As Florida gears up for a vote on Amendment 3, which proposes the legalization of recreational marijuana, state officials express contrasting views. Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith, once a staunch opponent, now supports the amendment, acknowledging the detrimental impact of marijuana-related arrests on young people’s futures. Smith believes legalization is inevitable, citing bipartisan support from
As Florida gears up for a vote on Amendment 3, which proposes the legalization of recreational marijuana, state officials express contrasting views. Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith, once a staunch opponent, now supports the amendment, acknowledging the detrimental impact of marijuana-related arrests on young people’s futures. Smith believes legalization is inevitable, citing bipartisan support from presidential candidates.
Conversely, Dr. Eric Hall, Secretary of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, warns against the amendment, highlighting potential risks to youth mental health and academic performance. Governor Ron DeSantis also opposes the measure, arguing that states like Colorado have seen a decline in quality of life post-legalization.
A recent University of North Florida poll indicates strong public support, with 66% likely to vote in favor. The amendment requires a 60% majority to pass in November. For more details, read the full article on News4Jax.
