Florida Constitutional Amendments

[mtdjed]

I am guessing that half of the Voters in Florida go to the Booth having little knowledge of the Amendment process.

1 The amendments are for a change in the Florida State Constitution.
2 It takes a 60 % affirmative to make the change effective.
3 Who proposed the submittal of the Amendment for vote

The change to the constitution can negate the existing laws by superseding them.

New laws cannot override the constitution.

Given the above, are you ready to vote yes.

As an example, there are current laws against drugs. Amendment 3 wants to legalize Marijuana for more than medical uses.

Comments say that can provide an opportunity for new tax revenue, elimination of bad Marijuana etc.

My question is how I do as an elector get any benefit. Do I want a contractor coming to the house with a Marijuana high? What rights do I have if I suspect he is under the influence, but it is legal. Is my auto mechanic high? Can I get money back if they are not performing correctly. Is there a legal limit or test that would apply to users and responsibility. I know that some would say that the same applies to alcoholics. Well two wrongs don't make a right.

There is no current reason to pass this amendment without knowing how the above will be protected.

Quite frankly, all of the amendments have this flaw. They are special interest solutions to problems not well thought out. Why should we enshrine them in our constitution?

[skarra]

I am guessing that half of the Voters in Florida go to the Booth having little knowledge of the Amendment process.

1 The amendments are for a change in the Florida State Constitution.
2 It takes a 60 % affirmative to make the change effective.
3 Who proposed the submittal of the Amendment for vote

The change to the constitution can negate the existing laws by superseding them.

New laws cannot override the constitution.

Given the above, are you ready to vote yes.

As an example, there are current laws against drugs. Amendment 3 wants to legalize Marijuana for more than medical uses.

Comments say that can provide an opportunity for new tax revenue, elimination of bad Marijuana etc.

My question is how I do as an elector get any benefit. Do I want a contractor coming to the house with a Marijuana high? What rights do I have if I suspect he is under the influence, but it is legal. Is my auto mechanic high? Can I get money back if they are not performing correctly. Is there a legal limit or test that would apply to users and responsibility. I know that some would say that the same applies to alcoholics. Well two wrongs don't make a right.

There is no current reason to pass this amendment without knowing how the above will be protected.

Quite frankly, all of the amendments have this flaw. They are special interest solutions to problems not well thought out. Why should we enshrine them in our constitution?


The price of freedom. I like freedom.

I'm no fan of any drug including alcohol, but I do believe people should be free to live their lives as they want. Bad behavior is what needs to be outlawed.

[blueash]

You know that any contractor that wants to buy weed can get himself a medical card with no problem and no disease if he is willing to pay for it, and he can also buy it easily on the illegal market. So if you're worried about how this changes who might show up high, it does not.

But it does free cops from chasing silly pot infractions and running lives because of possession of small amounts. And it gets money away from drug cartels, and avoids fentanyl contamination in street weed, and puts cash into the state treasury.

THC is a far safer drug than alcohol, not 100% safe especially in growing brains but I'd rather my kids get stoned on the weekend than drunk.

[Normal]

Native American reservations (Seminoles) will capitalize first, this would be well ahead of statewide commercialization. State licensed stores will have to sell at controlled prices much higher than the “Res” price. Eventually the two markets will compete, but the real smoke screen will be the origin of your marijuana purchase. Consumers overwhelmingly will opt for the best product for the best price. Why shouldn’t they?

Eventually marijuana prices will decrease because of competition with other sources (Native American and others) and the saturation of the market.

Marijuana is already everywhere, so what would be the purpose of repeating Colorado’s Amendment 64 mistake?

Oh boy, we get the toll on its youth like other states are getting. Increased use and high school expulsions for possession. Is that a good thing?

I’m for leaving things just as they are.

[ChrisTinaBruce]

The price of freedom. I like freedom.

I'm no fan of any drug including alcohol, but I do believe people should be free to live their lives as they want. Bad behavior is what needs to be outlawed.

BINGO. I completely agree. Our focus needs to be on demanding politicians let law enforcement officers do their jobs.

Get drunk or high is your Right but not at the expense of others Rights.

[Gpsma]

Check out a YouTube posting by Sheriff Grady Judd about the marijuana amendment. Interesting points he makes

[Bill14564]

I suspect this thread won't last, but while it does.....

About halfway down this page (https://lwvfl.org/vote2024/) from the League of Women Voters there is a very good and understandable discussion of the six amendments.

[dewilson58]

I suspect this thread won't last, but while it does.....

About halfway down this page (https://lwvfl.org/vote2024/) from the League of Women Voters there is a very good and understandable discussion of the six amendments.

A clear piece

[Bilyclub]

Just go to the Denver area to see how legal weed is working out. If you think there are a lot of bad drivers here now, wait till they start driving stoned.

[Marathon Man]

I am guessing that half of the Voters in Florida go to the Booth having little knowledge of the Amendment process.

1 The amendments are for a change in the Florida State Constitution.
2 It takes a 60 % affirmative to make the change effective.
3 Who proposed the submittal of the Amendment for vote

The change to the constitution can negate the existing laws by superseding them.

New laws cannot override the constitution.

Given the above, are you ready to vote yes.

As an example, there are current laws against drugs. Amendment 3 wants to legalize Marijuana for more than medical uses.

Comments say that can provide an opportunity for new tax revenue, elimination of bad Marijuana etc.

My question is how I do as an elector get any benefit. Do I want a contractor coming to the house with a Marijuana high? What rights do I have if I suspect he is under the influence, but it is legal. Is my auto mechanic high? Can I get money back if they are not performing correctly. Is there a legal limit or test that would apply to users and responsibility. I know that some would say that the same applies to alcoholics. Well two wrongs don't make a right.

There is no current reason to pass this amendment without knowing how the above will be protected.

Quite frankly, all of the amendments have this flaw. They are special interest solutions to problems not well thought out. Why should we enshrine them in our constitution?

Please edit your post and replace the word "high" with "drunk". Now what would you like to do about that?

[JRcorvette]

Of more importance is proposition 4 which is Abortion rights. If you see the ads on TV they are Not telling you the entire story in fact they are lying to you. If you vote Yes you are opening up the State of Florida to become an Abortion vacation getaway destination. I believe that Florida needs to change the Law and not their Constitution. Six weeks is way too short of a time period. It is actually stupid and I don’t know who came up with that six week law. Let’s petition our legislators to make a common sense Law and keep our Constitution in tact!

[Bill14564]

Of more importance is proposition 4 which is Abortion rights. If you see the ads on TV they are Not telling you the entire story in fact they are lying to you. If you vote Yes you are opening up the State of Florida to become an Abortion vacation getaway destination. I believe that Florida needs to change the Law and not their Constitution. Six weeks is way too short of a time period. It is actually stupid and I don’t know who came up with that six week law. Let’s petition our legislators to make a common sense Law and keep our Constitution in tact!

You do know who came up with that six week law, it was our legislators who you want to petition.

Amendment four is a citizens' initiative in response to the laws the legislators have enacted.

(Amendment three is also a citizens' initiative)

[Pballer]

You do know who came up with that six week law, it was our legislators who you want to petition.

Amendment four is a citizens' initiative in response to the laws the legislators have enacted.

(Amendment three is also a citizens' initiative)

Even if Amendment 4 passes, the powers that be who are against it, will just gut it like they gutted the amendment that passed a few years ago that allowed ex-felons to vote.

[ThirdOfFive]

My wife (a very wise woman) once said "whenever the government declares war on anything, check your wallet!"

How right she is.

How many people in America remember when our government declared war on drugs? For those of us who don't, or who have forgotten, it was in 1971. The year that President Nixon declared drugs to be "Public Enemy #1".There were about 207 million of us then. There are about 345 million of us today. That means that there are 138 MILLION Americans alive today to whom that declaration by our government in 1971 is on a par with Dec. 8, 1941. Something they got to study in in high school, if they studied it at all. History.

