Florida Amendment 3 Marijuana Legalization.

[JGibson]

It's on the ballot this November.

It's estimated the tax revenue in the first year would be over $500 million and much more in the following years.

21 years of age would be the age limit and no cultivating on your own.

Medical marijuana is already legal in Florida and seems to obtain approval is a low threshold and really just about the money for doctor fees.

For those who say it's a gateway drug well alcohol or any mind altering medication can also be a gateway drug.

Yea or Nay on Amendment 3 for marijuana legalization?

[retiredguy123]

Yea. It's a no brainer because the current system is a total scam. Anyone who wants to buy medical marijuana in Florida can do so now by just paying the money. The screening system is a joke.

[Battlebasset]

Nope. The crime and other problems it brings is far surpassed by any revenue it brings in. Just google "pot Denver crime".

I'm not sure why we allow it to be dispensed the way that it is for medical purposes. Should controlled medical substances be dispensed by a pharmacy?

Finally, just like alcohol, kids are going to get it. Per the Mayo Clinic:

Marijuana use in teens

Marijuana contains more than 500 chemicals, of which delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is considered the primary psychoactive (mind-altering) compound. The concentration of THC in a marijuana product is directly proportional to its potency or how much of a high it will give when consumed. Marijuana use among adolescents and young adults can affect normal brain development, leading to problems in learning, memory, coordination, reaction time and judgment.

Excessive and frequent use of marijuana is associated with hallucinations, paranoia, and a range of emotional problems. The severe form of marijuana abuse is called marijuana use disorder. Youth who use marijuana at an early age, in high amounts and with the risk factors mentioned above are more prone to developing marijuana use disorder.

If it was restricted to adult in private, then I don't care. But you know it won't be. Move to NYC if you like the smell of skunk weed as you walk the streets.

[tophcfa]

It's on the ballot this November.

It's estimated the tax revenue in the first year would be over $500 million and much more in the following years.

21 years of age would be the age limit and no cultivating on your own.

Medical marijuana is already legal in Florida and seems to obtain approval is a low threshold and really just about the money for doctor fees.

For those who say it's a gateway drug well alcohol or any mind altering medication can also be a gateway drug.

Yea or Nay on Amendment 3 for marijuana legalization?

Nay, unless it accompanies very strict guidelines to protect medical patients and allows cultivation. Why, our other home is in Massachusetts and I have seen this play out. The dispensaries that now cater to medical only, with a variety of CBD dominant products for things like joint pain and inflammation, will dump the focus on medical products like a hot potato if recreational becomes legal. The profit is on recreational products that simply have the highest THC content to get the user blasted. Medical patients in Massachusetts can no longer find products anywhere that were easy to source before recreational became legal. Growing high CBD products is more difficult, has lower harvest yields, and is therefore less profitable. Making recreational legal has been a bad thing for medical patients. Regarding cultivation, it’s all about supply and demand relative to the black market. Without cultivation, the only sources of supply are dispensaries and the black market, keeping prices for the consumer very high. The dispensaries set prices at or just below the black market. Allowing cultivation is a game changer for product pricing, especially in Florida where the tropical climate is very conducive to growing. Allowing cultivation both crowds out the black market and forces overall prices significantly lower. No doubt, they want to curtail cultivation to force consumers to purchase from taxable government regulated entities.

[Kelevision]

Top 5 most addictive drugs.
1. Cocaine
2. Heroin
3. Alcohol
4. Nicotine
5. Meth

You know what isn’t addictive? Marijuana. The plant that’s grown from the ground untouched. I wish people would do research. Of course I support this and most everyone will. It’s a no brainer. You never see the headline…” Driver under the influence of weed killed……” Let’s not start on prescription medications like opioids. Not to mention the people who use both alcohol AND medications like opioids.

[retiredguy123]

The way I see it, the new law will just eliminate the bogus medical screening system. Marijuana is already legal in Florida.

[dougjb]

Ban alcohol. Put Marijuana in every person's lunch bucket! See how mellow our society becomes!
1

[Topspinmo]

Top 5 most addictive drugs.
1. Cocaine
2. Heroin
3. Alcohol
4. Nicotine
5. Meth

You know what isn’t addictive? Marijuana. The plant that’s grown from the ground untouched. I wish people would do research. Of course I support this and most everyone will. It’s a no brainer. You never see the headline…” Driver under the influence of weed killed……” Let’s not start on prescription medications like opioids. Not to mention the people who use both alcohol AND medications like opioids.


Then why pot heads keep smoking it? I don’t care one way or the other cause pot heads are going to smoke regardless. IMO it will reduce petit arrests and officer will actually have give citation for what pulled the vehicle over of instead to using the minor stop as gateway.

[Topspinmo]

The way I see it, the new law will just eliminate the bogus medical screening system. Marijuana is already legal in Florida.


Marijuana is already legal in Florida?

Then why need to be voted on?

[BubblesandPat]

It's on the ballot this November.

It's estimated the tax revenue in the first year would be over $500 million and much more in the following years.

21 years of age would be the age limit and no cultivating on your own.

Medical marijuana is already legal in Florida and seems to obtain approval is a low threshold and really just about the money for doctor fees.

For those who say it's a gateway drug well alcohol or any mind altering medication can also be a gateway drug.

Yea or Nay on Amendment 3 for marijuana legalization?

I think it's a great idea. The taxes collected can really help! People are buying it anyway...as far as gateway drug that is such bs. I've been smoking weed since the 70s and have lots of company. Never had the desire for anything else. I don't even drink alcohol.
The law is written that you have to use it at home...not in public. So would you rather have people drinking all night in the squares and driving home or someone chilling out on thier linai streaming movies. Which is very common. As far as teenagers? Are you kidding? If you want to buy weed off the street ask any teenager where to get it.
So taxes collected, safer product, and regulated. Win win to me.

[retiredguy123]

Marijuana is already legal in Florida?

Then why need to be voted on?
Marijuana is legal because anyone can buy it. They just need to pay a doctor. If the law passes, you won't need to pay a doctor.

[Kelevision]

Then why pot heads keep smoking it? I don’t care one way or the other cause pot heads are going to smoke regardless. IMO it will reduce petit arrests and officer will actually have give citation for what pulled the vehicle over of instead to using the minor stop as gateway.

They smoke it for the same reason a person would have a cocktail or beer/wine. The difference is, the more cocktails you have the more impaired you get and the more addicted you become, because it’s a physically addicting drug. The more pot you smoke doesn’t make you higher. You are only as high as you are no matter how much you smoke. And, it’s not physically addicting. Mentally is another issue.

[Caymus]

Marijuana is legal because anyone can buy it. They just need to pay a doctor. If the law passes, you won't need to pay a doctor.

That will depend on how the state taxes medical vs recreational. It could still be cheaper overall for medical. Some states tax recreational so high that the black market continues to operate.

[shut the front door]

Marijuana is legal because anyone can buy it. They just need to pay a doctor. If the law passes, you won't need to pay a doctor.

Delta 9 is also legal as I buy it all the time at the vape stores to help me sleep.

[JRcorvette]

I don’t use it I am voting Yes. It should never have been made illegal. Drugs are everywhere. The legal system does not work. I am hoping that they have a way to tell if you are DUI when using.

[Mass288]

Nope. The crime and other problems it brings is far surpassed by any revenue it brings in. Just google "pot Denver crime".

I'm not sure why we allow it to be dispensed the way that it is for medical purposes. Should controlled medical substances be dispensed by a pharmacy?

Finally, just like alcohol, kids are going to get it. Per the Mayo Clinic:

Marijuana use in teens

Marijuana contains more than 500 chemicals, of which delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is considered the primary psychoactive (mind-altering) compound. The concentration of THC in a marijuana product is directly proportional to its potency or how much of a high it will give when consumed. Marijuana use among adolescents and young adults can affect normal brain development, leading to problems in learning, memory, coordination, reaction time and judgment.

Excessive and frequent use of marijuana is associated with hallucinations, paranoia, and a range of emotional problems. The severe form of marijuana abuse is called marijuana use disorder. Youth who use marijuana at an early age, in high amounts and with the risk factors mentioned above are more prone to developing marijuana use disorder.

If it was restricted to adult in private, then I don't care. But you know it won't be. Move to NYC if you like the smell of skunk weed as you walk the streets.

Ok way to go with the 1960 propaganda...nice touch now back to reality when was the last time you ever saw a news story about an entire family being wiped out in a car accident because he.....just smoked a joint.....Ah never ...now try it with booze ......genius. get real

[swooner]

Got that right!;

[swooner]

Yea. It's a no brainer because the current system is a total scam. Anyone who wants to buy medical marijuana in Florida can do so now by just paying the money. The screening system is a joke.
Got that right

[Pugchief]

Vote Yea.

Anyone who wants to get it can do so, via medical card or black market. Enforcement is low to nonexistent. Legalizing it will help to ensure (as far as that goes) purity. At least you will know what you are getting.

Hopefully, FL will learn from failures in other states. Taxing it is fine, but you have to keep it cheaper than the black market or users will go there instead.

[ThirdOfFive]

A no-brainer.

Pot is available to anyone who wants it. Has been for decades. Given that, there is no reason NOT to legalize it--which means regulating it, controlling quality, and of course taxing it.

Any sin tax--which this would be--is a potential cash cow, just like liquor and tobacco.

[Topspinmo]

Marijuana is legal because anyone can buy it. They just need to pay a doctor. If the law passes, you won't need to pay a doctor.


You theory flawed, first you have find scrupulous doctor that will go against ethic’s to just give prescription for controlled substances. But, I could see some doctors getting kick backs just like pushing some pills. :thumbup:

[GoRedSox!]

I don't smoke it, but I say yay.

[Topspinmo]

A no-brainer.

Pot is available to anyone who wants it. Has been for decades. Given that, there is no reason NOT to legalize it--which means regulating it, controlling quality, and of course taxing it.

Any sin tax--which this would be--is a potential cash cow, just like liquor and tobacco.


This what’s wrong with government think taxing something makes it good idea. But, when money involved expect anything can go

[roob1]

Mo- Get the facts before you comment. These docs are licensed by the state to prescribe it...nothing unethical at all.


Originally Posted by retiredguy123 View Post
Marijuana is legal because anyone can buy it. They just need to pay a doctor. If the law passes, you won't need to pay a doctor.


You theory flawed, first you have find scrupulous doctor that will go against ethic’s to just give prescription for controlled substances. But, I could see some doctors getting kick backs just like pushing some pills. :thumbup:

[retiredguy123]

You theory flawed, first you have find scrupulous doctor that will go against ethic’s to just give prescription for controlled substances. But, I could see some doctors getting kick backs just like pushing some pills. :thumbup:
You don't get a prescription for Marijuana, you get a state license. The "approved" doctor certifies that you have a condition that allows the license. The problem is that everyone who goes to an "approved" doctor is also certified by the doctor for the license. No one is denied the license. So, effectively, there is no screening process. It is just a money grab for the doctor and the state.

Note that it costs about $300 per year to maintain a Marijuana license, not including the cost to buy the drug.

[Topspinmo]

Mo- Get the facts before you comment. These docs are licensed by the state to prescribe it...nothing unethical at all.


Originally Posted by retiredguy123 View Post
Marijuana is legal because anyone can buy it. They just need to pay a doctor. If the law passes, you won't need to pay a doctor.


No, I’ll comment anytime I feel like it.

[Byte1]

Today''s MJ is said to be a hundred times more potent than the weed our generation used as teens. As far as I am concerned, I have seen enough young folks with a lack of motivation and lack of willingness to work. I doubt if I could tell the difference if old folks smoked it or not. But, have fun enforcing DUIs due to pot influence. Sounds to me that the gov. wants more stuff to tax and folks want more medications to dull their "hard" life. Just keep that stuff away from me because I get sick when I smell the stuff burning.

[Kelevision]

You theory flawed, first you have find scrupulous doctor that will go against ethic’s to just give prescription for controlled substances. But, I could see some doctors getting kick backs just like pushing some pills. :thumbup:

You realize marijuana isn’t a controlled substance, right? But those are actually legal and any doctor can prescribe them. It’s why people die from overdosing. Never once has anyone died from overdosing on pot.

[justjim]

Marijuana is already legal in Florida?

Then why need to be voted on?

Making recreational Marijuana legal will bring in millions of tax dollars. Some of this money could be used for mental health help for the many that need it. It could also be used on homeless seeking affordable housing and education could benefit . Other State and local taxes could be reduced. Wife and I will vote yes.

[justjim]

I don't smoke it, but I say yay.
Marijuana doesn’t necessarily have to be smoked.

[eyc234]

Nay. People smoke marijuana to get high, if it did not get you high off one joint you would not do it. Then you get in a car and drive, not safe and yes people do have wrecks when high due to impairment. You can have one drink and not be drunk. Also the tax money will go into the general fund not be earmarked for schools or law enforcement as the ads tout. Just like the lottery very little of the tax revenue will be seen by the school systems. You also have foreign crime syndicates running a lot of the "legal grow" facilities in the US. But one good thing is the number of guns on the street would go down since you cannot own a gun and do drugs.

[walterray1]

[QUOTE=JGibson;2341762]It's on the ballot this November.

It's estimated the tax revenue in the first year would be over $500 million and much more in the following years.

21 years of age would be the age limit and no cultivating on your own.

Medical marijuana is already legal in Florida and seems to obtain approval is a low threshold and really just about the money for doctor fees.

For those who say it's a gateway drug well alcohol or any mind altering medication can also be a gateway drug.

Yea or Nay on Amendment 3 for marijuana legalization?

Approving marijuana that is based on current science and regulated for appropriate adult use is definitely a smart move for the state of Florida. Built in market and a huge tax influx of funds for the state. Medical marijuana is already a given for may Floridians who need it medically and as a good way to improve way of life. Much better than drinking too much and especially better than doing hard pain killers. Anyway, it is time for this. I also understand the concern and fear of the other side. I believe that it can work for all.

[Michael 61]

I watched marijuana legalization destroy Denver Colorado.

[JGibson]

Just want to add the Governor and Attorney General is against it and trying everything possible to sabbatoge it like putting restrictions on THC potency if passed.

If the voters approve it would take effect in 6 months.

[Topspinmo]

Making recreational Marijuana legal will bring in millions of tax dollars. Some of this money could be used for mental health help for the many that need it. It could also be used on homeless seeking affordable housing and education could benefit . Other State and local taxes could be reduced. Wife and I will vote yes.



Yes, and the lottery was going fix education….. pipe dreams..:wave:

[Topspinmo]

You realize marijuana isn’t a controlled substance, right? But those are actually legal and any doctor can prescribe them. It’s why people die from overdosing. Never once has anyone died from overdosing on pot.


Then why are people getting arrested when possessing it? I amazes me when they get pulled over for taillight out it turns into smell of marijuana they arrest when find marijuana, O and tail light violation not violation anymore.

[MrChip72]

I watched marijuana legalization destroy Denver Colorado.

I've spent time in Denver before and after legalization. I don't believe that marijuana is the root cause of their problems. Many articles cite gang and gun violence as well as meth and opiodes have overtaken Denver. No mention of marijuana. I honestly have never seen a ring of pot smokers doing burglaries, robberies and gang-style shootings.

Most places that legalized weed have experienced lower crime (feel free to look up recent non-partisan studies) and also save money on people getting incarcerated for smoking a joint which is absurd when it's legal in many places and easy to access almost anywhere.

They legalized it in our area up north and the street dealers went out of business overnight and many just got legitimate jobs at dispensaries. Same thing happened when prohibition ended 100 years ago with alcohol.

I'm shocked that anyone is against all of the tax revenue that it produces. It's not like people start smoking weed when it becomes legal. That never happens.

[blueash]

You realize marijuana isn’t a controlled substance, right? But those are actually legal and any doctor can prescribe them. It’s why people die from overdosing. Never once has anyone died from overdosing on pot.

What? Marijuana is not a controlled substance? What have you been smoking if you believe that. It is a Schedule one controlled substance right up there with heroin, LSD and meth. Which means there is no known legitimate use for the med and even prohibits almost all research.

The Biden administration has asked that it be reclassified (https://www.politico.com/news/2024/05/16/biden-announces-marijuana-reclassification-00158408) as a lower category 3 controlled substance but there has not been any finalization of his effort which he began in 2022. But it getting closer.

After reclassification as a Schedule 3 controlled drug it will still be illegal under federal law to possess, grow etc except for legitimate medical uses. It will not decriminalize nor "legalize" pot. No matter what Florida does, possession will still violate Federal law. Attempts have been made to decriminalize on the federal level which results, of course, in the usual accusations of "soft on crime" and "must support the cartels" garbage.

A bill to decriminalize, remove marijuana from the controlled substance list, passed the House (HR 3617) in 2022 but died in the Senate under the threat of filibuster and the usual political infighting and posturing. Since the House changed parties there has been no action on the issue.

[Kelevision]

What? Marijuana is not a controlled substance? What have you been smoking if you believe that. It is a Schedule one controlled substance right up there with heroin, LSD and meth. Which means there is no known legitimate use for the med and even prohibits almost all research.

