Florida Amendment 3, which would effectively legalize weed in the state, has garnered a fair share of controversy. To start, the state’s republican Governor received opposing arguments from the party’s presidential candidate.
Meanwhile, many have voiced concern over millions in “pro” donations from one multi-state operator who stands to benefit from a positive outcome. These mini-soaps are playing out while polls provide conflicting results–there is no saying which way the vote will go.
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The run for legal weed has caused disagreements within the Republican party, the cannabis community, and, most recently, law enforcement. Miami Gardens police chief Delma K. Noel-Pratt came out for legalization in a Smart & Safe Florida press release among a sea of peers vocally against it.
Noel-Pratt’s jurisdiction is located smack dab between Fort Lauderdale and Miami and is home to around 110,000 people. It is also the only locale with a police chief vocally in favor of legalizing weed.
“My fellow officers’ time and resources are better spent on dismantling the networks that bring dangerous drugs into our streets. I’m supporting Amendment 3 because legalizing recreational marijuana for adults will not only create a safer environment but ensure justice is served where it truly matters,” said Chief Noel-Pratt.
Law enforcement come out largely against cannabis
Police-affiliated officials from around the state have adamantly opposed the move to legalize, echoing the feelings of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Sheriffs against Amendment 3 all cite a rise in DUI crashes as reasoning against adult use.
Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters spoke out at a town hall, stating, “Yeah, I don’t agree with it. I don’t like it. Marijuana smoke is the most offensive smell to me, ever.”
Waters continued, sharing that he was constantly offended by the smell on a recent trip to Stockton, Calif. He was also sure that traffic incidents would rise if the Amendment passed.
“I don’t think it’s good for our city, I don’t think it’s good for our state. Law-abiding citizens are going to suffer for the damage it poses. I’m dead set against it,” Waters said.
These sentiments were echoed by Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood in a comment sent to WESH 2 News.
“DUI crashes because of marijuana are up, like, 24 percent, and if you look at the National Institute for Drug and Alcohol Abuse, the number of work-related incidents and absentees is almost double among marijuana users than the regular workforce,” Chitwood said.
Each of the law enforcement officers against Amendment 3 cited a rise in DUIs and the impending threat to public safety as a big reason they opposed the ballot measure. However, data on the matter is conflicting.
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Florida cannabis legalization measure is neck and neck
Research supports both arguments. Studies show legalization does not impact road safety, while others indicate that it does. It all comes down to how the data is analyzed. As for Florida, vital organizations have spoken out in support of legal weed despite mass disapproval from the cops.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida endorsed the campaign with a big Y-E-S in late August in a press release. This outward approval came after the same from Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, Democratic State Sen. Shev Jones, the Libertarian Party of Florida, and more.
Celebrities have also used their voices in favor of legalizing Florida. Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, posted a smoky video to social media with a valid sentiment.
“As an adult, I should be allowed to smoke weed, watch football, and eat pizza on Sunday regardless if I’m at home in Mass or Florida,” Portnoy wrote.
Breaking: As an adult, I should be allowed to smoke weed, watch football, and eat pizza on Sunday regardless if I’m at home in Mass or Florida. Vote #YesOn3 in Florida on Nov 5th. pic.twitter.com/pHXYu2e5LJ
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) September 15, 2024
“It’s time we shift our focus from effecting arrests for small amounts of marijuana to targeting the traffickers who pose a real threat to our communities,” Chief Noel-Pratt concluded.