But we're still paying for that little piece of history. And we're paying more and more every year. The numbers are staggering. Since 1971 Joe Taxpayer has paid well over one TRILLION dollars for the war on drugs. More than 38 billion in 2022 alone. ("Costs in the War on Drugs Continue To soar", nbc news dot com, Dante Chinni, July 2, 2023).

So how is the "war" progressing?

Well, 1.8 Million Americans were incarcerated in 2023 (Statista) which includes "353,000 people in state prisons, local jails, federal prisons, youth prisons, and military prisons" for drug offenses (Prison Policy Initiative). But the most meaningful number is one that escapes us at first glance. That 353,000 includes ONLY those people convicted of drug crimes--supplying, carrying, and selling illegal drugs. How many more are incarcerated for drug-RELATED crimes; petty criminals holding up liquor stores, muggers, home invaders, prostitution, fencing stolen goods, and the like, so they can get the money to feed their drug addiction? Those numbers aren't included in that 353,000 and is impossible to know for certain, but common sense alone tells us that is is significant. Someone convicted of a mugging may go to prison for it, but the court sentencing that person isn't going to care WHY he did it, and you can generalize that to any number of other crimes. Another 353,000, maybe? Half a million? More?

Maybe it is time we surrendered in this cockamamie "war on drugs". The numbers alone tell us it is not working and is working less well as time goes on. Clean weed in Florida is only a minuscule part of the picture. Getting the criminal element out, making drugs clean and readily (and cheaply) available, and making treatment readily available for those who want it, should be our focus.

What we're doing is a failure. Maybe it is time we started doing something that will work.

[dougjb]

Marijuana usage does not affect driving capability. This is an urban legend promoted by sheriffs so that they can keep their "bust" records high enough to justify the little work that the police do.

Besides, anyone who thinks marijuana use is not already rampant has stuck their head in the sand. Too many of our youth have been arrested for marijuana possession which has broad ramifications for their ability to get a job or enter a profession.

A great majority of our prison population consists of non-violent drug possession cases.Do you really want to continue to have your taxes keep going up so that these "offenders" are off the streets...while so many other "offenders" are using? That makes no sense. We have the largest prison population in the world. It is time to start sorting out the truly dangerous from those whom society simply wants to look down upon.

[Haggar]

Native American reservations (Seminoles) will capitalize first, this would be well ahead of statewide commercialization. State licensed stores will have to sell at controlled prices much higher than the “Res” price. Eventually the two markets will compete, but the real smoke screen will be the origin of your marijuana purchase. Consumers overwhelmingly will opt for the best product for the best price. Why shouldn’t they?

Eventually marijuana prices will decrease because of competition with other sources (Native American and others) and the saturation of the market.

Marijuana is already everywhere, so what would be the purpose of repeating Colorado’s Amendment 64 mistake?

Oh boy, we get the toll on its youth like other states are getting. Increased use and high school expulsions for possession. Is that a good thing?

I’m for leaving things just as they are.

Trulieve has spent $93,000,000 on trying to getting Amendment 3 passed. If the driving force behind this is a commercial enterprise selling MJ then it's hard to believe this is a good amendment. A single glass of alcohol can give one a pleasant feeling without being affected. MJ has an immediate effect physically and mentally. What we don't need are more people with diminished capacity in the world.

And we certainly don't need people smoking MJ is an open area where children can inhale it.

[opinionist]

Amendment 4 eliminates parental rights to decide for a child and eliminates all abortion restrictions. Most pro-choice people want some limits. The lawyer-speak is intended to deceive.

[Bill14564]

Please read at least the summary of the amendments before deciding. There are (being nice here) talking points for both sides that may not quite accurately represent the amendments. Read the amendment rather than the opinions and decide what you feel is right.

[Number 10 GI]

Marijuana usage does not affect driving capability. This is an urban legend promoted by sheriffs so that they can keep their "bust" records high enough to justify the little work that the police do.

Alcoholics make the same assertion that they can drive drunk just as well as they can do when sober. Marijuana does affect your ability to safely drive a vehicle.

[blueash]

Amendment 4 eliminates parental rights to decide for a child and eliminates all abortion restrictions. Most pro-choice people want some limits. The lawyer-speak is intended to deceive.

Maybe instead of watching anti-choice TV scare ads you might want to actually read the amendment.
Here is the language:
"No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider. This amendment does not change the legislature’s constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor has an abortion."

So this amendment continues the Florida requirements that were in place before Roe was overturned. It does not add any new abortion rights that were not in place in Florida. And there absolutely are limits on abortion just back to exactly what it was before Roe was overturned, viability (the ability of the unborn to survive being outside the womb) ends the right to terminate unless the mother's life is endangered.

For a review see the LWV link above or this summary of the honesty of the ads you are seeing Getting the facts on confusing Florida Amendment 4 abortion ads (https://www.nbc-2.com/article/florida-amendment-4-ads-fact-check/62335958)

[Normal]

Trulieve has spent $93,000,000 on trying to getting Amendment 3 passed. If the driving force behind this is a commercial enterprise selling MJ then it's hard to believe this is a good amendment. A single glass of alcohol can give one a pleasant feeling without being affected. MJ has an immediate effect physically and mentally. What we don't need are more people with diminished capacity in the world.

And we certainly don't need people smoking MJ is an open area where children can inhale it.

It is also easier to conceal. I have seen this happen in other states. Native American Nations jump right on the bandwagon in full force. It’s more lucrative than casinos ever were (of course casinos aren’t as portable for use). The elite growers will be schooled quickly by nations that have already developed a much higher quality herb for distribution. And guess what, bought there, there is no tax.

But hey, we can be the party on state that the dopers drive to. “Let’s take the family to Florida and we can get wasted too.”

[JoMar]

Marijuana usage does not affect driving capability. This is an urban legend promoted by sheriffs so that they can keep their "bust" records high enough to justify the little work that the police do.

Besides, anyone who thinks marijuana use is not already rampant has stuck their head in the sand. Too many of our youth have been arrested for marijuana possession which has broad ramifications for their ability to get a job or enter a profession.

A great majority of our prison population consists of non-violent drug possession cases.Do you really want to continue to have your taxes keep going up so that these "offenders" are off the streets...while so many other "offenders" are using? That makes no sense. We have the largest prison population in the world. It is time to start sorting out the truly dangerous from those whom society simply wants to look down upon.

Have you ever smoked it?

[justjim]

I am guessing that half of the Voters in Florida go to the Booth having little knowledge of the Amendment process.

1 The amendments are for a change in the Florida State Constitution.
2 It takes a 60 % affirmative to make the change effective.
3 Who proposed the submittal of the Amendment for vote

The change to the constitution can negate the existing laws by superseding them.

New laws cannot override the constitution.

Given the above, are you ready to vote yes.

As an example, there are current laws against drugs. Amendment 3 wants to legalize Marijuana for more than medical uses.

Comments say that can provide an opportunity for new tax revenue, elimination of bad Marijuana etc.

My question is how I do as an elector get any benefit. Do I want a contractor coming to the house with a Marijuana high? What rights do I have if I suspect he is under the influence, but it is legal. Is my auto mechanic high? Can I get money back if they are not performing correctly. Is there a legal limit or test that would apply to users and responsibility. I know that some would say that the same applies to alcoholics. Well two wrongs don't make a right.

There is no current reason to pass this amendment without knowing how the above will be protected.

Quite frankly, all of the amendments have this flaw. They are special interest solutions to problems not well thought out. Why should we enshrine them in our constitution?

Most of us didn’t have this option when we were residents up north. There is something to say about the will of the vast majority of the people. True democracy?