The Biden administration has asked that it be reclassified (https://www.politico.com/news/2024/05/16/biden-announces-marijuana-reclassification-00158408) as a lower category 3 controlled substance but there has not been any finalization of his effort which he began in 2022. But it getting closer.

After reclassification as a Schedule 3 controlled drug it will still be illegal under federal law to possess, grow etc except for legitimate medical uses. It will not decriminalize nor "legalize" pot. No matter what Florida does, possession will still violate Federal law. Attempts have been made to decriminalize on the federal level which results, of course, in the usual accusations of "soft on crime" and "must support the cartels" garbage.

A bill to decriminalize, remove marijuana from the controlled substance list, passed the House (HR 3617) in 2022 but died in the Senate under the threat of filibuster and the usual political infighting and posturing. Since the House changed parties there has been no action on the issue.

Controlled substance….a drug or other substance that is tightly controlled by the government because it may be abused or cause addiction….. which is why they’re trying to lower it because it’s actually not proved to cause any physical addiction. Mental addiction yes. Unlike Alcohol, pain meds and various products you can buy to sniff etc. all legally….

each year there are more than 178,000 deaths attributable to excessive alcohol use , making alcohol one of the leading preventable causes of death in the United States, behind tobacco and poor diet ...

I’d worry more about the first 2 on this list. The ones that should actually be on the controlled substance list.

Most addictive drugs…….

Nicotine
Alcohol
Opioids
Stimulants
Hallucinogens
Inhalants
Benzodiazepines
Barbiturates

[Kelevision]

Nope. The crime and other problems it brings is far surpassed by any revenue it brings in. Just google "pot Denver crime".

I'm not sure why we allow it to be dispensed the way that it is for medical purposes. Should controlled medical substances be dispensed by a pharmacy?

Finally, just like alcohol, kids are going to get it. Per the Mayo Clinic:

Marijuana use in teens

Marijuana contains more than 500 chemicals, of which delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is considered the primary psychoactive (mind-altering) compound. The concentration of THC in a marijuana product is directly proportional to its potency or how much of a high it will give when consumed. Marijuana use among adolescents and young adults can affect normal brain development, leading to problems in learning, memory, coordination, reaction time and judgment.

Excessive and frequent use of marijuana is associated with hallucinations, paranoia, and a range of emotional problems. The severe form of marijuana abuse is called marijuana use disorder. Youth who use marijuana at an early age, in high amounts and with the risk factors mentioned above are more prone to developing marijuana use disorder.

If it was restricted to adult in private, then I don't care. But you know it won't be. Move to NYC if you like the smell of skunk weed as you walk the streets.

They’re in the process of declassifying it as a controlled substance since it isn’t one by definition. Ironically both Alcohol and nicotine (which are exactly the definition of a controlled substance) are the top 2 most addictive drugs but hey, as long as the govt says it’s okay….. you should do a little research on deaths due to alcohol and nicotine vs pot. It’s scary that your only argument on the subject is from a Denver post. The 2 biggest celebrity pot heads that I know are Harrison Ford and of course Willie Nelson. You never see them in the headlines. I once was at Harrisons house and there were about 10 of us, he handed out baggies of weed with papers and a tray to each person. He loves his pot.

[roob1]

No it is a thousand times more potent! Hahahaha. More BS. But we do have enough alcoholics dulling their lives, right?

Today''s MJ is said to be a hundred times more potent than the weed our generation used as teens. As far as I am concerned, I have seen enough young folks with a lack of motivation and lack of willingness to work. I doubt if I could tell the difference if old folks smoked it or not. But, have fun enforcing DUIs due to pot influence. Sounds to me that the gov. wants more stuff to tax and folks want more medications to dull their "hard" life. Just keep that stuff away from me because I get sick when I smell the stuff burning.

[mike234]

yup...its the smoke that terrorizes people who are against it. pop a gummy and no one knows the difference...

[Sparky99]

Top 5 most addictive drugs.
1. Cocaine
2. Heroin
3. Alcohol
4. Nicotine
5. Meth

You know what isn’t addictive? Marijuana. The plant that’s grown from the ground untouched. I wish people would do research. Of course I support this and most everyone will. It’s a no brainer. You never see the headline…” Driver under the influence of weed killed……” Let’s not start on prescription medications like opioids. Not to mention the people who use both alcohol AND medications like opioids.

nope coffee

[Mrfriendly]

Top 5 most addictive drugs.
1. Cocaine
2. Heroin
3. Alcohol
4. Nicotine
5. Meth

You know what isn’t addictive? Marijuana. The plant that’s grown from the ground untouched. I wish people would do research. Of course I support this and most everyone will. It’s a no brainer. You never see the headline…” Driver under the influence of weed killed……” Let’s not start on prescription medications like opioids. Not to mention the people who use both alcohol AND medications like opioids.

You forgot #6: Smart Phones

[Black Beauty]

yes..and I quit

[FredMitchell]

Most of the comments, including the OP, seem to violate the "politics" prohibition of this site.

Individuals reporting cannabis use are at higher risk of psychotic disorders (ie, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder) than the general population, as well as having earlier onset, worse symptoms, and longer hospitalisations.

Users are prohibited by federal law to own guns and to pilot aircraft - including drones.

One could replace "marijuana" with amphetamines, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, sex trade, gambling, etc. in all of the arguments for legalization.

[BlkBlt6]

Agree!

[GizmoWhiskers]

It's on the ballot this November.

It's estimated the tax revenue in the first year would be over $500 million and much more in the following years.

21 years of age would be the age limit and no cultivating on your own.

Medical marijuana is already legal in Florida and seems to obtain approval is a low threshold and really just about the money for doctor fees.

For those who say it's a gateway drug well alcohol or any mind altering medication can also be a gateway drug.

Yea or Nay on Amendment 3 for marijuana legalization?
The dumbing down of America. Sure, why not "huuuuuh, phewwww, go for it dude."

Medical is ok; however, abused.

Nothing like smelling cow dung pot at red lights knowing another driver is getting high and driving. Smell it everywhere now. Just wonderful.

Since pot would be ok why not add legailized Molly and coke to counter the excess weight gain and lathargic, mellowed out, overly "chilled" out effects that the pot causes.

Pot slows the brain down so we need a legalized pick me up something stronger than caffeine too. The pick me up means no sleep so now a good stronger than unisom sleep drug is needed so how about some good legalized fentanyl so one can sleep again... like forever.

Sure, all the drugs are here anyway so might as well open the prison gates for those in jail because of them. Shame some people killed themselves over drug convictions that are now legal.

That sucks "dude".

My nephew died in vain. He took his own life after serving his sentence in the brig for smoking pot. The military denied him his meds for depression while he was incarcerated.

Dude, he broke honorable code and valor so he outed himself. His death was a damn shame, worth more than a blunt. I digress...

[jimbomaybe]

I've spent time in Denver before and after legalization. I don't believe that marijuana is the root cause of their problems. Many articles cite gang and gun violence as well as meth and opiodes have overtaken Denver. No mention of marijuana. I honestly have never seen a ring of pot smokers doing burglaries, robberies and gang-style shootings.

Most places that legalized weed have experienced lower crime (feel free to look up recent non-partisan studies) and also save money on people getting incarcerated for smoking a joint which is absurd when it's legal in many places and easy to access almost anywhere.

They legalized it in our area up north and the street dealers went out of business overnight and many just got legitimate jobs at dispensaries. Same thing happened when prohibition ended 100 years ago with alcohol.

I'm shocked that anyone is against all of the tax revenue that it produces. It's not like people start smoking weed when it becomes legal. That never happens.

Regarding street dealers, legalization in no way put them out of business, the high taxes made their product much cheaper,made selling it a license violation, what would the point be of writing them a ticket, I have been also told that the potency of the street dealer is generally higher, not necessarily safer

[MandoMan]

Nay, unless it accompanies very strict guidelines to protect medical patients and allows cultivation. Why, our other home is in Massachusetts and I have seen this play out. The dispensaries that now cater to medical only, with a variety of CBD dominant products for things like joint pain and inflammation, will dump the focus on medical products like a hot potato if recreational becomes legal. The profit is on recreational products that simply have the highest THC content to get the user blasted. Medical patients in Massachusetts can no longer find products anywhere that were easy to source before recreational became legal. Growing high CBD products is more difficult, has lower harvest yields, and is therefore less profitable. Making recreational legal has been a bad thing for medical patients. Regarding cultivation, it’s all about supply and demand relative to the black market. Without cultivation, the only sources of supply are dispensaries and the black market, keeping prices for the consumer very high. The dispensaries set prices at or just below the black market. Allowing cultivation is a game changer for product pricing, especially in Florida where the tropical climate is very conducive to growing. Allowing cultivation both crowds out the black market and forces overall prices significantly lower. No doubt, they want to curtail cultivation to force consumers to purchase from taxable government regulated entities.

I’m never going to use marijuana, and I’m uncomfortable with legalizing it. That said, not allowing people to grow a few plants for personal use proves that Florida is only interested in the money. It’s easy to grow, and it isn’t necessary to use only the strongest parts. If you have your own plants, you can get a great high with one dried leaf, or part of one, and those plants have a lot of leaves. It would cost nothing.

It’s all about the money. I despise that attitude.

[Remembergoldenrule]

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) advocates for careful consideration of potential immediate and downstream effects of marijuana policy changes on children and adolescents. Marijuana legalization, even if restricted to adults, may be associated with (a) decreased adolescent perception of marijuana’s harmful effects, (b) increased marijuana use among parents and caretakers, and (c) increased adolescent access to marijuana, all of which reliably predict increased rates of adolescent marijuana use and associated problems.1-3 Marijuana use during pregnancy, occurring at increasing rates, raises additional concerns regarding future infant, child, and adolescent development.4-6

Marijuana Legalization (https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Policy_Statements/2014/AACAP_Marijuana_Legalization_Policy.aspx)
Long-term use of marijuana can lead to:

Cannabis Use Disorder
The same breathing problems as smoking cigarettes (coughing, wheezing, trouble with physical activity, and lung cancer)
Decreased motivation or interest which can lead to decline in academic or occupational performance
Lower intelligence
Mental health problems, such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, anger, irritability, moodiness, and risk of suicide

Marijuana and Teens (https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Marijuana-and-Teens-106.aspx#:~:text=Regular%20use%20of%20marijuana%20 can,using%20interferes%20with%20other%20activities ).

Highlights
Cannabis legalization leads to increased cannabis use among adults
Legalization may have negative implications for minors via effects on parents
Critical lack of causally informative studies with parents and young children

Causal Effects of Cannabis Legalization on Parents, Parenting, and Children: A Systematic Review - PMC (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9021885/)

[mikemalloy]

I've spent time in Denver before and after legalization. I don't believe that marijuana is the root cause of their problems. Many articles cite gang and gun violence as well as meth and opiodes have overtaken Denver. No mention of marijuana. I honestly have never seen a ring of pot smokers doing burglaries, robberies and gang-style shootings.

Most places that legalized weed have experienced lower crime (feel free to look up recent non-partisan studies) and also save money on people getting incarcerated for smoking a joint which is absurd when it's legal in many places and easy to access almost anywhere.

They legalized it in our area up north and the street dealers went out of business overnight and many just got legitimate jobs at dispensaries. Same thing happened when prohibition ended 100 years ago with alcohol.

I'm shocked that anyone is against all of the tax revenue that it produces. It's not like people start smoking weed when it becomes legal. That never happens.
The estimated tax boon is always pie in the sky. The major advocates also happen to be those ready to start selling the minute the law is passed. Studies in states where pot was legalized show that alcohol sales are reduced because people are using pot instead. As the market matures the price for pot drops and the taxes are reduced. It was also found that pot sold by drug pushers was stronger and tax free further reducing the tax revenues. Here's an article discussing some of the issues.
Marijuana tax revenues fall short of projections in many states, including Colorado (https://theconversation.com/marijuana-tax-revenues-fall-short-of-projections-in-many-states-including-colorado-226307)

[ThirdOfFive]

You realize marijuana isn’t a controlled substance, right? But those are actually legal and any doctor can prescribe them. It’s why people die from overdosing. Never once has anyone died from overdosing on pot.
"While many states have decriminalized and legalized cannabis, Florida law still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance. Depending on how much is found on your person or your property, you could face significant penalties if you aren’t following the legal guidelines of medical marijuana."

(flaherty defense firm dot com)

[nn0wheremann]

It's on the ballot this November.

It's estimated the tax revenue in the first year would be over $500 million and much more in the following years.

21 years of age would be the age limit and no cultivating on your own.

Medical marijuana is already legal in Florida and seems to obtain approval is a low threshold and really just about the money for doctor fees.

For those who say it's a gateway drug well alcohol or any mind altering medication can also be a gateway drug.

Yea or Nay on Amendment 3 for marijuana legalization?
50 years overdue, but the devil is in the details. Who gets to grow? Big donors to public figures? Or open competition in a free market? Limits on THC concentration? Penalties for distribution to minors? How about driving or operating machinery under the influence? Let’s see the actual text, and the underlying regulations?

[ThirdOfFive]

Yes, and the lottery was going fix education….. pipe dreams..:wave:
No pun intended...?

[KsJayhawkers]

Ok way to go with the 1960 propaganda...nice touch now back to reality when was the last time you ever saw a news story about an entire family being wiped out in a car accident because he.....just smoked a joint.....Ah never ...now try it with booze ......genius. get real

I am for legalization but you should really educate yourself if you dont think marijuana use has not been a contributing factor in many traffic collision fatalities. I have personally worked 20+ fatalities where marijuana has been the sole drug being a contributing factor.

Car Crash Deaths Involving Cannabis on the Rise | SPH (https://www.bu.edu/sph/news/articles/2021/car-crash-deaths-involving-cannabis-on-the-rise/)

[Marmaduke]

I watched marijuana legalization destroy Denver Colorado.
Agreed.

[Battlebasset]

They’re in the process of declassifying it as a controlled substance since it isn’t one by definition. Ironically both Alcohol and nicotine (which are exactly the definition of a controlled substance) are the top 2 most addictive drugs but hey, as long as the govt says it’s okay….. you should do a little research on deaths due to alcohol and nicotine vs pot. It’s scary that your only argument on the subject is from a Denver post. The 2 biggest celebrity pot heads that I know are Harrison Ford and of course Willie Nelson. You never see them in the headlines. I once was at Harrisons house and there were about 10 of us, he handed out baggies of weed with papers and a tray to each person. He loves his pot.

"Hey! I know someone who's successful and they smoke pot!" And a celebrity at that. Certainly a job most people are going to have.

Sort of like the argument that single mothers do just as well as two-parent families because that guy over there is successful and he was raised by a single mom.

I remember a PSA from years ago. A guy and his buddy are sitting smoking pot. One guy comments "I've smoked pot all my life. Nothing ever happened to me".

The camera pans back, and you see they are sitting in a bedroom and you hear a call from downstairs "Hey son! Did you look for a job today?" Both rush to open the window and wave the smoke out. Tag Line - When you smoke pot, nothing happens.

And there is going to be more of that than Willie Nelson's and Harrison Fords.

I'm not concerned about adults smoking pot in moderation, any more than I worry about adults drinking in moderation. But to legalize pot like alcohol and remove one more barrier to kids getting it? Not worth the tax revenue that they TELL us we are going to get. And based on other states and other vices (lottery) most likely won't.

I will be voting no. I've seen enough of this "grand experiment".

[Indydealmaker]

The way I see it, the new law will just eliminate the bogus medical screening system. Marijuana is already legal in Florida.

You need a better understanding of medical marijuana in this state. The patient has limited access to the product and all purchases are tracked and controlled through a state database.

[mdmurrell]

It's on the ballot this November.

It's estimated the tax revenue in the first year would be over $500 million and much more in the following years.

21 years of age would be the age limit and no cultivating on your own.

Medical marijuana is already legal in Florida and seems to obtain approval is a low threshold and really just about the money for doctor fees.

For those who say it's a gateway drug well alcohol or any mind altering medication can also be a gateway drug.

Yea or Nay on Amendment 3 for marijuana legalization?
Nah on recreational marijuana. It’s a major contributor to crime and demotivating th users. Why work? Just keep eating those gummies.

[Ktots]

50 years overdue, but the devil is in the details. Who gets to grow? Big donors to public figures? Or open competition in a free market? Limits on THC concentration? Penalties for distribution to minors? How about driving or operating machinery under the influence? Let’s see the actual text, and the underlying regulations?

I agree about the details, especially the growing aspect. What might be the impact on agriculture when farmers decide to grow pot for profitability instead of producing food? I haven’t seen this possibility examined. Am I missing something?

[tombpot]

You don’t have to smoke it buy a gummy. They have different strengths, also you can get CBD oil mixed with a small amount of marijuana mixed in for pain

[Cliff Fr]

Nay, unless it accompanies very strict guidelines to protect medical patients and allows cultivation. Why, our other home is in Massachusetts and I have seen this play out. The dispensaries that now cater to medical only, with a variety of CBD dominant products for things like joint pain and inflammation, will dump the focus on medical products like a hot potato if recreational becomes legal. The profit is on recreational products that simply have the highest THC content to get the user blasted. Medical patients in Massachusetts can no longer find products anywhere that were easy to source before recreational became legal. Growing high CBD products is more difficult, has lower harvest yields, and is therefore less profitable. Making recreational legal has been a bad thing for medical patients. Regarding cultivation, it’s all about supply and demand relative to the black market. Without cultivation, the only sources of supply are dispensaries and the black market, keeping prices for the consumer very high. The dispensaries set prices at or just below the black market. Allowing cultivation is a game changer for product pricing, especially in Florida where the tropical climate is very conducive to growing. Allowing cultivation both crowds out the black market and forces overall prices significantly lower. No doubt, they want to curtail cultivation to force consumers to purchase from taxable government regulated entities.

