president of the Florida Sheriffs Association.
Author