[Pugchief]

Have you ever smoked it?

Yes, but I didn't inhale....

[Caymus]

Yes, but I didn't inhale....

In my experience most "seniors" use edibles.

[Pugchief]

Do I want a contractor coming to the house with a Marijuana high? What rights do I have if I suspect he is under the influence, but it is legal. Is my auto mechanic high? Can I get money back if they are not performing correctly. Is there a legal limit or test that would apply to users and responsibility.

How do you know if your mechanic is high now? Are you able to drug test your contractors now, prior to letting them lay your flooring?

[Pugchief]

You know that any contractor that wants to buy weed can get himself a medical card with no problem and no disease if he is willing to pay for it, and he can also buy it easily on the illegal market. So if you're worried about how this changes who might show up high, it does not.

But it does free cops from chasing silly pot infractions and running lives because of possession of small amounts. And it gets money away from drug cartels, and avoids fentanyl contamination in street weed, and puts cash into the state treasury.



Excellent, rational summary.

[Normal]

Yes, but I didn't inhale....

Bill, is that you? Meeting tonight at the Blue Dress Bar in santaMONICA.

[fdpaq0580]

Of more importance is proposition 4 which is Abortion rights. If you see the ads on TV they are Not telling you the entire story in fact they are lying to you. (No they're not! ) If you vote Yes you are opening up the State of Florida to become an Abortion vacation getaway destination.

Good! Let women and their doctors decide what health care is needed. Get government out of health care decisions. Stop government sanctioned religious zealots from subjugating women to their will. Freedom of choice (for all freedom lovers) should be extended to health care.

[dewilson58]

Good! Let women and their doctors decide what health care is needed. Get government out of health care decisions. Stop government sanctioned religious zealots from subjugating women to their will. Freedom of choice (for all freedom lovers) should be extended to health care.

There we go.............finally got around to the topic of legalizing murder.

[It's Hot There]

Good! Let women and their doctors decide what health care is needed. Get government out of health care decisions. Stop government sanctioned religious zealots from subjugating women to their will. Freedom of choice (for all freedom lovers) should be extended to health care.

Science, not religion............a heartbeat begins and so does the slippery slope.

[It's Hot There]

(a) Marijuana usage does not affect driving capability. This is an urban legend promoted by sheriffs so that they can keep their "bust" records high enough to justify the little work that the police do.

(b) Besides, anyone who thinks marijuana use is not already rampant has stuck their head in the sand. Too many of our youth have been arrested for marijuana possession which has broad ramifications for their ability to get a job or enter a profession.


(a) (HealthDay News) - In 4 out of 7 states that legalized recreational cannabis, deaths from car crashes rose 10%, according to the University of Illinois Chicago study. On a brighter note, suicide and opioid overdose deaths declined in the states that legalized recreational marijuana.

(b) Good logic to legalize. Let's legalize all "rampant" crimes.

[fdpaq0580]

Science, not religion............a heartbeat begins and so does the slippery slope.

"Slippery slope", my aunt sadie! We were in the situation. Had we been living here now, I would have lost both my wife and child. Child had problems that affected wife and would kill her. No time play regulatory games. Emergency time. Doctors delivered baby early. Wife healed and we could try again. Baby survived 48 hrs. Doctor and wife made the decision and I support that. Just because you detect a heartbeat does not guarantee healthy/viable offspring. All talk about the supposed "slippery slope" is fear mongering at it's worst. Stay out of others personal and heart breaking medical decisions! Keep government hands off of medical decisions. Nobody takes Abortion lightly!

[It's Hot There]

"Slippery slope", my aunt sadie! We were in the situation. Had we been living here now, I would have lost both my wife and child. Child had problems that affected wife and would kill her. No time play regulatory games. Emergency time. Doctors delivered baby early. Wife healed and we could try again. Baby survived 48 hrs. Doctor and wife made the decision and I support that. Just because you detect a heartbeat does not guarantee healthy/viable offspring. All talk about the supposed "slippery slope" is fear mongering at it's worst. Stay out of others personal and heart breaking medical decisions! Keep government hands off of medical decisions. Nobody takes Abortion lightly!

If true, no one is talking about this.
This is fringe stuff.
Come on.

[Pballer]

There we go.............finally got around to the topic of legalizing murder.

There we go. The self righteous trying to push their religious beliefs on everyone. Kind of like the Christian Taliban.

[dewilson58]

There we go. The self righteous trying to push their religious beliefs on everyone. Kind of like the Christian Taliban.

Like Hot said, Science, not religion

[fdpaq0580]

If true, no one is talking about this.
This is fringe stuff.
Come on.

100% true.
Lots of people are talking about this issue. Just because you don't hear doesn't mean they're not talking.
Fringe stuff? Anything else you can say to diminish other people's feelings who have to deal with difficult and emotional life and death decisions?
"Come on"? I sense a complete lack of empathy and understanding on your part.

[fdpaq0580]

Like Hot said, Science, not religion

Abuse of science through religious dogma.

I'm editing because just repeating " science, not religion " doesn't really define your position on this issue.

[It's Hot There]

100% true.
Lots of people are talking about this issue. Just because you don't hear doesn't mean they're not talking.
Fringe stuff? Anything else you can say to diminish other people's feelings who have to deal with difficult and emotional life and death decisions?
"Come on"? I sense a complete lack of empathy and understanding on your part.

You missed the point........totally.

No one is talking about this...........risk to mother's life.
People try to pass general laws for the understandable exceptions....the fringes.
Poor senses.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I am guessing that half of the Voters in Florida go to the Booth having little knowledge of the Amendment process.

1 The amendments are for a change in the Florida State Constitution.
2 It takes a 60 % affirmative to make the change effective.
3 Who proposed the submittal of the Amendment for vote

The change to the constitution can negate the existing laws by superseding them.

New laws cannot override the constitution.

Given the above, are you ready to vote yes.

As an example, there are current laws against drugs. Amendment 3 wants to legalize Marijuana for more than medical uses.

Comments say that can provide an opportunity for new tax revenue, elimination of bad Marijuana etc.

My question is how I do as an elector get any benefit. Do I want a contractor coming to the house with a Marijuana high? What rights do I have if I suspect he is under the influence, but it is legal. Is my auto mechanic high? Can I get money back if they are not performing correctly. Is there a legal limit or test that would apply to users and responsibility. I know that some would say that the same applies to alcoholics. Well two wrongs don't make a right.

There is no current reason to pass this amendment without knowing how the above will be protected.

Quite frankly, all of the amendments have this flaw. They are special interest solutions to problems not well thought out. Why should we enshrine them in our constitution?

There are already existing laws about driving while "under the influence." If you have a valid, legal prescription for a prescribed pain medicine, to treat pain following surgery - and you take it AS PRESCRIBED - and then start driving, and cause an accident, you will be charged with "driving under the influence."

The legality of the substance is irrelevant. What matters is that the substance affected your ability to drive.

Companies are allowed to impose restrictions on their employees with regards to working under the influence. They can drug test employees at any time after they're hired. They can say "what you do on your own time is your own business but don't be drinking/smoking/edibling/shooting up/swallowing mind-altering substances on the clock. Full stop. Grounds for termination."

Those restrictions are ALREADY in place, there are no proposals to change them.

Drinking alcohol is legal if you're 21 years old or older. But you still can't be drinking on the job in MOST places of employment. The fact that alcohol is legal doesn't change that fact.

And it won't change that fact if cannabis becomes legal.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Just go to the Denver area to see how legal weed is working out. If you think there are a lot of bad drivers here now, wait till they start driving stoned.

Denver'''s Marijuana Revenue Drops 34%, But Cannabis Crime Rates Remain Low - Benzinga (https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/08/40641980/denvers-marijuana-revenue-drops-34-but-cannabis-crime-rates-remain-low)
Marijuana-related crime constituted a mere 0.2% of total crime in 2023, a figure that the Denver Excise and Licenses spokesperson Eric Escudero pointed out as evidence of the city's effective regulation.