Very informative response. I was on the fence but will vote no now.

[Fastskiguy]

I’m thinking…..maybe it’s time to lease some space for “Villages Weed” in brownwood….

Joe

[airstreamingypsy]

Marijuana is already legal in Florida?

Then why need to be voted on?

So we don't have to pay $500.00 a year, almost, to buy it.

[Byte1]

Ironic that they have all BUT criminalized smoking tobacco, yet now folks will be able to/encouraged to smoke pot. Guess good ole Uncle Sam is not making enough tax money from old tobaccie anymore. Other than making some folks wealthy, I see no benefit by making another drug, legal. Isn't alcohol enough of a recreational drug? Maybe we can start our own Amsterdam? How's that working out for the Netherlands?

[Byte1]

I've spent time in Denver before and after legalization. I don't believe that marijuana is the root cause of their problems. Many articles cite gang and gun violence as well as meth and opiodes have overtaken Denver. No mention of marijuana. I honestly have never seen a ring of pot smokers doing burglaries, robberies and gang-style shootings.

Most places that legalized weed have experienced lower crime (feel free to look up recent non-partisan studies) and also save money on people getting incarcerated for smoking a joint which is absurd when it's legal in many places and easy to access almost anywhere.

They legalized it in our area up north and the street dealers went out of business overnight and many just got legitimate jobs at dispensaries. Same thing happened when prohibition ended 100 years ago with alcohol.

I'm shocked that anyone is against all of the tax revenue that it produces. It's not like people start smoking weed when it becomes legal. That never happens.

:a20::mademyday::1rotfl:

[CybrSage]

Ban alcohol. Put Marijuana in every person's lunch bucket! See how mellow our society becomes!
1

Until the Sativa Effect hits when too much is smoked and the person literally loses their mind for an hour or so. Paranoia, feelings of impending doom, etc.

At low level, I agree with you...mellow.

[retiredguy123]

You need a better understanding of medical marijuana in this state. The patient has limited access to the product and all purchases are tracked and controlled through a state database.
Won't the legal non-medical Marijuana also have limited access, or will you be able to buy and possess unlimited amounts, even if you are not a licensed dealer?

[GATORBILL66]

Vote No, we have enough crazies on the road now. Let them go to another state if they want to get high!

[CybrSage]

Maybe we can start our own Amsterdam? How's that working out for the Netherlands?

I wish we would, our crime rate would plummet.

Netherlands vs United States Crime Stats Compared (https://www.nationmaster.com/country-info/compare/Netherlands/United-States/Crime)

[GATORBILL66]

[QUOTE=dougjb;2341789]Ban alcohol. Put Marijuana in every person's lunch bucket! See how mellow our society becomes!


And no work will be done!

[Joe C.]

I vote NO. Keep it illegal ...... it doesn't do society any good.
If the government wants more tax money, then make the fine for illegal use $1000 for the first offense, $2000 for the second offense and so on. That will keep the tax collectors happy and keep law enforcement busy.
BTW, people complain about how cigarette smoke and cigar smoke stinks and is annoying ........Pot smoke absolutely stinks as bad as an overflowing cesspool.

[CybrSage]

I agree about the details, especially the growing aspect. What might be the impact on agriculture when farmers decide to grow pot for profitability instead of producing food? I haven’t seen this possibility examined. Am I missing something?

Very little impact. Florida maybe one of the better states to grow it in. It needs warm, humid air with lots of sunlight. That is why it grows so well in south America and Asia.

There are some strains that grow well without all that but they still grow better in such conditions.

Greenhouses are usually used.

[airstreamingypsy]

It's a yes for me, the free state of Florida taking so many rights away, it's time to give us one. I take a gummy every night, and finally can sleep with no after effects like sleep drugs give me. It never should have been illegal in the first place, it was during the "war on drugs" which was used to target certain communities. Black Americans are arrested for violating marijuana possession laws at nearly four times the rates of white Americans, yet both consume marijuana at roughly the same rates.

[BubblesandPat]

I've spent time in Denver before and after legalization. I don't believe that marijuana is the root cause of their problems. Many articles cite gang and gun violence as well as meth and opiodes have overtaken Denver. No mention of marijuana. I honestly have never seen a ring of pot smokers doing burglaries, robberies and gang-style shootings.

Most places that legalized weed have experienced lower crime (feel free to look up recent non-partisan studies) and also save money on people getting incarcerated for smoking a joint which is absurd when it's legal in many places and easy to access almost anywhere.

They legalized it in our area up north and the street dealers went out of business overnight and many just got legitimate jobs at dispensaries. Same thing happened when prohibition ended 100 years ago with alcohol.

I'm shocked that anyone is against all of the tax revenue that it produces. It's not like people start smoking weed when it becomes legal. That never happens.

Well said! I have a friend who was growing it in his attic to sell (illegally) and was quite an expert in the science of growing the best strains. He moved to California and got a really job with a grower. ( he was delivering pizzas before that) he loves it. Not all pot dealers are low life herione addicts like in the movies. Many are just trying to make a living. Like bootleggers during prohibition many became legitimate businesses.

[CybrSage]

To counter some of the false claims, I figured I would make a list of facts. A great read is this from the CATO institute. They reviewed tons of studies and real world data. A long read so here is their conclusion. I have added additional items they did not cover.

"The absence of significant adverse consequences is especially striking given the sometimes‐​dire predictions made by legalization opponents."
https://www.cato.org/policy-analysis/effect-state-marijuana-legalizations-2021-update#conclusion

All laws regarding legalizing also include stiff penalties for illegal sales, including corruption of a minor.

Pot and coke are vastly different things. The biggest being coke is addictive and pot is not.

It has been proven pot is less of a gateway drug than alcohol is when both are legal. When alcohol was illegal, it was far more of a gateway drug than it is when legal. Pot is the same.

CBD is legal to buy already. No need to buy CBD at a dispensary unless you want it mixed with pot.

The crime rate does not increase with legal pot, only when the idiots in charge also legalize the addictive drugs as well.

Traffic accidents do not increase either. It has been found many would be drunk drivers become stoned drivers creating a net zero change in accidents post legalization.

Pot use increases slightly after legalization and quickly tapers off. With the national view that pot is not so bad, the rate of pot use is climbing in every state. Legalization barely changes it.

Obviously, the justice system's burden is reduced, but that is the effect of legalizing anything.

Vote your conscious, but do it informed. Pot having very little effect on anything but revenue is irrelevant if you are against all mind altering drugs, including alcohol.

[Carl123]

Absolutely NOT!! As a retired Police Officer from Colorado, I saw first hand the effects of legalized marijuana. Every statistical category of crime increased, from petit theft to armed robbery and even murder. Colorado politicians also made the same promises of increasing public safety, fixing roads and more money for school's. To this day, 11 years later, NONE of those promises have come to fruition! Also, the cartel’s moved in, to grow their own weed to sell for much less than what the dispensary’s are selling it for.

Someone is getting rich from the tax base of legalized weed and benefiting, but I can assure you, it’s not the citizens who were handed the same bag of veiled promises…VOTE NO!!!

[MartyW]

This is the type of subject that folks will never 100% agree on. Not gonna waste time with the reasons, not gonna try and convince others. But if we are doing a tracking poll, you can put me in the no column.

[Kelevision]

Absolutely NOT!! As a retired Police Officer from Colorado, I saw first hand the effects of legalized marijuana. Every statistical category of crime increased, from petit theft to armed robbery and even murder. Colorado politicians also made the same promises of increasing public safety, fixing roads and more money for school's. To this day, 11 years later, NONE of those promises have come to fruition! Also, the cartel’s moved in, to grow their own weed to sell for much less than what the dispensary’s are selling it for.

Someone is getting rich from the tax base of legalized weed and benefiting, but I can assure you, it’s not the citizens who were handed the same bag of veiled promises…VOTE NO!!!

The Mexican cartel thanks you! I’m so glad you’re no longer a cop.

[Girlcopper]

Nope. The crime and other problems it brings is far surpassed by any revenue it brings in. Just google "pot Denver crime".

I'm not sure why we allow it to be dispensed the way that it is for medical purposes. Should controlled medical substances be dispensed by a pharmacy?

Finally, just like alcohol, kids are going to get it. Per the Mayo Clinic:

Marijuana use in teens

Marijuana contains more than 500 chemicals, of which delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is considered the primary psychoactive (mind-altering) compound. The concentration of THC in a marijuana product is directly proportional to its potency or how much of a high it will give when consumed. Marijuana use among adolescents and young adults can affect normal brain development, leading to problems in learning, memory, coordination, reaction time and judgment.

Excessive and frequent use of marijuana is associated with hallucinations, paranoia, and a range of emotional problems. The severe form of marijuana abuse is called marijuana use disorder. Youth who use marijuana at an early age, in high amounts and with the risk factors mentioned above are more prone to developing marijuana use disorder.

If it was restricted to adult in private, then I don't care. But you know it won't be. Move to NYC if you like the smell of skunk weed as you walk the streets.
Yep. Make it legal it’s easy to get anyway.

[Cooperthecat]

1. Car insurance may go up? Florida has the most uninsured drivers at 20%. Legalize pot and you may see an increase in car accidents? Pot does reduce reaction times and contributes to poor decision making so it's just another contributing factor. If you're hit twice in 3 years you'll not be able to get insurance for 3 years even if those 2 accidents are minor and not your fault. Florida is a no fault state. I was hit as a passenger while at a stop sign and then hit at a stoplight. Neither accident was my fault but my insurance was canceled. I had to buy a motorcycle to get around for 3 years. My insurance was double when I was able to get it again.
2. The last house I owned in The Villages, my neighbor behind me smoked pot and I couldn't open my windows on cool nights because it would fill the house up if the wind was blowing it my way. There was a 6 ft fence between us. He smoked on his back lanai. The first time it happened I had to leave the house because it was too late to do anything about. My house was full of skunk odor for hours. I guess the wind was blowing just right that evening?
3. Have you been to a state that Legalized pot? Everywhere you go may smell like a skunk. I experienced this in Colorado. If you don't like the smell of cigarettes and cigars you probably won't like pot either.

I'm ok with medical marijuana and voted for it as I believe it may help those who are suffering. Legalizing it for pure enjoyment is not something I can vote for.

[maistocars]

Hard no for me.

[roob1]

Don't confuse correlation with cause. What you state does not necessarily mean cannabis CAUSES psychotic disorders, only a correlation.


Most of the comments, including the OP, seem to violate the "politics" prohibition of this site.

Individuals reporting cannabis use are at higher risk of psychotic disorders (ie, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder) than the general population, as well as having earlier onset, worse symptoms, and longer hospitalisations.

Users are prohibited by federal law to own guns and to pilot aircraft - including drones.

One could replace "marijuana" with amphetamines, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, sex trade, gambling, etc. in all of the arguments for legalization.

[roob1]

Archaic military law. Would he have been depressed if he had received a reasonable sentence? Jail for pot....now that is crazy.


The dumbing down of America. Sure, why not "huuuuuh, phewwww, go for it dude."

Medical is ok; however, abused.

Nothing like smelling cow dung pot at red lights knowing another driver is getting high and driving. Smell it everywhere now. Just wonderful.

Since pot would be ok why not add legailized Molly and coke to counter the excess weight gain and lathargic, mellowed out, overly "chilled" out effects that the pot causes.

Pot slows the brain down so we need a legalized pick me up something stronger than caffeine too. The pick me up means no sleep so now a good stronger than unisom sleep drug is needed so how about some good legalized fentanyl so one can sleep again... like forever.

Sure, all the drugs are here anyway so might as well open the prison gates for those in jail because of them. Shame some people killed themselves over drug convictions that are now legal.

That sucks "dude".

My nephew died in vain. He took his own life after serving his sentence in the brig for smoking pot. The military denied him his meds for depression while he was incarcerated.

Dude, he broke honorable code and valor so he outed himself. His death was a damn shame, worth more than a blunt. I digress...

[Boilerman]

Absolutely NOT!! As a retired Police Officer from Colorado, I saw first hand the effects of legalized marijuana. Every statistical category of crime increased, from petit theft to armed robbery and even murder. Colorado politicians also made the same promises of increasing public safety, fixing roads and more money for school's. To this day, 11 years later, NONE of those promises have come to fruition! Also, the cartel’s moved in, to grow their own weed to sell for much less than what the dispensary’s are selling it for.

Someone is getting rich from the tax base of legalized weed and benefiting, but I can assure you, it’s not the citizens who were handed the same bag of veiled promises…VOTE NO!!!

None of this is true. From the former Gov of Colorado: “ When Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO) served as governor of Colorado in 2012, he unsuccessfully tried to convince voters to reject a ballot initiative to legalize marijuana, in large part because he worried it would encourage more use by young people. But with years of data now generated by his state and other that have since enacted legalization, he’s admitting that his concern was unfounded.”

[tophcfa]

You also have foreign crime syndicates running a lot of the "legal grow" facilities in the US.

A very big problem for the entire industry is that the amount of government regulations creates a huge barrier to entry, making it very expensive up front to start up a business. Couple that with the fact that it’s becoming legal in many states, but illegal federally, severely limits start up entrepreneurs financing sources. Since banks are federally chartered, and FDIC insured, they can not lend money to any business involved in the industry. Unfortunately, only very deep pocketed and big established, often nefarious organizations, tend to have the cash on hand necessary to enter the business. It has crowded out the little guy and local farmer.

[jimkerr]

I’ll be voting yes. It helps so many people and here in Fl. It’s all analyzed by a third party lab to ensure it’s safe.

I’ve seen so much incorrect data by people saying they will vote no.

You should start attending the villages medical marijuana club meetings and learn how much it can help you. There are hundreds of villagers using it to solve a multitude of problems naturally without prescription pills.

[Cheapbas]

It's on the ballot this November.

It's estimated the tax revenue in the first year would be over $500 million and much more in the following years.

21 years of age would be the age limit and no cultivating on your own.

Medical marijuana is already legal in Florida and seems to obtain approval is a low threshold and really just about the money for doctor fees.

For those who say it's a gateway drug well alcohol or any mind altering medication can also be a gateway drug.

Yea or Nay on Amendment 3 for marijuana legalization?

Absolutely beneficial to seniors; sleep, pain, reduces inflammation, blood pressure and I’m hearing better O’s for women. If used responsibly it would be a nice complement to your better well being.

[Michael 61]

I've spent time in Denver before and after legalization. I don't believe that marijuana is the root cause of their problems. Many articles cite gang and gun violence as well as meth and opiodes have overtaken Denver. No mention of marijuana. I honestly have never seen a ring of pot smokers doing burglaries, robberies and gang-style shootings.

Most places that legalized weed have experienced lower crime (feel free to look up recent non-partisan studies) and also save money on people getting incarcerated for smoking a joint which is absurd when it's legal in many places and easy to access almost anywhere.

They legalized it in our area up north and the street dealers went out of business overnight and many just got legitimate jobs at dispensaries. Same thing happened when prohibition ended 100 years ago with alcohol.

I'm shocked that anyone is against all of the tax revenue that it produces. It's not like people start smoking weed when it becomes legal. That never happens.
I lived in Colorado Springs for 20 years and was in Denver weekly if not more during those years - I ABSOLUTELY saw an obvious and rapid deterioration of downtown Denver the same year pot became legalized. The homelessness problem exploded, as young people from around the country flooded the public parks to camp out and smoke pot in public. I first-hand witnessed restaurants and small, businesses flee downtown Denver, as the “riff raff” associated with the public pot smoking took over the downtown. Ask most Coloradans, and downtown Denver quickly became a “no go” zone, after previously being a mostly safe and clean area to dine and socialize.

[Robojo]

It's on the ballot this November.

It's estimated the tax revenue in the fi6rst year would be over $500 million and much more in the following years.

21 years of age would be the age limit and no cultivating on your own.

Medical marijuana is already legal in Florida and seems to obtain approval is a low threshold and really just about the money for doctor fees.

For those who say it's a gateway drug well alcohol or any mind altering medication can also be a gateway drug.

Yea or Nay on Amendment 3 for marijuana legalization?

I vote NAY. ITS ALL ABOUT MONEY. Why can't we grow one plant for ourselves? No. Until that part changes.

[Robojo]

Top 5 most addictive drugs.
1. Cocaine
2. Heroin
3. Alcohol
4. Nicotine
5. Meth

You know what isn’t addictive? Marijuana. The plant that’s grown from the ground untouched. I wish people would do research. Of course I support this and most everyone will. It’s a no brainer. You never see the headline…” Driver under the influence of weed killed……” Let’s not start on prescription medications like opioids. Not to mention the people who use both alcohol AND medications like opioids.

When I had my hips replaced I used cannabis after the first week. No way I'm taking those pills. I got some Reggie and it worked fine.

[Fuzzyjourneyfan]

Here is what happened in Nevada...
1. The selling point for voters was that the money would go to education, but when the state found out how much money they could make, they decided to use a bucket system. One bucket is money used for education. Once that bucket overflows, the rest of the money goes to other state pet projects. So....just as teachers expected...no extra money was used for education.

2. You can smell weed in NV all day long. If you are on the expressway at 5 A.M., you will smell weed. Impaired drivers are never a good thing.

3. Kids were taking their parents' weed and smoking in school. You could smell weed all day long. It was so prevalent that the administration stopped trying to catch the kids bringing in the drugs. Kids that were caught just received a slap on the wrist.

I'm not against people using weed, but I hate the smell and don't want to smell that odor all day long in The Villages. If you don't believe that people will be driving high, you are fooling yourself. I do smell weed occasionally in the Villages, but if it were legal, many people would be smoking it, and some of those people will be driving high, creating an unsafe environment for us all.

[PootleK]

I really don't care if people want to take cannabis edibles or vape in their own home. The smoking it is another matter. It stinks, it makes me nauseous, it makes your hair and clothing stink if you're in any kind of proximity to it.
You know people will smoke in their backyard, cause they have the "right to", making everyone else's backyard unusable.
Hopefully TV will have strict rules against Cannabis smoking even if made legal.

[cthherod@gmail.com]

It's on the ballot this November.

It's estimated the tax revenue in the first year would be over $500 million and much more in the following years.

21 years of age would be the age limit and no cultivating on your own.

Medical marijuana is already legal in Florida and seems to obtain approval is a low threshold and really just about the money for doctor fees.

For those who say it's a gateway drug well alcohol or any mind altering medication can also be a gateway drug.

Yea or Nay on Amendment 3 for marijuana legalization?

Nay

[BumpaOompa]

Nay! Society needs to reduce the amount of mind altering drugs, not add to them. Enough crazies in the world already.

[Battlebasset]

I’ll be voting yes. It helps so many people and here in Fl. It’s all analyzed by a third party lab to ensure it’s safe.

I’ve seen so much incorrect data by people saying they will vote no.

You should start attending the villages medical marijuana club meetings and learn how much it can help you. There are hundreds of villagers using it to solve a multitude of problems naturally without prescription pills.

This isn't about medical. The vote is about recreational.

[Battlebasset]

I really don't care if people want to take cannabis edibles or vape in their own home. The smoking it is another matter. It stinks, it makes me nauseous, it makes your hair and clothing stink if you're in any kind of proximity to it.
You know people will smoke in their backyard, cause they have the "right to", making everyone else's backyard unusable.
Hopefully TV will have strict rules against Cannabis smoking even if made legal.

When I worked in NYC before Covid it was everywhere. Openly smoked it. Police did nothing.

We have someone in our neighborhood that "wakes and bakes" most every morning. Going to assume it's medicinal, but it still stinks.

[Cliff Fr]

There's a reason it's called dope. (It causes users to act dopey). Lol

[Cliff Fr]

I really don't care if people want to take cannabis edibles or vape in their own home. The smoking it is another matter. It stinks, it makes me nauseous, it makes your hair and clothing stink if you're in any kind of proximity to it.
You know people will smoke in their backyard, cause they have the "right to", making everyone else's backyard unusable.
Hopefully TV will have strict rules against Cannabis smoking even if made legal.

I doubt that's possible

[snyderrf]

It's on the ballot this November.

It's estimated the tax revenue in the first year would be over $500 million and much more in the following years.

21 years of age would be the age limit and no cultivating on your own.

Medical marijuana is already legal in Florida and seems to obtain approval is a low threshold and really just about the money for doctor fees.

For those who say it's a gateway drug well alcohol or any mind altering medication can also be a gateway drug.

Yea or Nay on Amendment 3 for marijuana legalization?
Yes. 100%.

[Topspinmo]

The Mexican cartel thanks you! I’m so glad you’re no longer a cop.

No, Mexican cartels thanks all the pot heads that can’t get through day without being high.

[Topspinmo]

I wish we would, our crime rate would plummet.

Netherlands vs United States Crime Stats Compared (https://www.nationmaster.com/country-info/compare/Netherlands/United-States/Crime)

So, let’s compare large city to to big nation.

[Topspinmo]

nope coffee

Sugar.

[Battlebasset]

Absolutely NOT!! As a retired Police Officer from Colorado, I saw first hand the effects of legalized marijuana. Every statistical category of crime increased, from petit theft to armed robbery and even murder. Colorado politicians also made the same promises of increasing public safety, fixing roads and more money for school's. To this day, 11 years later, NONE of those promises have come to fruition! Also, the cartel’s moved in, to grow their own weed to sell for much less than what the dispensary’s are selling it for.

Someone is getting rich from the tax base of legalized weed and benefiting, but I can assure you, it’s not the citizens who were handed the same bag of veiled promises…VOTE NO!!!

Agree. I heard/saw the same thing from friends that lived in Denver and experienced myself when I would go into downtown Denver.

Yes, most will buy pot, use it a home and responsibly, but like alcohol, 10% will abuse it, drive high, and create problems for everyone else and more work for law enforcement. And the revenue gained will be offset by the cost of the pain caused.

Nope. If you want recreational pot, plenty of states that have it. Move there.

And sir, thank you for your service.

[DaddyD]

I have absolutely no problem with people who are against cannabis legalization due to their beliefs that it's either unhealthy / bad for people & society, a gateway drug leading to harder drugs being used, etc., as long as they would also vote for making alcohol, all nicotine products, fast food & sugar-filled soft-drink illegal as well.

But anyone who would vote against allowing adults to use cannabis--but who they themselves drink alcohol or smokes cigars or cigarettes--is a complete & utter hypocrite.

[justjim]

I vote NAY. ITS ALL ABOUT MONEY. Why can't we grow one plant for ourselves? No. Until that part changes.

It is Russian Roulette to buy it on the street. Thousands die because they buy it that way.

[courtyard]

At one hospital down here the nurse gave me one night some THC to keep me docile during my stay. I hated the psychotic paranoia I endured the whole night and demanded the nurses and doctors never give me that again.

[Byte1]

I have absolutely no problem with people who are against cannabis legalization due to their beliefs that it's either unhealthy / bad for people & society, a gateway drug leading to harder drugs being used, etc., as long as they would also vote for making alcohol, all nicotine products, fast food & sugar-filled soft-drink illegal as well.

But anyone who would vote against allowing adults to use cannabis--but who they themselves drink alcohol or smokes cigars or cigarettes--is a complete & utter hypocrite.

Uhhh, I don't think that alcohol, fast food and sugar are on the ballot. As for tobacco, it has all but been banned for public use.
Anyone that has children would want any assistance in making them the walking dead. Pot destroys motivation and slows the thought process. Sure, tell me how it never had any of that sort of effect on someone you know. Point is that everyone that has ever witnesses pot heads, also knows (if they are honest) that pot is not good for general, recreational use.
On the other hand, if society wishes to make it a civil offense, rather than a criminal offense, that's fine with me. Let the traffic court handle it, just like dui, reckless operation, etc. That is as far as I can morally compromise on this subject. I do NOT wish to see a generation of zombies.

[Byte1]

It is Russian Roulette to buy it on the street. Thousands die because they buy it that way.

Maybe they shouldn't be buying something that they know is illegal and might harm or kill them. Like I said, pot makes people stupid.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

You theory flawed, first you have find scrupulous doctor that will go against ethic’s to just give prescription for controlled substances. But, I could see some doctors getting kick backs just like pushing some pills. :thumbup:

No you don't. You just have to tell the doctor you suffer from anxiety. Or ADHD, or were previously diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. Or any of a number of other things that qualify you for a medical card. The doctor ONLY provides authorization for the medical card. He doesn't treat illnesses. This is how the system in Florida is legislated to work. Basically the doctor collects a fee twice a year and registers you as a medical cannabis patient. He passes some of the fee to the State, and keeps the rest for himself.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

What? Marijuana is not a controlled substance? What have you been smoking if you believe that. It is a Schedule one controlled substance right up there with heroin, LSD and meth. Which means there is no known legitimate use for the med and even prohibits almost all research.

The Biden administration has asked that it be reclassified (https://www.politico.com/news/2024/05/16/biden-announces-marijuana-reclassification-00158408) as a lower category 3 controlled substance but there has not been any finalization of his effort which he began in 2022. But it getting closer.

After reclassification as a Schedule 3 controlled drug it will still be illegal under federal law to possess, grow etc except for legitimate medical uses. It will not decriminalize nor "legalize" pot. No matter what Florida does, possession will still violate Federal law. Attempts have been made to decriminalize on the federal level which results, of course, in the usual accusations of "soft on crime" and "must support the cartels" garbage.

A bill to decriminalize, remove marijuana from the controlled substance list, passed the House (HR 3617) in 2022 but died in the Senate under the threat of filibuster and the usual political infighting and posturing. Since the House changed parties there has been no action on the issue.

If it becomes a schedule 3 controlled drug, then any doctor will be able to legally prescribe it for any qualifying ailment/illness, from anxiety to pain to nausea caused by cancer treatments, and glaucoma.

And you wouldn't need a medical card to get it, you could pick it up at any pharmacy.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) advocates for careful consideration of potential immediate and downstream effects of marijuana policy changes on children and adolescents. Marijuana legalization, even if restricted to adults, may be associated with (a) decreased adolescent perception of marijuana’s harmful effects, (b) increased marijuana use among parents and caretakers, and (c) increased adolescent access to marijuana, all of which reliably predict increased rates of adolescent marijuana use and associated problems.1-3 Marijuana use during pregnancy, occurring at increasing rates, raises additional concerns regarding future infant, child, and adolescent development.4-6]

The same can be said about alcohol, sex, spending money on anything that isn't absolutely necessary for survival, eating fast food. I mean depriving your unborn baby of the things it needs to survive because mommy needs a manicure is not a wholesome way to start their life, right?

And yet - ALL of the above are not only legal, but in most cases (except the sex) advertised and publicly encouraged.

[tophcfa]

If it becomes a schedule 3 controlled drug, then any doctor will be able to legally prescribe it for any qualifying ailment/illness, from anxiety to pain to nausea caused by cancer treatments, and glaucoma.

And you wouldn't need a medical card to get it, you could pick it up at any pharmacy.

For that to happen it would have to be legal federally and be approved by the food and drug administration. There is no doubt it will eventually become federally legal as younger generations take over congress. Getting FDA approval is another story. That process would have to overcome the deep pocket pharmaceutical lobbing $$$$ earmarked to protect against competition for their highly profitable drugs.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

So we don't have to pay $500.00 a year, almost, to buy it.

That's just for the certification. You then have to buy the product itself, which can set you back thousands of dollars per year depending on how much you use and in which form you choose to use it.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Vote No, we have enough crazies on the road now. Let them go to another state if they want to get high!

The crazies who WOULD use cannabis, already ARE using it. Some of them are using it to control their craziness. In which case, that's a good thing. The rest of them are using it illegally already. This is just making sure the state gets its share of the profits, by legalizing it. It also makes sure that the people who DO need it for medical purposes, are able to not have to trust a street dealer. Pot laced with fentanyl is one of the primary reasons why fentanyl addiction became a "thing" in the first place.

I think growing "up to X number of plants for personal use" should be legal as well, as long as it's grown inside a building or other lockable enclosure (like a covered lanai with glass windows for example).

DUI means driving under the influence. It doesn't mean driving while intoxicated from alcohol. If you're driving under the influence of ANY substance - including cannabis, even gummies, then you can be arrested and charged with a DUI. It doesn't matter if the "influential substance" is legal or not.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Don't confuse correlation with cause. What you state does not necessarily mean cannabis CAUSES psychotic disorders, only a correlation.

In fact, cannabis is used medicinally to TREAT some psychiatric disorders. So it stands to reason that more people who have these disorders, will report using cannabis.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I really don't care if people want to take cannabis edibles or vape in their own home. The smoking it is another matter. It stinks, it makes me nauseous, it makes your hair and clothing stink if you're in any kind of proximity to it.
You know people will smoke in their backyard, cause they have the "right to", making everyone else's backyard unusable.
Hopefully TV will have strict rules against Cannabis smoking even if made legal.

That's what I say about cigars, but you don't need a medical card to buy one, or smoke it on the sidewalk outside stores and restaurants. Cigar smoke is absolutely nauseating. I can't stand to be upwind of the smell so when someone is smoking a stogie at the edge of the Square when I'm there, I have to move to the other side of the Square.

And you know everyone who already smokes those nasty cigars, has no problem smoking in their own back yards because they're allowed to.

I'd say - the smell of cannabis smoke is not nearly as offensive as the stench of a cigar. I don't smoke it, I don't eat gummies, I don't use THC at all in any form. But if someone wants to use it and they're being responsible users, then I think it should be treated exactly the way alcohol is treated. Show an ID, be 21 or over to buy or use outside the privacy of your own home, don't drive under the influence, and don't be sloppy about it.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

For that to happen it would have to be legal federally and be approved by the food and drug administration. There is no doubt it will eventually become federally legal as younger generations take over congress. Getting FDA approval is another story. That process would have to overcome the deep pocket pharmaceutical lobbing $$$$ earmarked to protect against competition for their highly profitable drugs.

As long as the FDA has it classified as a schedule 1 drug, it -cannot- be made federally legal. Schedule 1 drugs are, by definition, illegal. They are designated as having no medical use at all, under any circumstances. Rescheduling it is part of the process of making it legal on a federal level. Heroin, LSD, cannabis, peyote, and methaqualone (quaaludes) are examples of schedule 1 drugs. They cannot be sold, used, or possessed without breaking federal law.

[hmbfoxtail]

I don't use marijuana and after many years as in law enforcement I am going to say definitely agree make it legal. I would trust a driver on marijuana before alcohol. Clearly the "War" on drugs is a complete failure. I strongly believe if a person who chooses marijuana should be allowed to grow their own. It's much safer for the consumer. I would never support "hard" or "Gateway" drugs. But marijuana is not going anywhere. To make a person a "Criminal" because they chose to smoke or eat marijuana is a waste of the officers and courts time. Clearly this is just my 2 cents. But I don't believe marijuana is any worse then alcohol at least a user of marijuana can't get liver disease.

[Laraine]

The Case Against Cannabis
A journalist’s pursuit of the truth about marijuana, mental illness and violence.
By The Marshall Project

Alex Berenson is probably best known as the author of the John Wells espionage thrillers, 11 of them so far, but until 2010 he was a reporter, including for 11 years at The New York Times, where his assignments ranged from the pharmaceutical industry to Hurricane Katrina.

He did two reporting tours in Iraq. That battleground may seem relatively tame compared to the response when his new book goes on sale.

“Tell Your Children: The Truth About Marijuana, Mental Illness, and Violence” is an intensively researched and passionate dissent from the now prevailing view that marijuana is relatively harmless. The book is a “bullhorn” (his word) for scientists and physicians whose research has, he argues, been drowned out by the triumphal cheers of the marijuana lobby.

He exchanged emails with TMP’s Bill Keller.

The Marshall Project: Alex, you’re really swimming against the tide. Both public opinion and the law have moved dramatically in favor of marijuana, and you’re arguing that pot is connected to psychosis and violent crime. Before we get to your evidence, what drew you to this subject?

Alex Berenson: My wife Jacqueline is a forensic psychiatrist. She evaluates the criminally mentally ill. She told me that nearly all her patients had used marijuana heavily, many at the times of their crimes. At first I didn't really believe her—stupidly—but she encouraged me to evaluate the evidence myself. And the more I read, the more I realized she was right. Marijuana drives a surprising amount of psychosis, and psychosis—besides being a terrible burden for sufferers and their families—is a shockingly high risk for violent crime.

TMP: Last I checked, 33 states and the District of Columbia had legalized marijuana specifically for medicinal purposes. Doctors are apparently prescribing pot for pain, Parkinson’s, PTSD, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and most recently some forms of autism. Pot has been held out as an answer to the opioid crisis—pain relief without the risk of a lethal overdose. Are you saying all these politicians and doctors are deluded?

AB: This question fundamentally misunderstands medical marijuana. The confusion is not surprising, as the cannabis advocacy community has done everything possible to confuse the way medical legalization works in practice. Marijuana is not "prescribed" for anything. It can't be, because the FDA has never approved it to treat any disease, and there is little evidence that smoked cannabis or THC extracts help any of the diseases you mention, except pain. Physicians "authorize" its use, usually after very short visits by patients who have come to them specifically to receive an authorization card. By far the most common conditions for which medical marijuana is authorized are pain and self-reported psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and insomnia, not diseases such as Parkinson's.

After receiving an authorization card, "patients" can then buy as much marijuana as they like for a year for any reason they choose. Nearly all were recreational users before they became "patients." And there is no difference between medical and recreational marijuana. They are the same drug. Further, the vast majority of physicians will not write authorizations, at least according to the states that keep track of physician authorizations. A tiny number of doctors—so-called "pot doctors"—write nearly all of them.