As I said up-thread: "driving under the influence" is still against the law, whether the substance influencing you is legal or illegal.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Of more importance is proposition 4 which is Abortion rights. If you see the ads on TV they are Not telling you the entire story in fact they are lying to you. If you vote Yes you are opening up the State of Florida to become an Abortion vacation getaway destination. I believe that Florida needs to change the Law and not their Constitution. Six weeks is way too short of a time period. It is actually stupid and I don’t know who came up with that six week law. Let’s petition our legislators to make a common sense Law and keep our Constitution in tact!

Men came up with it.

Men always come up with laws that restrict a woman's right to her body. There are some women who support these men, but it's the men who demand these restrictions and propose the laws.

You stay out of my womb, and I'll stay out of your nads. Deal?

[fdpaq0580]

You missed the point........totally.

No one is talking about this...........risk to mother's life.
People try to pass general laws for the understandable exceptions....the fringes.
Poor senses.

I got your point. Risk to the mother is a major portion of the argument. A woman died not long ago because se was banned from getting an abortion. Maybe you missed it. Some "news" outlets don't like to print/transmit information deemed counterproductive to the cause. Life and death issues are hardly "fring" in my world.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Marijuana usage does not affect driving capability. This is an urban legend promoted by sheriffs so that they can keep their "bust" records high enough to justify the little work that the police do.

Besides, anyone who thinks marijuana use is not already rampant has stuck their head in the sand. Too many of our youth have been arrested for marijuana possession which has broad ramifications for their ability to get a job or enter a profession.

A great majority of our prison population consists of non-violent drug possession cases.Do you really want to continue to have your taxes keep going up so that these "offenders" are off the streets...while so many other "offenders" are using? That makes no sense. We have the largest prison population in the world. It is time to start sorting out the truly dangerous from those whom society simply wants to look down upon.

"X does not do Y" is an absolute statement, and it is inaccurate, misleading, and disingenuous.

Rather, try "the likelihood of X doing Y is lower compared to the likelihood of Z doing Y" instead.

Being stoned can ABSOLUTELY impair your driving. Does it always? Nope. But some folks (like myself) can't drive while stoned. I get dizzy, I have trouble focusing, and bright light (like the sun, or high-beams on an oncoming vehicle) make it difficult for me to see anything in front of me. You would not want me on the road if I was stoned. I know I'm not the only one. It also affects your reflexes. Get a bunch of stoned old people driving in rush-hour traffic on 441 and enjoy the carnage.

But that's why it's illegal to drive while impaired.

[fdpaq0580]

men came up with it.

Men always come up with laws that restrict a woman's right to her body. There are some women who support these men, but it's the men who demand these restrictions and propose the laws.

You stay out of my womb, and i'll stay out of your nads. Deal?

deal! 😃😄😉

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Trulieve has spent $93,000,000 on trying to getting Amendment 3 passed. If the driving force behind this is a commercial enterprise selling MJ then it's hard to believe this is a good amendment. A single glass of alcohol can give one a pleasant feeling without being affected. MJ has an immediate effect physically and mentally. What we don't need are more people with diminished capacity in the world.

And we certainly don't need people smoking MJ is an open area where children can inhale it.

A single glass of rum will definitely affect me. Within minutes. Physically and mentally. A single glass of gin will have me puking on your shoes within minutes, physically and mentally. Prohibition doesn't work - people smoke and ingest THC already, and they already have the state's blessing to do so as long as they pay their 6-month fee and buy from an authorized store.

Cannabis is not just a smoked substance, it is also infused into edibles and tinctures, no smoke necessary at all. There are already local rules and laws regarding smoking. It doesn't matter WHAT is being smoked, and there's nothing stopping localities from adding stricter prohibitions for smoking products with THC in them.

[fdpaq0580]

Marijuana usage does not affect driving capability. This is an urban legend promoted by sheriffs so that they can keep their "bust" records high enough to justify the little work that the police do.

You only think it doesn't affect you because you are too stoned to notice. I vote total BS!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Amendment 4 eliminates parental rights to decide for a child and eliminates all abortion restrictions. Most pro-choice people want some limits. The lawyer-speak is intended to deceive.

It doesn't do that. Here's the entire text:
No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient's health, as determined by the patient's healthcare provider. This amendment does not change the Legislature's constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor has an abortion.

As you can see, it's in plain English, and is only two sentences. It included verbiage regarding parental notification.

Most pro-choice advocates (such as myself) are not looking for restrictions. In the State of Florida, there were exactly ZERO abortions performed on women in their third trimester for the years that Roe v. Wade was active. Most women in their 3rd trimester would more likely undergo a cesarean birth if medically safe for the woman, as long as the fetus was still viable. If the fetus isn't viable by the third trimester, then it doesn't matter how it's removed from the womb, it's not viable and is either already dead, or will die shortly after it's born. Women in their 3rd trimester - are in that 3rd trimester because they have CHOSEN to have their babies. They have chosen to NOT get an abortion. If they're in the 3rd trimester and end up needing an abortion, it's because their life is in danger if they don't.

I'm 100% in favor of saving the mother and sacrificing the unborn. That's how I was raised, my religion (Judaism) actually demands it. You always try to save the unborn. UNLESS the mother's life is in danger. Then you save the mother. Why? Because the mother has already proven that she can reproduce. The unborn has proven only that it has the potential to kill the fertile mother.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Science, not religion............a heartbeat begins and so does the slippery slope.

Easy solution:

As soon as the heartbeat starts at 6 weeks - if the woman doesn't want to be pregnant anymore, do a c-section on her and take the fetus out. You can put it up for adoptions and grow it in an incubator, courtesy of the taxpayer of course (since the woman has already said she doesn't want it and you shouldn't be forcing her to keep it).

Problem solved.

Of course, it's not until 17-20 weeks that a fetus heart has all 4 chambers and is fully developed. Until then it's just a fluttering of cells, and not an actual heart yet. But hey, science amirite?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

If true, no one is talking about this.
This is fringe stuff.
Come on.

You need to get out more if you think no one is talking about this. It's a HUGE deal, has made not just national news but global news. Get out of your alt-media bubble and explore the world.

[Pugchief]

There we go. The self righteous trying to push their religious beliefs on everyone. Kind of like the Christian Taliban.

Please don't encourage me to change my avatar again.....

[It's Hot There]

I got your point. Risk to the mother is a major portion of the argument. A woman died not long ago because se was banned from getting an abortion. Maybe you missed it. Some "news" outlets don't like to print/transmit information deemed counterproductive to the cause. Life and death issues are hardly "fring" in my world.

Obviously not.
Will talk slower.

No one is arguing when mommy's life is at risk.

Yes Amber died after taking an abortion pill.

[It's Hot There]

Easy solution:

As soon as the heartbeat starts at 6 weeks - if the woman doesn't want to be pregnant anymore, do a c-section on her and take the fetus out. You can put it up for adoptions and grow it in an incubator, courtesy of the taxpayer of course (since the woman has already said she doesn't want it and you shouldn't be forcing her to keep it).

Problem solved.

Of course, it's not until 17-20 weeks that a fetus heart has all 4 chambers and is fully developed. Until then it's just a fluttering of cells, and not an actual heart yet. But hey, science amirite?

Sad you can make light of it.

You are creating your own definition, Not talking 6 weeks.

:ohdear:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Sad you can make light of it.

You are creating your own definition, Not talking 6 weeks.

:ohdear:

That's the law. It's called the Heartbeat Bill. It's illegal in Florida to get an abortion after 6 weeks, because that is when a fetal heartbeat can be detected with an ultrasound. That is the REASON Florida's ban on abortions is for any pregnancy past 6 weeks and 0 days.