In other words, in nearly all cases, medical legalization is simply a backdoor way to protect recreational users from arrest. This has been a terrible mistake, mainly because it has further confused the public about marijuana's relative risks and benefits.

TMP: Your other—perhaps more contentious—conclusion is that marijuana may contribute to increases in violent crime. As you know, establishing causal links between crime rates and, well, anything, is extremely tricky. What convinced you that pot is a culprit?

AB: Psychosis is a known factor for violent crime. People with schizophrenia commit violent crime at rates far higher than healthy people - their homicide rates are about 20 times as high. Worse, they commit most of that crime while they are under the influence. Since cannabis causes paranoia—not even advocates dispute that fact—and psychosis, it is not surprising that it would drive violent crime. And in fact there are a number of good studies showing that users have significantly higher violence rates than non-users. Further, in researching the book, I found many, many cases where the causation appeared clear. In some cases it was as simple and obvious as, this person—with no history of violence—smoked, became psychotic, and committed a homicide.

TMP: You write that you don’t believe people should go to prison for using marijuana. How should the law deal with pot? Should it be regulated? Should it carry a warning label?

AB: We need to spend a lot of money warning people—especially young people—about these risks. We've successfully driven down tobacco use. We can do the same with marijuana use. I don't favor full legalization because that creates an industry with a financial interest in low taxes and increasing use. Decriminalization is a reasonable compromise.

TMP: In your Times op-ed, you suggest that the ominous scholarly findings have been ignored thanks to legalization advocates and the private cannabis industry. Is it just that they made a more convincing argument, that they were louder, or is something else going on?

AB: Linking legalization to medical use was a brilliant decision. No one wants to deny terminal cancer patients or people with AIDS a medicine that might help them. They were also supported by a lot of people in the elite media who became convinced by the social and racial justice arguments and didn't do the work necessary to understand the science and health risks.

TMP: You refer to the social and racial justice arguments. You agree that there are real racial disparities in the treatment of drugs, including marijuana? How do they figure in the larger debate about legalization?

AB: I do. But legalizing marijuana will not solve those disparities—they are related to much broader criminal justice and social issues. In fact, not so long ago, many black and Hispanic leaders strongly opposed legalization, because they saw the way Big Tobacco and Big Alcohol targeted poor and minority communities. And support for legalization is still lower among African-Americans and Hispanics than whites.

TMP: You chose as the title of your book “Tell Your Children”—which was the original title of “Reefer Madness,” the comically alarmist 1930’s anti-marijuana propaganda film. Why?

AB: I expected I would face serious backlash for this book and instead of running from it I decided to lean in. As far as I'm concerned, I'm a journalist, not an advocate—I'm just the messenger for a bunch of scientists and physicians who are too busy researching and helping patients to waste time on talk shows—but I knew how the book would be received.

TMP: Malcolm Gladwell, a pretty good guide to the zeitgeist, calls your book a "worst-case scenario," but seems to agree with you that benign view of pot has been greatly oversold. He says the best-case scenario is that we muddle through, adapting to marijuana as we have to the "once extraordinarily lethal innovation of the automobile." Your thoughts?

AB: I really liked Gladwell's piece. I don't think I'm presenting a "worst-case scenario," though—I am trying to discuss harms that have largely gone unnoticed for far too long. And I think that comparing the legalization of a powerful intoxicant to the invention of the automobile is a stretch at best.

TMP: Forgive the obvious question, but have you smoked/vaped/consumed the drug in question?

AB: To me, that's not so much obvious as irrelevant. But yes, I have used it a handful of times in my life, in college and thereafter. This was mostly in the 1990s, when cannabis was much weaker. To be honest, knowing what I know now, I don't think I would be comfortable using the current high-THC versions.

[roob1]

A case of confusing correlation with causation.....Quotes are from Wikipedia.

"A group of 100 scholars and clinicians (including academics from Columbia University, Harvard Medical School, and New York University, and care providers including addiction medicine doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers) published an open letter criticizing Berenson's claim of a scientific link between cannabis use and violence.[3][6]: 1 [4]In particular, they describe his book as highly problematic because Berenson infers causation from correlation, cherry-picks data that fits his narrative, falls victim to selection bias via use of anecdotes to back up his assertions, and attributes the disproportionate rates of arrest of African-American youth[5]: 1  to the alleged violence caused by their cannabis use, despite individuals of all races using cannabis at approximately equal rates.[3]: 1 [12][6]"

"Carl Hart, a professor of psychology and psychiatry at Columbia University and Charles Ksir, professor emeritus of psychology and neuroscience at the University of Wyoming, wrote an opinion piece in The Guardian which stated: "As scientists with a combined 70-plus years of drug education and research on psychoactive substances, we find Berenson's assertions to be misinformed and reckless.", and that Berenson confuses causation with correlation (association) when claiming that marijuana use causes increased psychosis, while ignoring that the same correlation also exists for psychosis and use of tobacco, stimulants, and opioids.[2]: 1 They conclude with: "Back in the 1930s, when there were virtually no scientific data on marijuana, ignorant and racist officials publicized exaggerated anecdotal accounts of its harms and were believed. Almost 90 years and hundreds of studies later, there is no excuse for these exaggerations or the inappropriate conclusions drawn by Berenson. Neither account has any place in serious discussions of science or public policy – which means Berenson doesn't, either."[2]"


The Case Against Cannabis
A journalist’s pursuit of the truth about marijuana, mental illness and violence.
By The Marshall Project

Alex Berenson is probably best known as the author of the John Wells espionage thrillers, 11 of them so far, but until 2010 he was a reporter, including for 11 years at The New York Times, where his assignments ranged from the pharmaceutical industry to Hurricane Katrina.

He did two reporting tours in Iraq. That battleground may seem relatively tame compared to the response when his new book goes on sale.

“Tell Your Children: The Truth About Marijuana, Mental Illness, and Violence” is an intensively researched and passionate dissent from the now prevailing view that marijuana is relatively harmless. The book is a “bullhorn” (his word) for scientists and physicians whose research has, he argues, been drowned out by the triumphal cheers of the marijuana lobby.

He exchanged emails with TMP’s Bill Keller.

The Marshall Project: Alex, you’re really swimming against the tide. Both public opinion and the law have moved dramatically in favor of marijuana, and you’re arguing that pot is connected to psychosis and violent crime. Before we get to your evidence, what drew you to this subject?

Alex Berenson: My wife Jacqueline is a forensic psychiatrist. She evaluates the criminally mentally ill. She told me that nearly all her patients had used marijuana heavily, many at the times of their crimes. At first I didn't really believe her—stupidly—but she encouraged me to evaluate the evidence myself. And the more I read, the more I realized she was right. Marijuana drives a surprising amount of psychosis, and psychosis—besides being a terrible burden for sufferers and their families—is a shockingly high risk for violent crime.

TMP: Last I checked, 33 states and the District of Columbia had legalized marijuana specifically for medicinal purposes. Doctors are apparently prescribing pot for pain, Parkinson’s, PTSD, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and most recently some forms of autism. Pot has been held out as an answer to the opioid crisis—pain relief without the risk of a lethal overdose. Are you saying all these politicians and doctors are deluded?

AB: This question fundamentally misunderstands medical marijuana. The confusion is not surprising, as the cannabis advocacy community has done everything possible to confuse the way medical legalization works in practice. Marijuana is not "prescribed" for anything. It can't be, because the FDA has never approved it to treat any disease, and there is little evidence that smoked cannabis or THC extracts help any of the diseases you mention, except pain. Physicians "authorize" its use, usually after very short visits by patients who have come to them specifically to receive an authorization card. By far the most common conditions for which medical marijuana is authorized are pain and self-reported psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and insomnia, not diseases such as Parkinson's.

After receiving an authorization card, "patients" can then buy as much marijuana as they like for a year for any reason they choose. Nearly all were recreational users before they became "patients." And there is no difference between medical and recreational marijuana. They are the same drug. Further, the vast majority of physicians will not write authorizations, at least according to the states that keep track of physician authorizations. A tiny number of doctors—so-called "pot doctors"—write nearly all of them.

In other words, in nearly all cases, medical legalization is simply a backdoor way to protect recreational users from arrest. This has been a terrible mistake, mainly because it has further confused the public about marijuana's relative risks and benefits.

TMP: Your other—perhaps more contentious—conclusion is that marijuana may contribute to increases in violent crime. As you know, establishing causal links between crime rates and, well, anything, is extremely tricky. What convinced you that pot is a culprit?

AB: Psychosis is a known factor for violent crime. People with schizophrenia commit violent crime at rates far higher than healthy people - their homicide rates are about 20 times as high. Worse, they commit most of that crime while they are under the influence. Since cannabis causes paranoia—not even advocates dispute that fact—and psychosis, it is not surprising that it would drive violent crime. And in fact there are a number of good studies showing that users have significantly higher violence rates than non-users. Further, in researching the book, I found many, many cases where the causation appeared clear. In some cases it was as simple and obvious as, this person—with no history of violence—smoked, became psychotic, and committed a homicide.

TMP: You write that you don’t believe people should go to prison for using marijuana. How should the law deal with pot? Should it be regulated? Should it carry a warning label?

AB: We need to spend a lot of money warning people—especially young people—about these risks. We've successfully driven down tobacco use. We can do the same with marijuana use. I don't favor full legalization because that creates an industry with a financial interest in low taxes and increasing use. Decriminalization is a reasonable compromise.

TMP: In your Times op-ed, you suggest that the ominous scholarly findings have been ignored thanks to legalization advocates and the private cannabis industry. Is it just that they made a more convincing argument, that they were louder, or is something else going on?

AB: Linking legalization to medical use was a brilliant decision. No one wants to deny terminal cancer patients or people with AIDS a medicine that might help them. They were also supported by a lot of people in the elite media who became convinced by the social and racial justice arguments and didn't do the work necessary to understand the science and health risks.

TMP: You refer to the social and racial justice arguments. You agree that there are real racial disparities in the treatment of drugs, including marijuana? How do they figure in the larger debate about legalization?

AB: I do. But legalizing marijuana will not solve those disparities—they are related to much broader criminal justice and social issues. In fact, not so long ago, many black and Hispanic leaders strongly opposed legalization, because they saw the way Big Tobacco and Big Alcohol targeted poor and minority communities. And support for legalization is still lower among African-Americans and Hispanics than whites.

TMP: You chose as the title of your book “Tell Your Children”—which was the original title of “Reefer Madness,” the comically alarmist 1930’s anti-marijuana propaganda film. Why?

AB: I expected I would face serious backlash for this book and instead of running from it I decided to lean in. As far as I'm concerned, I'm a journalist, not an advocate—I'm just the messenger for a bunch of scientists and physicians who are too busy researching and helping patients to waste time on talk shows—but I knew how the book would be received.

TMP: Malcolm Gladwell, a pretty good guide to the zeitgeist, calls your book a "worst-case scenario," but seems to agree with you that benign view of pot has been greatly oversold. He says the best-case scenario is that we muddle through, adapting to marijuana as we have to the "once extraordinarily lethal innovation of the automobile." Your thoughts?

AB: I really liked Gladwell's piece. I don't think I'm presenting a "worst-case scenario," though—I am trying to discuss harms that have largely gone unnoticed for far too long. And I think that comparing the legalization of a powerful intoxicant to the invention of the automobile is a stretch at best.

TMP: Forgive the obvious question, but have you smoked/vaped/consumed the drug in question?

AB: To me, that's not so much obvious as irrelevant. But yes, I have used it a handful of times in my life, in college and thereafter. This was mostly in the 1990s, when cannabis was much weaker. To be honest, knowing what I know now, I don't think I would be comfortable using the current high-THC versions.

[elevatorman]

How will you vote on Florida Amendment 3 Marijuana Legalization

[Bill14564]

How will you vote on Florida Amendment 3 Marijuana Legalization

I will vote in person at Rohan. I will probably take advantage of early voting. I don't remember exactly how to mark the ballot so I will have to listen to the instructions when I arrive.

[KSSunshine]

Being a neighbor to Colorado when marijuana was legalized, one aspect sold to voters was that it would increase funding for education. Sadly, emergency room visits increased, including children who got into parents "gummies" that looked like candy. Vehicular accidents increased as well. Our family who lived there had to stop going to sports bars since they cannot have substances in their systems for work. (You don't want your pilot high on second hand mj). Users abused the priviledge and smoked in public places, not just their homes...afterall....who were they hurting was their mantra. I watch the TV ads and think of the added problems that they never mention since it's all about passing this law. Sad to present only one side of an issue. Bad for people.

[Bealman]

It's on the ballot this November.

It's estimated the tax revenue in the first year would be over $500 million and much more in the following years.

21 years of age would be the age limit and no cultivating on your own.

Medical marijuana is already legal in Florida and seems to obtain approval is a low threshold and really just about the money for doctor fees.

For those who say it's a gateway drug well alcohol or any mind altering medication can also be a gateway drug.

Yea or Nay on Amendment 3 for marijuana legalization?

Moved from CO to get away from marijuana legalization. Ruined CO. It will ruin Florida. Medical marijuana was a "gateway drug" to eventually get recreational marijuana into states. It is the game the marijuana industry has followed in every state.
Maybe once all the states have legal marijuana the issues will not be as big of an impact with the crap that follows the legalization of marijuana.

Funny, we want to ban smoking, but yet we promote marijuana. Oxymoron in my opinion. Yes, you can eat marijuana, but most of the time it is smoked.....so why do we want to ban smoking tobacco if we are legalizing marijuana?

Of course, it is about the money. Something is only legal if you can tax it properly. Just ask Al Capone.

[Cliff Fr]

I urge a person to watch the movie "Up in smoke" with Cheech and Chong before you decide how to vote. Lol

[Bogie Shooter]

Mail in ballot.

[Topspinmo]

No. And no next year, and next decade. But, one pot head can nullify my vote.:loco:

[CybrSage]

I lived in Colorado Springs for 20 years and was in Denver weekly if not more during those years - I ABSOLUTELY saw an obvious and rapid deterioration of downtown Denver the same year pot became legalized. The homelessness problem exploded, as young people from around the country flooded the public parks to camp out and smoke pot in public. I first-hand witnessed restaurants and small, businesses flee downtown Denver, as the “riff raff” associated with the public pot smoking took over the downtown. Ask most Coloradans, and downtown Denver quickly became a “no go” zone, after previously being a mostly safe and clean area to dine and socialize.

I did a search to see what effects on downtown Denver legalization had amd found nothing bad.

Can you post support for your claims?

[CybrSage]

Being a neighbor to Colorado when marijuana was legalized, one aspect sold to voters was that it would increase funding for education. Sadly, emergency room visits increased, including children who got into parents "gummies" that looked like candy.

This is why PA does not allow gummies. If governments say putting a cartoon camel camel on cigarettes is marketing to children, that same logic says a gummy is designed for kids. Heck JUUL was snacked down for having tasty flavors in it's nicotine vapes.

I enjoy them, but gummies really are an irresistible piece of candy to kids. Parents need to keep them locked away.

[CybrSage]

Alex Berenson: My wife Jacqueline is a forensic psychiatrist. She evaluates the criminally mentally ill. She told me that nearly all her patients had used marijuana heavily, many at the times of their crimes. At first I didn't really believe her—stupidly—but she encouraged me to evaluate the evidence myself. And the more I read, the more I realized she was right. Marijuana drives a surprising amount of psychosis, and psychosis—besides being a terrible burden for sufferers and their families—is a shockingly high risk for violent crime.

She is a bad psychiatrist since she wrongly believes that correlation is causation.

It has been proven that people with mental issues find relief with pot, yet she thinks the pot caused the problem they found relief from.

The science is anything but clear on this issue and anyone who says otherwise should be completely ignored.

[Ptmcbriz]

About time Florida enters the 21st century. It needs the revenue to upgrade infrastructure, schools, roads, etc. people can’t smoke it in public and only smoke in their homes. They do it now but now it will be regulated and the state financially benefit. Bravo!

[GATORBILL66]

Vote no. Check out how much the death rate has gone up in the states that voted to legalize weed. Colorado and Oregon especially are thinking of trying to reverse it somehow. If you want to loose a love one, vote yes! Don't ruin Florida!

[Joe C.]

Easy question here. Do you know why kids and young adults are so screwed up today?

Answer. Because their parents smoked dope and used drugs when the fetus was in the womb.

Oh no, that's not true. That's not the reason.
Guess again, idiot.

[SHIBUMI]

If you are 21 or over, you can do anything to yourself you like............BUT, legal substances trickle down to children. It's bad enough they are wacked out on video games, now they can take the next step with marijuana. No one here did any underage drinking?????? Yeah it was really hard to get booze.........BUT, forget about the kids, it brings in more money so it is good............So you really want your kids to grow up like Jim on Taxi or Robert Kennedy Jr. It's okay because it brings in money...........it's Okay because it brings in money..it's okay because it brings in money............remember you said that:throwtomatoes:


It's on the ballot this November.

It's estimated the tax revenue in the first year would be over $500 million and much more in the following years.

21 years of age would be the age limit and no cultivating on your own.

Medical marijuana is already legal in Florida and seems to obtain approval is a low threshold and really just about the money for doctor fees.

For those who say it's a gateway drug well alcohol or any mind altering medication can also be a gateway drug.

Yea or Nay on Amendment 3 for marijuana legalization?

[Kelevision]

If you are 21 or over, you can do anything to yourself you like............BUT, legal substances trickle down to children. It's bad enough they are wacked out on video games, now they can take the next step with marijuana. No one here did any underage drinking?????? Yeah it was really hard to get booze.........BUT, forget about the kids, it brings in more money so it is good............So you really want your kids to grow up like Jim on Taxi or Robert Kennedy Jr. It's okay because it brings in money...........it's Okay because it brings in money..it's okay because it brings in money............remember you said that:throwtomatoes:

You should worry more about booze and cigarettes since those 2 are in the top 5 most addictive drugs. You know what isn’t on that list? Yep… lets all look at Canada and how it’s been federally legal there since 2018 and then let’s compare, I don’t know, addiction rates in Canada vs US and crime rates in Canada vs us. It’s not the legality of marijuana, that’s the problem I guarantee. Also, kids want what they can’t have i.e. cigarettes, booze, pills from your medicine cabinet, guns…. Because they’re curious and that’s nature.

[roob1]

Please provide link to research that indicates death rate up as a direct result of legalization.

There was an increase in the use of toilet paper also in these states. I guess that increased the death rate also. LOL

Again, confusing correlation with causation. If people don't understand statistics, they should avoid making claims like this.

Vote no. Check out how much the death rate has gone up in the states that voted to legalize weed. Colorado and Oregon especially are thinking of trying to reverse it somehow. If you want to loose a love one, vote yes! Don't ruin Florida!

[Cindy619]

Top 10 Addictions - What Are The Most Common Addictions? (https://www.addictionhelp.com/addiction/top-10-common-addictions/)

1. Nicotine
2. Alcohol
3. Marijuana
4. Opiods
5. Cocaine
6. Inhalants
7. Methamphetamine
8. Heroin
9. Benzodiazepine
10. Barbituarates

[Maker]

Has anybody followed the money trail for all those ads on TV? Who is paying millions to produce and air those commercials? What is their role in getting this passed?

[JGibson]

This was already posted and moved to current events and news where there is a lengthy discussion.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/current-events-news-541/florida-amendment-3-marijuana-legalization-350812/

[Kelevision]

Top 10 Addictions - What Are The Most Common Addictions? (https://www.addictionhelp.com/addiction/top-10-common-addictions/)

1. Nicotine
2. Alcohol
3. Marijuana
4. Opiods
5. Cocaine
6. Inhalants
7. Methamphetamine
8. Heroin
9. Benzodiazepine
10. Barbituarates
5 most addictive substances in the world | CNN (https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/02/health/most-addictive-substances-partner/index.html)

[roob1]

I believe Trulieve has a large part.


Has anybody followed the money trail for all those ads on TV? Who is paying millions to produce and air those commercials? What is their role in getting this passed?

[bp243]

Top 5 most addictive drugs.
1. Cocaine
2. Heroin
3. Alcohol
4. Nicotine
5. Meth

You know what isn’t addictive? Marijuana. The plant that’s grown from the ground untouched. I wish people would do research. Of course I support this and most everyone will. It’s a no brainer. You never see the headline…” Driver under the influence of weed killed……” Let’s not start on prescription medications like opioids. Not to mention the people who use both alcohol AND medications like opioids.

"Selling or possessing with the intent to sell, more than 500-2000 grams of marijuana is a felony, punishable by a minimum jail term of three years and a maximum sentence of seven years, and a maximum fine of $100,000." Interesting list above! If marijuana isn't addictive and we save money on sales, as well as the cost of incarceration, it seems to make sense to legalize the use.

[Justputt]

It's on the ballot this November.

It's estimated the tax revenue in the first year would be over $500 million and much more in the following years.

21 years of age would be the age limit and no cultivating on your own.

Medical marijuana is already legal in Florida and seems to obtain approval is a low threshold and really just about the money for doctor fees.

For those who say it's a gateway drug well alcohol or any mind altering medication can also be a gateway drug.

Yea or Nay on Amendment 3 for marijuana legalization?

The pot that's out there now isn't the 1-4% stuff of our youth. This stuff is upwards of 50% THC and has been PROVEN to causes psychosis and other SERIOUS health issues. If they limited the THC to the olds days, I'd say okay... not much different than drinking too much. The high THC levels are dangerous. Not Your Grandmother’s Marijuana: Rising THC Concentrations in Cannabis Can Pose Devastating Health Risks < Yale School of Medicine (https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/not-your-grandmothers-marijuana-rising-thc-concentrations-in-cannabis-can-pose-devastating-health-risks/)

[gobuck827]

No. And no next year, and next decade. But, one pot head can nullify my vote.:loco:

Consider yourself nullified.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The pot that's out there now isn't the 1-4% stuff of our youth. This stuff is upwards of 50% THC and has been PROVEN to causes psychosis and other SERIOUS health issues. If they limited the THC to the olds days, I'd say okay... not much different than drinking too much. The high THC levels are dangerous. Not Your Grandmother’s Marijuana: Rising THC Concentrations in Cannabis Can Pose Devastating Health Risks < Yale School of Medicine (https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/not-your-grandmothers-marijuana-rising-thc-concentrations-in-cannabis-can-pose-devastating-health-risks/)

Stands to reason that people who want this stuff just for the high, will find that they need less of it, to get the same high that they got 30 years ago from it. Saves them money, even given inflationary pricing.

People who need it medicinally, will be instructed by their physician on the appropriate dosage. The amount of THC concentrated in medical-grade cannabis and cannabis products ranges roughly between 10% and 30%.

In the 1980's-1990's, the concentration of illegal pot ranged between 2-5%. However, some folks were able to grow their own under controlled conditions and bump that up to around 10%. There was no "medical grade" cannabis, because it was (and is still) illegal to use it for medical purposes under federal law. And state laws hadn't started approving it for state use.

Education is important with regards to ANY mind-altering substance, from alcohol to tobacco (yes, it is a mind-altering substance), caffeine, opiates, cannabis, benzos, etc. etc. MOST mind-altering substances are legal in the USA, though many are controlled and regulated by the FDA. Some, such as caffeinated coffee and tea, are not controlled at all, and aren't even considered supplements.

Someone who hasn't ever used cannabis, who is getting it for the first time, needs to know how much to try. For instance - a brand new user should probably -not- pop a whole gummy into their mouth their first time ever. Maybe take a tiny nibble off the end of one. And wait up to 3 hours before trying another nibble. It can take that long for it to even do anything but once it hits you, you know.

On the other hand, inhaling the smoke from a tiny piece of a sticky bud will likely affect you immediately after you exhale the smoke, or possibly while you're holding the smoke in. So you start out small, until you find your comfort level.

This is true for ANY substance that your doctor hasn't instructed you on the exact dosage, or isn't printed on the back of the bottle (like aspirin).

As for kids getting their hands on it - well that's a parent problem, not a drug problem. Parents need to keep this stuff out of reach of the kids. If that means locking it up, then that's what it means. If it means the top shelf in the medicine cabinet, then that's what it means. Kids shouldn't be grabbing gummies of any kind, whether drug-laced or legitimate candy. That stuff will rot their teeth.

[Laraine]

Alex Berenson was also criticized by the medical establishment and much of the press for his warnings that the Covid MRNA vacines were ineffective and had major side effects, up to and including death. Now, a couple years later, he has generally been proven correct. As the references to researchers quoted by Wikipedia state, it is true that correlation doesn't prove causation. However, it also doesn't disprove causation. I wouldn't immediately discount what Berenson states--he's generally been right on with his reporting. Many former Coloradoans have talked about what they have directly seen there, after legalization, yet the TOTV response has been "where are the reports?" The reports "are" the direct observations by these people. If you want some data, here's a report: The Legalization of Marijuana in Colorado: The Impact - PMC (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6913861/)

[MrChip72]

Probably close to 100% of pot smokers will vote YES. Most people that don't care either way but want the tax revenue for the state will vote YES. I have a feeling it will likely pass.

[Topspinmo]

Consider yourself nullified.

If you can only remember what day to vote and have enough energy to do it:shrug:

[Laurawilcox]

Do you want the squares smelling of pot? We lived in Denver for over 30 years. We were one of the first states that legalized marijuana and we couldn’t wait to get out based on what it became. It is not your college day drug. It is rank and strong. We had medical marijuana before but that didn’t have the impact likely because it was still a stigma to smoke in public and not easy to get for those who came for the legal version. Denver grew substantially with 21 years old - 30 all there for the dispensaries. Many also into other drugs, it was the beginning of the city smelling like skunk all of the time. Few cared about work and instead hung around corners looking for handouts.

You can’t get out of your car near most shops without the stench. It is legal to smoke it on your porch next to the elementary schools with the kids walking by and it’s much harder to explain to your high school student why it’s not something you should do when it’s legal. Everyone can try it now and many more do. It is simple to get. College kids were at parties eating dispensary sold cookies, by the way a small piece of it is a full pot serving, eating more than they should and walking off of rooftops at parties in downtown and on campuses. Do you see Wildwood and Leesburg being different sort of folk?

That age group seems to have enough to deal with these days. Imagine your spring break crowd with easily available dope? It draws them here! Denver had folks fly in for $500 a pop to get high in limos and drive around for pot tasting at the dispensaries.

Before you vote envision your next day at the beach sitting in fumes, or at the squares listening to music with the smoke wafting over you. The non-dopers soon stop coming and welcome to Denver, at those venues they are all that’s left. Once it starts you will not enjoy those places again.

[dewilson58]

Do you want the squares smelling of pot? We lived in Denver for over 30 years. .................................................. .... Once it starts you will not enjoy those places again.

Good post.

People don't like an occasional cigar smell, wait for this.

[tophcfa]

People don't like an occasional cigar smell, wait for this.

Although I don’t smoke it (I don’t enjoy the paranoia I get from the high), I love the smell. Unlike the smell of tobacco, ganja has a very pleasant odor. Hell, I would consider burning ganja incense if it was available.

[JGibson]

Although I don’t smoke it (I don’t enjoy the paranoia I get from the high), I love the smell. Unlike the smell of tobacco, ganja has a very pleasant odor. Hell, I would consider burning ganja incense if it was available.

I hate the paranoia also but they do have no paranoia strands which if was legal would be easier to obtain.

[Marathon Man]

How will you vote on Florida Amendment 3 Marijuana Legalization

Secretly. Thanks for asking.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

You know how it's illegal to drink alcohol while you're driving? And how it's illegal to drink alcohol on a city sidewalk? And how it's illegal to drink alcohol in a public park, or in a school? What about pot makes anyone think that these exact same laws for alcohol consumption, can't be applied to smoking cannabis?

"No smoking or vaping of the sticky buds is allowed in public, at all, ever, period. And never when you're driving, because that's just stupid." There. Nice easy-to-follow regulation. Problem solved.

As for back yards and neighbors - my opinion regarding cigars stands. When they outlaw THAT - we can have a discussion about anything else.

[HORNET]

All we need is more druggies driving on road ways

[HORNET]

How true

[Normal]

It's on the ballot this November.

It's estimated the tax revenue in the first year would be over $500 million and much more in the following years.

21 years of age would be the age limit and no cultivating on your own.

Medical marijuana is already legal in Florida and seems to obtain approval is a low threshold and really just about the money for doctor fees.

For those who say it's a gateway drug well alcohol or any mind altering medication can also be a gateway drug.

Yea or Nay on Amendment 3 for marijuana legalization?

Tax revenue drops eventually. Colorado and Washington have seen it this past year. Black market cannabis sells for less and citizens aren’t always buying their pot officially from the state. Don’t get me wrong, I think it should be legal, but tax revenue isn’t the reason.

[Robojo]

How will you vote on Florida Amendment 3 Marijuana Legalization

Unless they include growing your own I vote NO.

Just another way to create tax revenue off our backs.

Hell NO.

[Suzay]

There are over a million people here in Fla with marijuana cards ,needs to be voted in !
You will not be able to cultivate it ,no smoking in public etc..,it will be a great tax revenue for the ones who buy it .60% of yes vote is needed .

[pendi99]

How will you vote on Florida Amendment 3 Marijuana Legalization

Why would anyone vote to let people get a hallucinogenic?

[bobmarc]

Why would anyone vote to let people get a hallucinogenic?

Because that is America these days......it's woke.

[vintageogauge]

I don't use pot but I would vote for it as too many young people are getting criminal records for using something that is similar to alcohol in many respects

[Sandy and Ed]

Because that is America these days......it's woke.
….more like oblivious.

[Sandy and Ed]

I don't use pot but I would vote for it as too many young people are getting criminal records for using something that is similar to alcohol in many respects
……eh, not really. Some folks have bad psychotic reactions to pot. Having a paranoid attack while you’re in a car ??? Not good. Medicinal pot to relieve pain and discomfort?? Ok. Use to simply “get high” ?? Nope.

[JoannMH]

I will vote yes. There are medical benefits from the use of marijuana....unlike alcohol. I use it for sleep and have gotten off a prescription medication that I had been taking. It works much better and I have no side effects like I did with the prescribed medication. It can be effective for pain control, seizures, improving appetite for people on chemo......etc. Legalizing it will enable more research and I feel more medical benefits will be discovered. I like the regulations that it will come with the legalization. I am so concerned about marijuana laced with fentanyl, LSD, coke and heroin that is coming across our boarder and sold illegally. If marijuana is legalized, it will be heavily regulated. Whether people are for or against it.....it is here to stay. And I want it to be a clean product that is not going to kill. I do not understand people who are so critical, yet have no issues with alcohol.....which does kill.

[Girlcopper]

I don't use pot but I would vote for it as too many young people are getting criminal records for using something that is similar to alcohol in many respects
Agree. Legalize it.

[GATORBILL66]

[QUOTE=elevatorman;2342319]How will you vote on Florida Amendment 3 Marijuana Legalization.

Vote No! We don't need that crap in Florida!

[Mavance]

I vote NO.

[Battlebasset]

No. The upside doesn't offset the downside. And this from a guy that if it was legalized, would probably pick up some edibles now and then.

[Haggar]

When we lived in Charleston SC in 1976 my 3 1/2 daughter was diagnosed with cancer.
The treatment was radiation and chemotherapy for two years. Her reaction to the chemo was violent - constantly throwing up. An oncologist who came on aboard said he could not legally advise it but that there were medical studies that even at my daughter's age a small dose of marijuana could help relieve the symptoms. I worked in a music store, went up to our guitar section and asked Scott if he knew of anybody who could help us get MJ. He said he would help. Five minutes later he came down with a bag he said he knew was clean.

Over the years many people gave up MJ. After trying it ourselves (we had never had MJ before) we made a method of delivering in pills to our daughter. After the first time of taking the pills and getting chemo that morning when I came home from lunch she was feeling great and hungry as hell.

She was one of the lucky one and did have a full remission.

The point is many of our friends had access to MJ. Good people - not potheads.

As long as it's out there let's make it legal, clean up the industry, stop the bad guys from making money off of it and reap tax revenue from it.

I'm voting yes.

As a side note my then wife led a successful campaign to make medical MJ legal in SC. It was and is still illegal for federal purposes.

[New Englander]

I'll vote yes. Cannabis is far less harmful than alcohol.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

How will you vote on Florida Amendment 3 Marijuana Legalization.

Vote No! We don't need that crap in Florida!

It's already here. It's even already legal if you get it from a dispensary with a card you pay $300 for every 6 months.

That ship has sailed, looks like you missed the boat.

[Nordhagen]

How will you vote on Florida Amendment 3 Marijuana Legalization
We are a no vote. Seen the harm it’s done in Colorado.

[airstreamingypsy]

I will vote YES!!! It's ridiculous that weed is illegal in the first place.

[Switter]

I don't use pot but I would vote for it as too many young people are getting criminal records for using something that is similar to alcohol in many respects

It's really not like alcohol. I know, I had smoked it for many years. People who make this comparison usually have never smoked it.

Something to keep in mind is there is currently no "instant" way to detect if someone is under the influence of marijuana while driving.

That said, the main reason I will vote no is a little bit different probably than most people. Marijuana is a motivation killer and it makes you far less likely to engage with the people around you (like your family). I've seen it time and time again. But worst of all, the vast majority of young people who smoke it are men. Once we sanction it, will more young men smoke it? I don't know the answer but we already have a crisis of young men dropping out a society. How many people in The villages have their adult male children living with them compared with female children? How many of those have mental health issues or substance-abuse problems? It's a vicious circle, lack of opportunity leads to substance-abuse leads to mental health issues leads to inability to function leads to even fewer opportunities. I feel legalization will disproportionately impact young men and make an already bad situation worse.

I'm not saying voting no is going to change this but making it more accessible is definitely not going to help.

[HORNET]

Just what we need , more drugged up on road ways

[millegn]

Legalize !

[H.Richburg]

I don't use pot but I would vote for it as too many young people are getting criminal records for using something that is similar to alcohol in many respects

Define young people. I believe the ads for the amendment state “adult” usage. Would that be 21 like alcohol?