Not my definition, that's Florida's definition. Florida says it's a baby once you can hear the heart beat, at 6 weeks. So I say - let any woman who doesn't want the baby after 6 weeks, have the baby safely removed from her womb.

The problem with this logic - is that it's not logical. The 6 week abortion ban is religious horsecrap that has no basis in science. If it was a baby at 6 weeks, then a woman should be able to GIVE BIRTH to it. Induce labor and let the 6-week old "baby" be born.

If you can't do that, then maybe - it's not a baby yet, and you're not killing an unborn baby when you have an abortion at 7 weeks, or 8, 9, even as late as 17 weeks. You're removing a fetus - a combination of cells growing inside a female person, that is 100% dependent on that person. It cannot survive outside the person. It can't breathe on its own, its brain can't yet function, its digestive system is not yet functioning, it can't eat, it can't drink. Until such time as it can be BORN - it is a growth. Nothing more or less.

[AMB444]

No to abortion EVER unless mother's life is endangered.

No to Beavis and Butthead pot smokers. Go to Denver for your spring break. We don't need all that extra crap on our beaches. We have enough problems with alcohol abusers on our roads and beaches and creating problems.

[Sabella]

If proposition 4 passes, why should taxpayers be the ones footing the bill for this to be done?

[Rocksnap]

Question is, how is this whole post even allowed on here? Since it’s a very political subject, at a minimum?

[Ksarracco]

Thank you. I absolutely agree. Let police (and parents) do their jobs. Not in favor of most amendments introduced. Look at Colorado and California. Don’t want it.

[rawiatt]

I am guessing that half of the Voters in Florida go to the Booth having little knowledge of the Amendment process.

1 The amendments are for a change in the Florida State Constitution.
2 It takes a 60 % affirmative to make the change effective.
3 Who proposed the submittal of the Amendment for vote

The change to the constitution can negate the existing laws by superseding them.

New laws cannot override the constitution.

Given the above, are you ready to vote yes.

As an example, there are current laws against drugs. Amendment 3 wants to legalize Marijuana for more than medical uses.

Comments say that can provide an opportunity for new tax revenue, elimination of bad Marijuana etc.

My question is how I do as an elector get any benefit. Do I want a contractor coming to the house with a Marijuana high? What rights do I have if I suspect he is under the influence, but it is legal. Is my auto mechanic high? Can I get money back if they are not performing correctly. Is there a legal limit or test that would apply to users and responsibility. I know that some would say that the same applies to alcoholics. Well two wrongs don't make a right.

There is no current reason to pass this amendment without knowing how the above will be protected.

Quite frankly, all of the amendments have this flaw. They are special interest solutions to problems not well thought out. Why should we enshrine them in our constitution?

I agree. I am not in favor of legalizing pot at all.

[CODYCAT]

I’m 78 and can probably count the number of elections I didn’t vote in on one hand. Having seen hundreds and hundreds of amendments it seems that the longer confusing ones it’s always good to vote against them. Someone is usually trying to put something over on you. When something is bad for you and they are telling you it’s good something is going on.

[RoseyRed]

I am guessing that half of the Voters in Florida go to the Booth having little knowledge of the Amendment process.

1 The amendments are for a change in the Florida State Constitution.
2 It takes a 60 % affirmative to make the change effective.
3 Who proposed the submittal of the Amendment for vote

The change to the constitution can negate the existing laws by superseding them.

New laws cannot override the constitution.

Given the above, are you ready to vote yes.

As an example, there are current laws against drugs. Amendment 3 wants to legalize Marijuana for more than medical uses.

Comments say that can provide an opportunity for new tax revenue, elimination of bad Marijuana etc.

My question is how I do as an elector get any benefit. Do I want a contractor coming to the house with a Marijuana high? What rights do I have if I suspect he is under the influence, but it is legal. Is my auto mechanic high? Can I get money back if they are not performing correctly. Is there a legal limit or test that would apply to users and responsibility. I know that some would say that the same applies to alcoholics. Well two wrongs don't make a right.

There is no current reason to pass this amendment without knowing how the above will be protected.

Quite frankly, all of the amendments have this flaw. They are special interest solutions to problems not well thought out. Why should we enshrine them in our constitution?
That is brings to light some very good points!

[MorTech]

The only human right is the right to be left alone...This includes how others choose to medicate themselves.
Also, a potential person is not an actual person.

[Windguy]

My question is how I do as an elector get any benefit.
Well, for one, you will no longer have to pay for the incarceration of decent people who were in possession of small amounts of marijuana. You will save money and they will be able to be productive members of society.

[MandoMan]

I am guessing that half of the Voters in Florida go to the Booth having little knowledge of the Amendment process.

1 The amendments are for a change in the Florida State Constitution.
2 It takes a 60 % affirmative to make the change effective.
3 Who proposed the submittal of the Amendment for vote

The change to the constitution can negate the existing laws by superseding them.

New laws cannot override the constitution.

Given the above, are you ready to vote yes.

As an example, there are current laws against drugs. Amendment 3 wants to legalize Marijuana for more than medical uses.

Comments say that can provide an opportunity for new tax revenue, elimination of bad Marijuana etc.

My question is how I do as an elector get any benefit. Do I want a contractor coming to the house with a Marijuana high? What rights do I have if I suspect he is under the influence, but it is legal. Is my auto mechanic high? Can I get money back if they are not performing correctly. Is there a legal limit or test that would apply to users and responsibility. I know that some would say that the same applies to alcoholics. Well two wrongs don't make a right.

There is no current reason to pass this amendment without knowing how the above will be protected.

Quite frankly, all of the amendments have this flaw. They are special interest solutions to problems not well thought out. Why should we enshrine them in our constitution?

I haven’t used marijuana since I was sixteen, but I was planning to vote for the legalization amendment so others could easily use it. But then I discovered that the amendment DOES NOT allow you to grow a plant or two in your back yard. You have BUY it at high prices from a licensed shop, and what they sell is far stronger than than the low quality leaves I used to share (one joint among four or five high school students). They are only in it for the money. If you have an ounce or two at home or in your car and can’t prove you bought it legally, you will still be arrested as an illegal distributor. A lot of what is sold in stores costs as much as illegal pills or powders. People can easily spend several hundred dollars a month on marijuana products. It all helps make the poor and unemployed poorer. It harms their families who may really need that money. Maybe they decide to burgle your car so they can buy some. How do you pay high rent when you are also spending hundreds of dollars a month getting legally high?

Last week I read a long article from a reputable source on the problems of legalization. Research in the wake of legalization in many states has allowed doctors doing research to learn a lot more about long term side effects than was known before. For example, a huge percentage of heavy users begin having trouble with nausea and vomiting that makes it hard to work and leads them to ERs. In many cases, that medical care is paid for by Medicaid or health insurance—your tax dollars being spent as some companies make billions and the state makes billions in taxes.

Marijuana chronic use affects brain chemistry more than was originally realized, especially when it is strong. This can cause paranoia, anxiety, depression, as well as relieve them. It depends on the person.

You know that even though it will be legal only for people twenty-one or older, this will increase availability for teens. Even more will eat a THC-laced gummy and float through school days. How is that good for America?

After reading that article, I decided that it would be immoral for me to vote YES on the amendment, so I voted NO and mailed in my ballot. If you love America, I urge you to do the same. If you want America to be strong, that doesn’t come from being high all day.

[christine J Toft]

I am guessing that half of the Voters in Florida go to the Booth having little knowledge of the Amendment process.

1 The amendments are for a change in the Florida State Constitution.
2 It takes a 60 % affirmative to make the change effective.
3 Who proposed the submittal of the Amendment for vote

The change to the constitution can negate the existing laws by superseding them.