[Pairadocs]

I will vote in person at Rohan. I will probably take advantage of early voting. I don't remember exactly how to mark the ballot so I will have to listen to the instructions when I arrive.

Best post today ! I also especially look forward to the explicit instructions definitely aimed at the completely brain dead, who are then rewarded with a tootsie roll or mint at the end of the process. Especially enjoyable is the "instructor" invariably appears to be more senile than those being instructed on how to push a stylus into a "hole"....LOL ! As we say in the south, bless their tiny hearts, they mean well.

[Harold.wiser]

Secretly. Thanks for asking.

Yeah, me too!

[ElLegal]

Yea. It's a no brainer because the current system is a total scam. Anyone who wants to buy medical marijuana in Florida can do so now by just paying the money. The screening system is a joke.

As a medical card holder I agree 100%. I obtained a card, because even after paying the fee, it’s cheaper than bail.

[ElLegal]

Since when? Does the government know this?
If it’s legal already, why do they need legalization on the ballot.

Florida Laws and Penalties - NORML (https://norml.org/laws/florida-penalties/)

[Daddymac]

I don't use pot but I would vote for it as too many young people are getting criminal records for using something that is similar to alcohol in many respects

Yup, I agree. Tell all the drunks around this place that we are going to ban alcohol. You wanna see a hell of an uprising. I don’t think smoking a joint is any worse than the alcohol people consume here. You can put me in for a big.YES

[Daddymac]

The Big Yes

[Rocksnap]

No. And no next year, and next decade. But, one pot head can nullify my vote.:loco:

If only alcohol had stayed illegal all those years ago, the world would be a much better place!

[Dvanjvan]

Probably close to 100% of pot smokers will vote YES. Most people that don't care either way but want the tax revenue for the state will vote YES. I have a feeling it will likely pass.

Tax revenue doesn't exist since black market is cheaper so not much uptick in sales from legalization.

Corporate Marijuana grow operations make millions, that's why the big push for legalization.

Look into Marijuana psychosis, it's a very real thing.

[Topspinmo]

If only alcohol had stayed illegal all those years ago, the world would be a much better place!

IMO still be in same boat with illegal drugs. Making something illegal not going to stop it.
Why does taxing something make it right or legal or good? :shrug:

[Topspinmo]

Tax revenue doesn't exist since black market is cheaper so not much uptick in sales from legalization.

Corporate Marijuana grow operations make millions, that's why the big push for legalization.

Look into Marijuana psychosis, it's a very real thing.


You forgot to add state and federal governments.

[Topspinmo]

Yup, I agree. Tell all the drunks around this place that we are going to ban alcohol. You wanna see a hell of an uprising. I don’t think smoking a joint is any worse than the alcohol people consume here. You can put me in for a big.YES

They just go back to sniffing glue:highfive:

[AMB444]

But, have fun enforcing DUIs due to pot influence.

This is my main concern.

It's for "home use" only? So you can get stoned but can't leave your house until you feel sober?

What if they injure themselves/anyone else in a car accident?

What if they show up to work stoned (doctor, nurse, city bus driver)? Is an employer able to legally fire them?

Just a lot of things that don't seem to be addressed yet.

[AMB444]

Moved from CO to get away from marijuana legalization. Ruined CO. It will ruin Florida.

I'm thinking with all the tourists planning on having "fun" here... yes there will be a LOT of pot in public places... beaches and parks, etc. Will be difficult to contain to "home use" only.

[AMB444]

Imagine your spring break crowd with easily available dope? It draws them here! Denver had folks fly in for $500 a pop to get high in limos and drive around for pot tasting at the dispensaries.

Before you vote envision your next day at the beach sitting in fumes, or at the squares listening to music with the smoke wafting over you. The non-dopers soon stop coming and welcome to Denver, at those venues they are all that’s left. Once it starts you will not enjoy those places again.

THIS!! ^^^:bigbow:

[Jokomo]

[QUOTE=elevatorman;2342319]How will you vote on Florida Amendment 3 Marijuana Legalization.

Vote No! We don't need that crap in Florida!
It’s already here, unregulated, and by definition, sold by criminals. This is a way to clean up the industry and increase state revenues

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

It's really not like alcohol. I know, I had smoked it for many years. People who make this comparison usually have never smoked it.

Something to keep in mind is there is currently no "instant" way to detect if someone is under the influence of marijuana while driving.

That said, the main reason I will vote no is a little bit different probably than most people. Marijuana is a motivation killer and it makes you far less likely to engage with the people around you (like your family). I've seen it time and time again. But worst of all, the vast majority of young people who smoke it are men. Once we sanction it, will more young men smoke it? I don't know the answer but we already have a crisis of young men dropping out a society. How many people in The villages have their adult male children living with them compared with female children? How many of those have mental health issues or substance-abuse problems? It's a vicious circle, lack of opportunity leads to substance-abuse leads to mental health issues leads to inability to function leads to even fewer opportunities. I feel legalization will disproportionately impact young men and make an already bad situation worse.

I'm not saying voting no is going to change this but making it more accessible is definitely not going to help.

There IS, however, a way to instantly tell if someone is "driving while impaired." Those balance tests, checking pupils, and "touch your nose" tests can determine if someone is impaired. They don't even need to be doing drugs or alcohol. They might simply have chosen not to put in their contact lenses that morning and can't see well enough to drive.

Driving under the influence of cannabis is just as potentially dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol or any other mind-altering substance, and would be treated as such. If you had a glass of wine an hour ago, then you're probably fine to drive. If you took a drag off a joint an hour ago, you might be fine - or might not. HOW you drive will determine that. Do your drugs, take your chances, accept the risk of causing an accident or attracting the attention of the police.

The drug being legal or illegal has ZERO effect on how well or poorly you drive.

[JGibson]

This is my main concern.

It's for "home use" only? So you can get stoned but can't leave your house until you feel sober?

What if they injure themselves/anyone else in a car accident?

What if they show up to work stoned (doctor, nurse, city bus driver)? Is an employer able to legally fire them?

Just a lot of things that don't seem to be addressed yet.

What about all the people who are popping Xanax driving and going to work?

Oh, it's okay because Big Pharma is pumping out that chemical pill, and the pharmaceutical can do no wrong.

[Byte1]

What about all the people who are popping Xanax driving and going to work?

Oh, it's okay because Big Pharma is pumping out that chemical pill, and the pharmaceutical can do no wrong.

Oh my gosh, what if they have a gun in their car???? :boom:

[DaddyD]

Although I don’t smoke it (I don’t enjoy the paranoia I get from the high), I love the smell. Unlike the smell of tobacco, ganja has a very pleasant odor. Hell, I would consider burning ganja incense if it was available.

You should try edibles / gummies--in my experience it's a very different high, much more of a "body" high, less of a "head" high. I don't like smoking, either, but edibles hit differently & really help me get a solid night's sleep.

[fishon]

Vote yes and partake of the weed and you’ll be in the same boat as Hunter Biden.

[jimkerr]

Top 10 Addictions - What Are The Most Common Addictions? (https://www.addictionhelp.com/addiction/top-10-common-addictions/)

1. Nicotine
2. Alcohol
3. Marijuana
4. Opiods
5. Cocaine
6. Inhalants
7. Methamphetamine
8. Heroin
9. Benzodiazepine
10. Barbituarates

This list is 100% incorrect. Y’all need to do your homework.

[jimkerr]

This is my main concern.

It's for "home use" only? So you can get stoned but can't leave your house until you feel sober?

What if they injure themselves/anyone else in a car accident?

What if they show up to work stoned (doctor, nurse, city bus driver)? Is an employer able to legally fire them?

Just a lot of things that don't seem to be addressed yet.

What if they got drunk and then went to work! OMG!

[Bogie Shooter]

Vote yes and partake of the weed and you’ll be in the same boat as Hunter Biden.

You missed reading the site rules?
(After 10 years)

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

This is my main concern.

It's for "home use" only? So you can get stoned but can't leave your house until you feel sober?

What if they injure themselves/anyone else in a car accident?

What if they show up to work stoned (doctor, nurse, city bus driver)? Is an employer able to legally fire them?

Just a lot of things that don't seem to be addressed yet.

Those things are already addressed with a little phrase that some people like to call "operating while impaired." And employers already have policies that prohibit drug or alcohol use or impairment on the job. That isn't going to change.

[AMB444]

Those things are already addressed with a little phrase that some people like to call "operating while impaired." And employers already have policies that prohibit drug or alcohol use or impairment on the job. That isn't going to change.

Surely you can't deny this will allow more people to appear in public impaired/stoned, on beaches, jobs, etc and have it be considered "acceptable". You want to be rushed to the ER and the possibility of your nurse/Dr impaired by pot use? If passed this new law will only encourage that behavior.

[AMB444]

What if they got drunk and then went to work! OMG!

Not sure what your point is.

[AMB444]

What about all the people who are popping Xanax driving and going to work?

Oh, it's okay because Big Pharma is pumping out that chemical pill, and the pharmaceutical can do no wrong.

Not sure what your argument is here. I never condoned "Big Pharma".

[MorTech]

Really? You want to continue to kidnap people at gunpoint and lock them in a cage for inhaling smoke from burning vegetation? Drug laws ARE crimes!

[fishon]

It's not changing Federal laws or mandatory drug tests.

[Byte1]

There IS, however, a way to instantly tell if someone is "driving while impaired." Those balance tests, checking pupils, and "touch your nose" tests can determine if someone is impaired. They don't even need to be doing drugs or alcohol. They might simply have chosen not to put in their contact lenses that morning and can't see well enough to drive.

Driving under the influence of cannabis is just as potentially dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol or any other mind-altering substance, and would be treated as such. If you had a glass of wine an hour ago, then you're probably fine to drive. If you took a drag off a joint an hour ago, you might be fine - or might not. HOW you drive will determine that. Do your drugs, take your chances, accept the risk of causing an accident or attracting the attention of the police.

The drug being legal or illegal has ZERO effect on how well or poorly you drive.

I agree,
In Florida, with the mass of seniors, a field sobriety test is not an accurate means of telling if one is impaired. A conviction for DUI requires a blood alcohol test and testing for pot is not (unless I am mistaken) an easily administered test for law enforcement.
I doubt many of our seniors could pass a field sobriety test, if sober by standing on one foot, walking a straight line or closing their eyes and touching their nose. Should they be operating a motor vehicle? That's a different issue.
As for increased tax revenues, my opinion on the misuse of tax revenues is also another issue. Kind of like when a state "legalizes" the lottery, saying it is an "education" lottery and the revenues would be used for public schools, when in reality only 29% goes to the use of public education, IF that. Increased tax revenues should never be an excuse for legalizing something that everyone knows will be misused.
Recreational use of pot helps NO one any more than recreational use of alcohol, so lets all just quit making excuses for just taking the easy way out of every difficult decision in life. We have laws for a reason. We have a visa system for vetting persons entering our country. We have limitations on use of certain dangerous drugs for a reason. We have traffic laws to keep people safe, etc.
Making excuses for being lazy and taking the easy way or greedy way on a subject is not being responsible.

[Craig Vernon]

Probably close to 100% of pot smokers will vote YES. Most people that don't care either way but want the tax revenue for the state will vote YES. I have a feeling it will likely pass.

Wouldn't it be nice if all collected taxes had to reduce another. As it is there are always more with little or no accountability.

[Vickim]

It's really not like alcohol. I know, I had smoked it for many years. People who make this comparison usually have never smoked it.

Something to keep in mind is there is currently no "instant" way to detect if someone is under the influence of marijuana while driving.

That said, the main reason I will vote no is a little bit different probably than most people. Marijuana is a motivation killer and it makes you far less likely to engage with the people around you (like your family). I've seen it time and time again. But worst of all, the vast majority of young people who smoke it are men. Once we sanction it, will more young men smoke it? I don't know the answer but we already have a crisis of young men dropping out a society. How many people in The villages have their adult male children living with them compared with female children? How many of those have mental health issues or substance-abuse problems? It's a vicious circle, lack of opportunity leads to substance-abuse leads to mental health issues leads to inability to function leads to even fewer opportunities. I feel legalization will disproportionately impact young men and make an already bad situation worse.

I'm not saying voting no is going to change this but making it more accessible is definitely not going to help.

I am also an ex pot smoker. I will vote NO. The pot today is NOT your grandparents weed!
Sometimes, I wonder if the legalization of MJ is what is causing a lot of the psychosis we see today. They don’t call it “dope” for nothing ! THC levels are way too high! Maybe less damaging than alcohol but with what has been “engineered” people are ending up in ERs! and honestly the goverment has NOT spend money on studying it because of its classification so do we actually KNOW that claim ? Colorado was the first and it has NOT stopped illegal sales! Look at the states that have legalized it and it is clear the outcome has been anything but positive and once it’s been legalized ain’t no going back ! Delta 8 is legal and wayyyy less THC ! If you feel the need

[MrChip72]

I am also an ex pot smoker. I will vote NO. The pot today is NOT your grandparents weed!
Sometimes, I wonder if the legalization of MJ is what is causing a lot of the psychosis we see today. They don’t call it “dope” for nothing ! THC levels are way too high!

Based on your point of view, voting NO makes zero sense then as regulated pot has a regulated THC level that is much lower. Voting NO means that people will still be buying pot that is WAY too strong and sometimes laced with fentanyl to get people hooked on opiates like heroin. This has contributed to why recently legalized states have lowered crime rates.

[Eg_cruz]

It's on the ballot this November.

It's estimated the tax revenue in the first year would be over $500 million and much more in the following years.

21 years of age would be the age limit and no cultivating on your own.

Medical marijuana is already legal in Florida and seems to obtain approval is a low threshold and really just about the money for doctor fees.

For those who say it's a gateway drug well alcohol or any mind altering medication can also be a gateway drug.

Yea or Nay on Amendment 3 for marijuana legalization?
Yea 100%

[Eg_cruz]

Marijuana is legal because anyone can buy it. They just need to pay a doctor. If the law passes, you won't need to pay a doctor.
Well not really. Medical marijuana will still be available and you will still need a doctor the big differences the medical marijuana is not tax and the recreational marijuana will be.

[Eg_cruz]

Nay. People smoke marijuana to get high, if it did not get you high off one joint you would not do it. Then you get in a car and drive, not safe and yes people do have wrecks when high due to impairment. You can have one drink and not be drunk. Also the tax money will go into the general fund not be earmarked for schools or law enforcement as the ads tout. Just like the lottery very little of the tax revenue will be seen by the school systems. You also have foreign crime syndicates running a lot of the "legal grow" facilities in the US. But one good thing is the number of guns on the street would go down since you cannot own a gun and do drugs.
By this statement all the bars in The Villages should be closed. People in TV start drinking at 10:30 am and it is very abused on a daily basis. After they belly up to the bar they get in their cars and drive home.

[Eg_cruz]

I watched marijuana legalization destroy Denver Colorado.
That is not what did Denver ….look at the current government there that’s what did Denver in. And yes I am from Denver/ Littleton.

[Eg_cruz]

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) advocates for careful consideration of potential immediate and downstream effects of marijuana policy changes on children and adolescents. Marijuana legalization, even if restricted to adults, may be associated with (a) decreased adolescent perception of marijuana’s harmful effects, (b) increased marijuana use among parents and caretakers, and (c) increased adolescent access to marijuana, all of which reliably predict increased rates of adolescent marijuana use and associated problems.1-3 Marijuana use during pregnancy, occurring at increasing rates, raises additional concerns regarding future infant, child, and adolescent development.4-6

Marijuana Legalization (https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Policy_Statements/2014/AACAP_Marijuana_Legalization_Policy.aspx)
Long-term use of marijuana can lead to:

Cannabis Use Disorder
The same breathing problems as smoking cigarettes (coughing, wheezing, trouble with physical activity, and lung cancer)
Decreased motivation or interest which can lead to decline in academic or occupational performance
Lower intelligence
Mental health problems, such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, anger, irritability, moodiness, and risk of suicide

Marijuana and Teens (https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Marijuana-and-Teens-106.aspx#:~:text=Regular%20use%20of%20marijuana%20 can,using%20interferes%20with%20other%20activities ).

Highlights
Cannabis legalization leads to increased cannabis use among adults
Legalization may have negative implications for minors via effects on parents
Critical lack of causally informative studies with parents and young children

Causal Effects of Cannabis Legalization on Parents, Parenting, and Children: A Systematic Review - PMC (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9021885/)
Now do the same research on alcohol. Alcohol is very abused at all ages. People start drinking at a very young age in fact alcohol is usually the first thing kids abuse, and if you go to any bar in The Villages, you’ll see that seniors abuse alcohol on a daily basis.