New laws cannot override the constitution.

Given the above, are you ready to vote yes.

As an example, there are current laws against drugs. Amendment 3 wants to legalize Marijuana for more than medical uses.

Comments say that can provide an opportunity for new tax revenue, elimination of bad Marijuana etc.

My question is how I do as an elector get any benefit. Do I want a contractor coming to the house with a Marijuana high? What rights do I have if I suspect he is under the influence, but it is legal. Is my auto mechanic high? Can I get money back if they are not performing correctly. Is there a legal limit or test that would apply to users and responsibility. I know that some would say that the same applies to alcoholics. Well two wrongs don't make a right.

There is no current reason to pass this amendment without knowing how the above will be protected.

Quite frankly, all of the amendments have this flaw. They are special interest solutions to problems not well thought out. Why should we enshrine them in our constitution?

Really? What makes you think that a contractor won't come to your house now high? Marijuana is all over the place. I know many Villagers who partake. I'd much rather they get it from a controlled seller than off the street. I believe you're not going to change the number of people partaking by much... if people want it, they will get it.

[christine J Toft]

I haven’t used marijuana since I was sixteen, but I was planning to vote for the legalization amendment so others could easily use it. But then I discovered that the amendment DOES NOT allow you to grow a plant or two in your back yard. You have BUY it at high prices from a licensed shop, and what they sell is far stronger than than the low quality leaves I used to share (one joint among four or five high school students). They are only in it for the money. If you have an ounce or two at home or in your car and can’t prove you bought it legally, you will still be arrested as an illegal distributor. A lot of what is sold in stores costs as much as illegal pills or powders. People can easily spend several hundred dollars a month on marijuana products. It all helps make the poor and unemployed poorer. It harms their families who may really need that money. Maybe they decide to burgle your car so they can buy some. How do you pay high rent when you are also spending hundreds of dollars a month getting legally high?

Last week I read a long article from a reputable source on the problems of legalization. Research in the wake of legalization in many states has allowed doctors doing research to learn a lot more about long term side effects than was known before. For example, a huge percentage of heavy users begin having trouble with nausea and vomiting that makes it hard to work and leads them to ERs. In many cases, that medical care is paid for by Medicaid or health insurance—your tax dollars being spent as some companies make billions and the state makes billions in taxes.

Marijuana chronic use affects brain chemistry more than was originally realized, especially when it is strong. This can cause paranoia, anxiety, depression, as well as relieve them. It depends on the person.

You know that even though it will be legal only for people twenty-one or older, this will increase availability for teens. Even more will eat a THC-laced gummy and float through school days. How is that good for America?

After reading that article, I decided that it would be immoral for me to vote YES on the amendment, so I voted NO and mailed in my ballot. If you love America, I urge you to do the same. If you want America to be strong, that doesn’t come from being high all day.

And how many who oppose it are throwing down cocktails like water! People say "you can't sue if there's a problem". Well, those that are using now certainly can't sue the man on the street they buy from. I believe this will prevent deaths. Maybe we need to address the sale of alcohol again???? Kids use it. No denying it. Kids vape.... I prefer to have our law enforcement dealing with real issues.

[GATORBILL66]

Save Florida! No on 3 and 4. Yes on the rest.

[opinionist]

"This amendment does not change the legislature’s constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor has an abortion."

The "notification of a parent" can happen after the fact. You are being deceived by the lawyer-speak.

[nancyre]

If a child can survive outside of the mother at 20 weeks, then it is a human being at that point and deserves all protections at that point. Likewise if the mother's life is in danger to carry to term then the availability of the process needs to be there.

[Bill14564]

"This amendment does not change the legislature’s constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor has an abortion."

The "notification of a parent" can happen after the fact. You are being deceived by the lawyer-speak.

What lawyer speak? Have you taken the time to read the two sentences (fewer than 50 words) of plain English? Since you included half those words in your post so you must have. The sentences seemed very simple and straightforward to me but judging by the contradiction in your post, something must be confusing.

Read the sentences again. Take the time to understand them. Don’t let someone else tell you what to think.

[RoseyRed]

Marijuana usage does not affect driving capability. This is an urban legend promoted by sheriffs so that they can keep their "bust" records high enough to justify the little work that the police do.

Besides, anyone who thinks marijuana use is not already rampant has stuck their head in the sand. Too many of our youth have been arrested for marijuana possession which has broad ramifications for their ability to get a job or enter a profession.

A great majority of our prison population consists of non-violent drug possession cases.Do you really want to continue to have your taxes keep going up so that these "offenders" are off the streets...while so many other "offenders" are using? That makes no sense. We have the largest prison population in the world. It is time to start sorting out the truly dangerous from those whom society simply wants to look down upon.
YES! totally agree! The focus should be on the violent offenders, not the young population that makes a minor mistake and pays for it the rest of their lives.

[RoseyRed]

"Slippery slope", my aunt sadie! We were in the situation. Had we been living here now, I would have lost both my wife and child. Child had problems that affected wife and would kill her. No time play regulatory games. Emergency time. Doctors delivered baby early. Wife healed and we could try again. Baby survived 48 hrs. Doctor and wife made the decision and I support that. Just because you detect a heartbeat does not guarantee healthy/viable offspring. All talk about the supposed "slippery slope" is fear mongering at it's worst. Stay out of others personal and heart breaking medical decisions! Keep government hands off of medical decisions. Nobody takes Abortion lightly!
Government has never walked a woman's shoes and neither has the majority of the population! It is an individual's decision and not the government. What is the benefit of the government controlling those decisions?

[fdpaq0580]

Obviously not.
Will talk slower.

No one is arguing when mommy's life is at risk.

Yes Amber died after taking an abortion pill.

There is more to that story.
When mommy wants/needs to abort and is unable to get proper medical care, then mommy's life will be at risk. She doesn't need platitudes and government intervention and regulation. She shouldn't have to leave the country or go to poor and unsafe options. As for her reasons, that is between her, her doctor, and her God (if she has one).

[ThirdOfFive]

If a child can survive outside of the mother at 20 weeks, then it is a human being at that point and deserves all protections at that point. Likewise if the mother's life is in danger to carry to term then the availability of the process needs to be there.

Agreed. Unfortunately just about all of the arguments presented here avoid that topic.

Following is a list of reasons why women get abortions (from National Library of Medicine website). Apologies for the somewhat jumbled tables. The first number following each entry is the frequency the reason is given. The second indicates the percentage of the total.

Not financially prepared 386 40%
 General financial 365 38%
 Unemployed/underemployed 41 4%
 Uninsured or can't get welfare 6 0.6%
 Don't want government assistance 4 0.4%

Not the right time for a baby 347 36%
 Bad timing/not ready/unplanned 321 34%
 Too busy/not enough time 17 2%
 Too old 16 2%

Partner related reasons 298 31%
 Relationship is bad, poor and/or new 89 9%
 Respondent wants to be married first/not a single mom 80 8%
 Partner is not supportive 77 8%
 Partner is wrong guy 61 6%
 Partner does not want baby 29 3%
 Partner is abusive 24 3%

Need to focus on other children 275 29%
 Too soon after having had a child/busy enough with current children/have enough children right now 239 25%
 Concern for other children she is rearing 51 5%

Interferes with future opportunities 194 20%
 Interferes with educational plans 132 14%
 Interferes with vocational plans 63 7%
 Want better life for self/don't want to limit future opportunities 49 5%

Not emotionally or mentally prepared 180 19%

Health related reasons 114 12%
 Concern for her own health 59 6%
 Concern for the health of the fetus 51 5%
 Drug, tobacco, or alcohol use 46 5%
 Prescription drug (not illicit) or contraceptive use 14 1.5%

Want a better life for the baby than she could provide 119 12%
 Want better life for baby 67 7%
 Living or housing context not suitable for baby 46 5%
 Lack of childcare or help from family to care for baby 13 1.4%
 Don't want her children to have a childhood like hers 5 0.5%

Not independent or mature enough for a baby 64 7%
 Too young or immature 47 5%
 Can't take care of self 12 1.3%
 Too dependent on parents or others right now 9 0.9%

Influences from family or friends 48 5%
 Would have a negative impact on family or friends 22 2%
 Don't want others to know/worried others would judge 19 2%
 Pressure from family or friends 11 1.2%

Don't want a baby or place baby for adoption 38 4%
 Don't want a baby or don't want any children 33 3%
 Don't want adoption 7 0.7%

Other 11 1.2%

Total 954 100%

As one can see from the above, the majority of abortions are done for one thing and one thing only: convenience. The major argument for the passage of this amendment, judging from those repetitive TV commercials and to a lesser extent here, appears to be that abortions are prohibited in Florida even in cases of rape. But to base one's argument on a point so minuscule that it does not even show up in exhaustive lists such as the one above defines such an "argument" as solely emotional. And a solely emotional approach on any topic makes for poor law.

[fdpaq0580]

Please don't encourage me to change my avatar again.....

Aha! The real you! Very handsome!

[Bealman]

And it gets money away from drug cartels, and avoids fentanyl contamination in street weed, and puts cash into the state treasury.

Getting money away from the cartels is a fantasy. The drug lords still grew illegally in places such as, national forests and illegal grow houses, even after Marijuana was legalized in CO. The panacea of lawlessness disappearing once Marijuana is legalized is horse dung. As long as there is a way to get away without paying taxes, people will attempt to not pay.

[Cybersprings]

A clear piece

A clearly biased piece.

[Rickanvic]

There is no current reason to pass this amendment without knowing how the above will be protected.

The same way you would deal with someone who was drunk or high on opiates that came to do work for you.

It is not going to stop people from doing what they would do if it was illegal.

This is why I am voting yes on this amendment. I was 17 years old and I went on a date with a guy I knew very well. I trusted very well. We smoked a joint which was quite common in the '70s. It was laced with something. The hallucinations and paranoia was horrible and lasted for quite some time. He swore he had no idea.

I understand that this could happen at any time but I would also hope that if it's legalized people wouldn't be buying it off the street and you would know what you were getting.

[fdpaq0580]

That's the law. It's called the Heartbeat Bill. It's illegal in Florida to get an abortion after 6 weeks, because that is when a fetal heartbeat can be detected with an ultrasound. That is the REASON Florida's ban on abortions is for any pregnancy past 6 weeks and 0 days.

Not my definition, that's Florida's definition. Florida says it's a baby once you can hear the heart beat, at 6 weeks. So I say - let any woman who doesn't want the baby after 6 weeks, have the baby safely removed from her womb.

The problem with this logic - is that it's not logical. The 6 week abortion ban is religious horsecrap that has no basis in science. If it was a baby at 6 weeks, then a woman should be able to GIVE BIRTH to it. Induce labor and let the 6-week old "baby" be born.

If you can't do that, then maybe - it's not a baby yet, and you're not killing an unborn baby when you have an abortion at 7 weeks, or 8, 9, even as late as 17 weeks. You're removing a fetus - a combination of cells growing inside a female person, that is 100% dependent on that person. It cannot survive outside the person. It can't breathe on its own, its brain can't yet function, its digestive system is not yet functioning, it can't eat, it can't drink. Until such time as it can be BORN - it is a growth. Nothing more or less.

Agree! A parasitic growth.

[Wondering]

I am guessing that half of the Voters in Florida go to the Booth having little knowledge of the Amendment process.

1 The amendments are for a change in the Florida State Constitution.
2 It takes a 60 % affirmative to make the change effective.
3 Who proposed the submittal of the Amendment for vote

The change to the constitution can negate the existing laws by superseding them.

New laws cannot override the constitution.

Given the above, are you ready to vote yes.

As an example, there are current laws against drugs. Amendment 3 wants to legalize Marijuana for more than medical uses.

Comments say that can provide an opportunity for new tax revenue, elimination of bad Marijuana etc.

My question is how I do as an elector get any benefit. Do I want a contractor coming to the house with a Marijuana high? What rights do I have if I suspect he is under the influence, but it is legal. Is my auto mechanic high? Can I get money back if they are not performing correctly. Is there a legal limit or test that would apply to users and responsibility. I know that some would say that the same applies to alcoholics. Well two wrongs don't make a right.

There is no current reason to pass this amendment without knowing how the above will be protected.

Quite frankly, all of the amendments have this flaw. They are special interest solutions to problems not well thought out. Why should we enshrine them in our constitution?
Have you done any legitimate current research on US States who have already passed the legalization and the problems that those States have experienced? I would do that first as evidence of possible problem issues or no issues.

[Bill14564]

A clearly biased piece.

What is biased about the LWV amendment information? Are you using the word "biased" to mean "lacking misinformation and misleading propaganda?"

[HJBeck]

Amen!

[dewilson58]

A clearly biased piece.

Than clear it.

[Bealman]

Men came up with it.

Men always come up with laws that restrict a woman's right to her body. There are some women who support these men, but it's the men who demand these restrictions and propose the laws.

You stay out of my womb, and I'll stay out of your nads. Deal?

Watch out Darla, here comes Spanky and Alfalfa! The He-man woman haters club is after you!

[fdpaq0580]

No to abortion EVER unless mother's life is endangered. .

(Sarcasm coming) YEAH! Make that 11 year old disabled girl suffer to carry the baby"?" of that child molester. A baby is a gift of God bestowed upon this blessed coupling.

[maistocars]

Just go to the Denver area to see how legal weed is working out. If you think there are a lot of bad drivers here now, wait till they start driving stoned.
Exactly and it's not just driving.............

[fdpaq0580]

Well, for one, you will no longer have to pay for the incarceration of decent people who were in possession of small amounts of marijuana. You will save money and they will be able to be productive members of society.

Whitewash.

[JRcorvette]

Most people will vote for something or someone based on Feelings and not Facts!

[fdpaq0580]

Really? What makes you think that a contractor won't come to your house now high? Marijuana is all over the place. I know many Villagers who partake. I'd much rather they get it from a controlled seller than off the street. I believe you're not going to change the number of people partaking by much... if people want it, they will get it.

Depends on how bad they want it and how much trouble they are willing to go through. Make it easy to get and take away the stigma associated, more will buy and get into the "habit".

[fdpaq0580]

And how many who oppose it are throwing down cocktails like water! People say "you can't sue if there's a problem". Well, those that are using now certainly can't sue the man on the street they buy from. I believe this will prevent deaths. Maybe we need to address the sale of alcohol again???? Kids use it. No denying it. Kids vape.... I prefer to have our law enforcement dealing with real issues.

I always chuckle when I see/hear that last line. As if dealing with drunks, stones, drug and alcohol related crimes aren't real issues.

[fdpaq0580]

Save Florida! No on 3 and 4. Yes on the rest.

Of course! Because you say so. 🤭

[jimmy o]

Native American reservations (Seminoles) will capitalize first, this would be well ahead of statewide commercialization. State licensed stores will have to sell at controlled prices much higher than the “Res” price. Eventually the two markets will compete, but the real smoke screen will be the origin of your marijuana purchase. Consumers overwhelmingly will opt for the best product for the best price. Why shouldn’t they?

Eventually marijuana prices will decrease because of competition with other sources (Native American and others) and the saturation of the market.

Marijuana is already everywhere, so what would be the purpose of repeating Colorado’s Amendment 64 mistake?

Oh boy, we get the toll on its youth like other states are getting. Increased use and high school expulsions for possession. Is that a good thing?