[Eg_cruz]

Vote No, we have enough crazies on the road now. Let them go to another state if they want to get high!
And what should we do with all the bars in TV? Alcohol is a controlled substance that’s very abused out here and yet nobody seems to have a problem with all the drinking. All the happy hours encouraging you to drink all the outdoor bars so people can see everybody drinking that’s perfectly OK……..right

[Byte1]

Best excuse that little children make when they do something wrong: "well he did it too." Another is "well, they will get it anyway so why not make it legal?" Kind of like, "well, they will just build a tunnel if you put a wall up and come in, so why not just give them a free cell phone, food card and air transport to wherever they wish to go in the U.S.?" Sounds to me like humans would rather make excuses and overlook bad or dangerous behavior than act like adults and make hard decisions. So afraid of offending someone or making someone angry. That's NOT what America is all about. We take the hard course and make hard decisions.
Like alcohol, there is nothing good about pot for recreation. I can compromise on making pot a civil offense and give fines and/or education as a penalty, instead of incarceration. But, I will always vote NO to a free ticket to the destruction of my country. If you need pot to make you feel good, then you are a weak person. If you need pot for medical reasons, then consult a doctor about other, better forms of medicine. Just because folks break the law everyday, doesn't mean that we should change the law to accommodate them.

[Byte1]

And what should we do with all the bars in TV? Alcohol is a controlled substance that’s very abused out here and yet nobody seems to have a problem with all the drinking. All the happy hours encouraging you to drink all the outdoor bars so people can see everybody drinking that’s perfectly OK……..right

So, we should legalize DUI? Is that what you are advocating? Since driving after drinking is done all the time, we should legalize it?

[Eg_cruz]

Absolutely NOT!! As a retired Police Officer from Colorado, I saw first hand the effects of legalized marijuana. Every statistical category of crime increased, from petit theft to armed robbery and even murder. Colorado politicians also made the same promises of increasing public safety, fixing roads and more money for school's. To this day, 11 years later, NONE of those promises have come to fruition! Also, the cartel’s moved in, to grow their own weed to sell for much less than what the dispensary’s are selling it for.

Someone is getting rich from the tax base of legalized weed and benefiting, but I can assure you, it’s not the citizens who were handed the same bag of veiled promises…VOTE NO!!!
So was the problem the selling of pot or the government. From your statement it sounds more like a GOVERNMENT PROBLEM NOT DOING what they should be doing not the individual person buying their pot. Maybe you show Vote no to CO current government. Because in fact the government is what let you down, Denver was a defund the police city isn’t that what pulled them down not the selling of gummies…….Living life is easy with your eyes closed. Put the blame where it belongs. Yes I am from Littleton and the current government is killing the state not legally buying pot.

[Two Bills]

Probably be a high turnout for the election, and a first time vote, among street dealers.

[opinionist]

NO on all amendments. Especially the fraud that is amendment #4.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

So, we should legalize DUI? Is that what you are advocating? Since driving after drinking is done all the time, we should legalize it?

The use of alcohol is regulated. There are laws that you have to obey, if you choose to possess, buy, or drink alcohol. If you choose to disobey those laws, there are consequences.

The same can apply to the use of cannabis. Driving under the influence isn't exclusive to alcohol. It's not exclusive to illegal drugs. It's not exclusive to the accidental misuse or intentional abuse of legally prescribed drugs.

If you need valium to control anxiety, and your doctor has prescribed it, and you took it correctly - but you were out on a hot day and didn't hydrate enough or eat any food, then that valium is going to impair your ability to drive. If you get into an accident, you would be charged with driving while impaired.

The same goes for any substance you take, whether legally or illegally. If you are impaired and cause an accident, get into a fight, rob a bank, jaywalk, break into someone's house, shout racial epithets at your neighbor - you can be charged with disorderly conduct, driving while impaired, or any of the OTHER laws that apply to people who do stupid stuff while - impaired.

The ONLY difference between these criminal behaviors when you're using cannabis vs. any legal substance (like alcohol) is - cannabis is not legal. That's it. The behaviors are criminal and chargeable offenses, REGARDLESS. Making cannabis legal will STILL result in criminal charges if you violate those laws while you are affected by the THC.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Probably be a high turnout for the election, and a first time vote, among street dealers.

Yeah you know street dealers, smugglers, and illegal growers are going to be voting in droves to make sure this bill doesn't pass.

They want it to remain illegal, because this is THEIR profits the government is talking about.

[dougjb]

I forgot....do I smoke a joint first and then go vote....OR ....do I vote first and then go smoke a joint....hmmm

Oh well..as I ponder this...who the hell hid the cheetos?

[Eg_cruz]

So, we should legalize DUI? Is that what you are advocating? Since driving after drinking is done all the time, we should legalize it?
No I am saying if alcohol is legal marijuana should be legal they do the same thing people abuse them both, so what’s the difference? One of the big differences alcohol kills more clearly than marijuana does but yet people wanna be hung up on it being illegal.

[jack_pine]

Do you want the squares smelling of pot? We lived in Denver for over 30 years. We were one of the first states that legalized marijuana and we couldn’t wait to get out based on what it became. It is not your college day drug. It is rank and strong. We had medical marijuana before but that didn’t have the impact likely because it was still a stigma to smoke in public and not easy to get for those who came for the legal version. Denver grew substantially with 21 years old - 30 all there for the dispensaries. Many also into other drugs, it was the beginning of the city smelling like skunk all of the time. Few cared about work and instead hung around corners looking for handouts.

You can’t get out of your car near most shops without the stench. It is legal to smoke it on your porch next to the elementary schools with the kids walking by and it’s much harder to explain to your high school student why it’s not something you should do when it’s legal. Everyone can try it now and many more do. It is simple to get. College kids were at parties eating dispensary sold cookies, by the way a small piece of it is a full pot serving, eating more than they should and walking off of rooftops at parties in downtown and on campuses. Do you see Wildwood and Leesburg being different sort of folk?

That age group seems to have enough to deal with these days. Imagine your spring break crowd with easily available dope? It draws them here! Denver had folks fly in for $500 a pop to get high in limos and drive around for pot tasting at the dispensaries.

Before you vote envision your next day at the beach sitting in fumes, or at the squares listening to music with the smoke wafting over you. The non-dopers soon stop coming and welcome to Denver, at those venues they are all that’s left. Once it starts you will not enjoy those places again.

Refer madness I say :22yikes:

[MorTech]

Yeah you know street dealers, smugglers, and illegal growers are going to be voting in droves to make sure this bill doesn't pass.

They want it to remain illegal, because this is THEIR profits the government is talking about.

If you want to end drug gangs and murdering violence then the only way to do that is to end drug laws. Every gangster will be voting to keep drugs illegal...Including government gangsters.

End drug laws and gang violence will just go away immediately.

[Byte1]

If you want to end drug gangs and murdering violence then the only way to do that is to end drug laws. Every gangster will be voting to keep drugs illegal...Including government gangsters.

End drug laws and gang violence will just go away immediately.

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

If you want to end drug gangs and murdering violence then the only way to do that is to end drug laws. Every gangster will be voting to keep drugs illegal...Including government gangsters.

End drug laws and gang violence will just go away immediately.

Not "end" them. But "change" them. Regulate drugs. Just the way alcohol and its use is regulated. Legal to buy IF you're of age and produce a valid ID, in the appropriate retail venue (such as a liquor store or wine section in the supermarket). Legal to use IN PRIVATE or other designated areas. Not legal to drive while using, or drive under the influence. And if you get into an accident while under the influence, it is your fault, your insurance company will want a word with you, and you get a ticket and/or jail time for DUI. No matter what the drug. From alcohol to zolpidem, prescription or over the counter, or even home-made.

[graciegirl]

This thread is interesting to me. I think it shows who currently is smoking it. I don't even drink any more. When the doctor tells you to wear shoes with backs so you don't trip and fall, I figure adding something like this to the mix wouldn't be a good choice to improve balance.

I think there will be an opportunity for the low-lifes and scallywags to knock you down and take your stash, because those rascals don't want to work. If you take away guns, only good people would follow the rule. If you legalize pot, there will be those impaired driving their cars at you.

There isn't an easy fix to this issue.

You can't legalize morality.

[kingofbeer]

This thread is interesting to me. I think it shows who currently is smoking it. I don't even drink any more. When the doctor tells you to wear shoes with backs so you don't trip and fall, I figure adding something like this to the mix wouldn't be a good choice to improve balance.

I think there will be an opportunity for the low-lifes and scallywags to knock you down and take your stash, because those rascals don't want to work. If you take away guns, only good people would follow the rule. If you legalize pot, there will be those impaired driving their cars at you.

There isn't an easy fix to this issue.

You can't legalize morality.
The amendment will pass. I guess 64% will vote in favor. The smell is offensive, but you get used to it after a while. The smell is better than cigarettes and the stinkin' cigar smokin' freaks in The Villages. I hate when then smoke their cigar in the golfcart when they pass by me.

[Byte1]

Not "end" them. But "change" them. Regulate drugs. Just the way alcohol and its use is regulated. Legal to buy IF you're of age and produce a valid ID, in the appropriate retail venue (such as a liquor store or wine section in the supermarket). Legal to use IN PRIVATE or other designated areas. Not legal to drive while using, or drive under the influence. And if you get into an accident while under the influence, it is your fault, your insurance company will want a word with you, and you get a ticket and/or jail time for DUI. No matter what the drug. From alcohol to zolpidem, prescription or over the counter, or even home-made.

That's all well and good, BUT the question is: Has law enforcement found something as fast as a breathalyzer for alcohol that can be used for testing for pot DUI? Granted, my experience is decades old, but from what I know/knew some form of specimen (hair, tongue tissue, blood) had to be sent off to a lab. Like blood tests for alcohol cannot be forced upon a possible DUI, neither can blood or tissue test be forced for a marijuana test(as far as I know). I am not sure about a urine test. So, if physical evidence such as a baggie of weed or a pipe with residue is not in the suspect's possession, it makes it hard to convict for DUI by pot. I am only speculating, and may be wrong. Modern technology may now be able to assist the street cop in proving impairment due to pot.
But, like I said before, just because it's easier to legalize some deviant action, does not make it right. Recreational use of pot is not necessary and is harmful. This has nothing to do with the comparison to alcohol usage. Legalizing alcohol was another excuse for their not being able to enforce the ban. They used the excuse of added tax revenues. Same with tobacco. There is no healthy reason for tobacco use.

[JRcorvette]

People are going to do it so let’s make it Legal and Safe. That’s just common sense which there is a lack of these days.

[MorTech]

I don't even take aspirin but issuing a death threat, aka, "Law" against people who self-medicate in a way I disagree with is both stupid and evil. I embrace the principles of self-ownership because I'm a man.

[Byte1]

People are going to do it so let’s make it Legal and Safe. That’s just common sense which there is a lack of these days.

People are gonna use coke, meth and heroin so lets make it legal. People are gonna speed on the road and speed in golf carts, so lets just make it legal. It's the easy way. Everyone cheats on their taxes, so lets just make it legal. It's the easy way. "That's just common sense which there is a lack of these days." Like a famous dunce likes to say "C'mon man."

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

This thread is interesting to me. I think it shows who currently is smoking it. I don't even drink any more. When the doctor tells you to wear shoes with backs so you don't trip and fall, I figure adding something like this to the mix wouldn't be a good choice to improve balance.

I think there will be an opportunity for the low-lifes and scallywags to knock you down and take your stash, because those rascals don't want to work. If you take away guns, only good people would follow the rule. If you legalize pot, there will be those impaired driving their cars at you.

There isn't an easy fix to this issue.

You can't legalize morality.

You also can't prohibit judgmental opinions about people you've never met.

1. There are ALREADY impaired drivers driving their cars at you. That's what DUI and DWI (driving while impaired) laws exist to regulate. It doesn't matter if a drug is legal or not. People will drive while impaired or under the influence, and they already do.

2. There is nothing immoral about cannabis. That is your judgment of people you know nothing about.

3. I am 100% pro-legalization of cannabis. I haven't smoked it since the 1980's, and the last time I had a gummy, it was for pain of post-surgery recuperation, and I absolutely hated it and will never try that again. The next time I have that kind of pain, I will have my licensed medical professional prescribe me a 3-day supply of Vikoden - which is an opiate, and legal, and if I drove under the influence of it I would surely crash and injure or kill someone - or myself. So again - judgment of people you know nothing about.

[graciegirl]

You also can't prohibit judgmental opinions about people you've never met.

1. There are ALREADY impaired drivers driving their cars at you. That's what DUI and DWI (driving while impaired) laws exist to regulate. It doesn't matter if a drug is legal or not. People will drive while impaired or under the influence, and they already do.

2. There is nothing immoral about cannabis. That is your judgment of people you know nothing about.

3. I am 100% pro-legalization of cannabis. I haven't smoked it since the 1980's, and the last time I had a gummy, it was for pain of post-surgery recuperation, and I absolutely hated it and will never try that again. The next time I have that kind of pain, I will have my licensed medical professional prescribe me a 3-day supply of Vikoden - which is an opiate, and legal, and if I drove under the influence of it I would surely crash and injure or kill someone - or myself. So again - judgment of people you know nothing about.

Please read my post again. Then reread this one.

Then perhaps we can debate being judgmental about people we know nothing about.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

That's all well and good, BUT the question is: Has law enforcement found something as fast as a breathalyzer for alcohol that can be used for testing for pot DUI? Granted, my experience is decades old, but from what I know/knew some form of specimen (hair, tongue tissue, blood) had to be sent off to a lab. Like blood tests for alcohol cannot be forced upon a possible DUI, neither can blood or tissue test be forced for a marijuana test(as far as I know). I am not sure about a urine test. So, if physical evidence such as a baggie of weed or a pipe with residue is not in the suspect's possession, it makes it hard to convict for DUI by pot. I am only speculating, and may be wrong. Modern technology may now be able to assist the street cop in proving impairment due to pot.
But, like I said before, just because it's easier to legalize some deviant action, does not make it right. Recreational use of pot is not necessary and is harmful. This has nothing to do with the comparison to alcohol usage. Legalizing alcohol was another excuse for their not being able to enforce the ban. They used the excuse of added tax revenues. Same with tobacco. There is no healthy reason for tobacco use.

This is why there is also a law prohibiting "driving while impaired" (DWI, not DUI) in many parts of the country. If you are impaired, at all - whether to legal meds that you are taking correctly as prescribed, or alcohol, or you're distracted by the phone, or even if you normally wear glasses and left them at home that day - then you are driving while impaired. If you cause an accident as a result, or break some OTHER law as a result (weaving in and out of traffic, speeding, running a stop sign, etc. etc.) then your fine will be higher because you are driving while impaired.

[Shipping up to Boston]

If you want to end drug gangs and murdering violence then the only way to do that is to end drug laws. Every gangster will be voting to keep drugs illegal...Including government gangsters.

End drug laws and gang violence will just go away immediately.

That roar of laughter we all heard recently came from the cell blocks of Coleman prison, Marion and Sumter County jails....after reading the above! ToTV open mic night!

[Shipping up to Boston]

This thread is interesting to me. I think it shows who currently is smoking it. I don't even drink any more. When the doctor tells you to wear shoes with backs so you don't trip and fall, I figure adding something like this to the mix wouldn't be a good choice to improve balance.

I think there will be an opportunity for the low-lifes and scallywags to knock you down and take your stash, because those rascals don't want to work. If you take away guns, only good people would follow the rule. If you legalize pot, there will be those impaired driving their cars at you.

There isn't an easy fix to this issue.

You can't legalize morality.

You can’t legislate common sense!

“This thread is interesting to me. I think it shows who currently is smoking it.”

Wow. Just wow!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

You can’t legislate common sense!

“This thread is interesting to me. I think it shows who currently is smoking it.”

Wow. Just wow!

Yeah the complete lack of logic is astounding. If you make guns illegal, then only good people will follow the rules. Because - good people never make mistakes, or have lapses in judgment, or experience periods of desperation in their lives. Good women who are law-abiding, never have abusive ex-husbands who are trying to track them down and kill them, and therefore don't need a firearm to protect themselves. Because somehow - that makes them good people? I dunno.

Cannabis is already legal in Florida, as long as you get a medical card and don't mind paying a fortune for products that need lower potencies and lower costs. People with anxiety disorders don't need to get stoned, they just need to get balance. Lower potencies can provide that. Florida does its taxpayers a huge disservice by basically extorting money from them, instead of just regulating it like they do with alcohol.

Encourage tinctures, discourage smoking, allow both, and regulate the BEHAVIORS that sometimes result from their use. No testing needed if you have a traffic stop. If you have a traffic stop it's because you did something wrong. Get ticketed for that. If you aren't able to walk a straight line, it doesn't matter if it's because of alcohol, pot, being overworked and exhausted, or being distracted. You shouldn't be driving under ANY of those conditions, you were impaired, and that's that.

And no smoking or vaping cannabis in public. Make it a law, and enforce it, ticket people who violate the rule and confiscate the cannabis and/or vape doohickey.

This isn't rocket science. It's just politics.

[MorTech]

Like Prohibition, drug laws are a result of toxic femininity. Imagine trashing the Bill of Rights with an alcohol prohibition amendment...Who would do that?

[Byte1]

We have enough dope heads in this country that have to be taken care of by the system because they have lost their motivation. There is NO positive reason for encouraging more dysfunctional, lazy, dependent, no loads in this country. We have enough burden on the system without encouraging more. There is nothing positive about the recreational use of pot. Like I said, we don't need to put more burden on the system.

[Two Bills]

Think someone had a pipe too many on tv last night.

[MorTech]

Wokeism and Marxism are also examples of toxic femininity. Marx claimed religion was the opiate of the masses. Basically religion prohibition. Go figure.