I’m for leaving things just as they are.
The amendment has zero effect on high school expulsions. It’s illegal now for them, and the amendment with age of 21 keeps it that way.

[fdpaq0580]

YES! totally agree! The focus should be on the violent offenders, not the young population that makes a minor mistake and pays for it the rest of their lives.

You are aware that many of the "violent offenders" are members of the young population, are you not? I was an innocent child and made a minor mistake. I still have the scar. If you can't do time, then.... you know the rest.

[MorTech]

That's the law. It's called the Heartbeat Bill. It's illegal in Florida to get an abortion after 6 weeks, because that is when a fetal heartbeat can be detected with an ultrasound. That is the REASON Florida's ban on abortions is for any pregnancy past 6 weeks and 0 days.

Not my definition, that's Florida's definition. Florida says it's a baby once you can hear the heart beat, at 6 weeks. So I say - let any woman who doesn't want the baby after 6 weeks, have the baby safely removed from her womb.

The problem with this logic - is that it's not logical. The 6 week abortion ban is religious horsecrap that has no basis in science. If it was a baby at 6 weeks, then a woman should be able to GIVE BIRTH to it. Induce labor and let the 6-week old "baby" be born.

If you can't do that, then maybe - it's not a baby yet, and you're not killing an unborn baby when you have an abortion at 7 weeks, or 8, 9, even as late as 17 weeks. You're removing a fetus - a combination of cells growing inside a female person, that is 100% dependent on that person. It cannot survive outside the person. It can't breathe on its own, its brain can't yet function, its digestive system is not yet functioning, it can't eat, it can't drink. Until such time as it can be BORN - it is a growth. Nothing more or less.

Simply put: A potential person is not an actual person. Personhood begins at birth.

[fdpaq0580]

Most people will vote for something or someone based on Feelings and not Facts!

Depends upon how you feel about the facts.

[fdpaq0580]

Simply put: A potential person is not an actual person. Personhood begins at birth.

OK!

[It's Hot There]

Simply put: A potential person is not an actual person. Personhood begins at birth.

PERFECT example of murder.

Mother is in labor, the head is showing..........go in and terminate.

WOW, sick people.

[dewilson58]

I am guessing that half of the Voters in Florida go to the Booth having little knowledge of the Amendment process.

Thanks for starting this thread.

It truly shows peoples' colors.

Surprised it has survived the political &/or religion sniff test.

:police:

[jjombrello]

You are not correct on this. I just finished the AARP Driving Course, and it states: " Marijuana affects psychomotor skills and cognitive functions critical to driving, including vigilance, drowsiness, time and distance perception, reaction time, divided attention, lane tracking, coordination, and balance." Not much different from driving while drunk. It is more difficult to determine if one is impaired while using marijuana, in the same way done for alcohol, as the blood concentration of marijuana active component, THC, does not closely correlate with how impaired a driver might be. But, impaired they are.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I’m 78 and can probably count the number of elections I didn’t vote in on one hand. Having seen hundreds and hundreds of amendments it seems that the longer confusing ones it’s always good to vote against them. Someone is usually trying to put something over on you. When something is bad for you and they are telling you it’s good something is going on.

Amendment #4 is only 2 sentences.

[midiwiz]

The price of freedom. I like freedom.

I'm no fan of any drug including alcohol, but I do believe people should be free to live their lives as they want. Bad behavior is what needs to be outlawed.

well that amendment doesn't do that. What it does do is actualy nothing. There will still be a backchannel for weed no matter how or in what way you legalize it. The bill as it sits has severe flaws, and actually the only 2 that are at war are 3 & 4 and if you take the time to read them in entirety you will notice that all these commercials are BS. They both have severe flaws and should be voted down.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

"This amendment does not change the legislature’s constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor has an abortion."

The "notification of a parent" can happen after the fact. You are being deceived by the lawyer-speak.

Did the word "before" trip you up? Notification is required BEFORE a minor has an abortion. That's why they put that word into the amendment. It's already the law, the amendment won't change it.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

If a child can survive outside of the mother at 20 weeks, then it is a human being at that point and deserves all protections at that point. Likewise if the mother's life is in danger to carry to term then the availability of the process needs to be there.

If the "child" can survive outside the mother at 20 weeks, and the mother chooses, along with her licensed medical provider, that she cease to be pregnant, then they should induce labor or have a c-section and allow that 20-week-old child be BORN.

If she doesn't want that 20-week-old "child" then she shouldn't be responsible for it. Stick it in an incubator and have the Dept. of Child Health services (or whatever it's called down here in Florida) put it into foster care, or up for adoption, and the State can cover the costs of its medical care until it's adopted.

[Pballer]

If the "child" can survive outside the mother at 20 weeks, and the mother chooses, along with her licensed medical provider, that she cease to be pregnant, then they should induce labor or have a c-section and allow that 20-week-old child be BORN.

If she doesn't want that 20-week-old "child" then she shouldn't be responsible for it. Stick it in an incubator and have the Dept. of Child Health services (or whatever it's called down here in Florida) put it into foster care, or up for adoption, and the State can cover the costs of its medical care until it's adopted.

This State only cares about the unborn. Once you are born, you are on your own.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Simply put: A potential person is not an actual person. Personhood begins at birth.

I believe personhood begins at viability. If a woman is in her 8th month of pregnancy and is NOT in labor, and there's something wrong with the placenta that would kill mom if she doesn't have that baby early - then she should be induced or a c-section performed. Not aborted.

If, on the other hand, something is wrong with the baby and their heart isn't pumping, their kidneys are misshapen, their pancreas not formed enough to function after birth, their brain stem still hasn't fully attached, or their cerebrum never grew enough for the baby to be born and live independent of machinery - even if this isn't discovered until the 9th month - then abort, not birth. That baby is UNviable.

Whether a child can be removed from the womb and live without machinery, or live at all - that to me is what determines personhood.

In addition, there are problems with wording on some laws in this country that imply that a doctor performing a D&C on ANY woman - could be charged with a crime.

D&C is a common method of abortion between the first and second trimester. It is ALSO how I was able to ensure that the doctors had gotten ALL of the cancerous cells from my cervix. I had to have a D&C twice a year for a couple of years after the cone laser surgery. If a doctor ran the risk of being arrested for performing this surgery on me, I might have been dead. I wasn't pregnant at any point during this period in my life. But the procedure itself is up for judgment in some parts of the country.

[jimjamuser]

You know that any contractor that wants to buy weed can get himself a medical card with no problem and no disease if he is willing to pay for it, and he can also buy it easily on the illegal market. So if you're worried about how this changes who might show up high, it does not.

But it does free cops from chasing silly pot infractions and running lives because of possession of small amounts. And it gets money away from drug cartels, and avoids fentanyl contamination in street weed, and puts cash into the state treasury.

THC is a far safer drug than alcohol, not 100% safe especially in growing brains but I'd rather my kids get stoned on the weekend than drunk.
Agreed. 26 states plus Guam now legalize marijuana. Why should the state of Florida lose out on the profits that other states are realizing. If legalized, then the Police can concentrate on more important crimes. Also, it would help lower the prison population, which is a high expense for both society and the State of Florida. People high on alcohol tend to be loud and abusive. Not everyone, but a large portion of them. People high on Pot tend to be happy and content. They tend to enjoy music and movies more. A small amount can help concentration. Decriminalization also means that CRIMINALS lose their profits in the marijuana trade AND they don't then get their opportunity to HOOK customers on the REALLY dangerous street drugs. It is effectively a "one-two punch" against street gangs.
........So I did say yes to amendment 3 .......Also, personally I am curious to see that IF it PASSES will there be a noticeable DECREASE in speeding and aggressive driving?
............Marijuana use is good for older people with glaucoma. It can reduce the pain and anxiety for people with cancer.

[Pugchief]

Thanks for starting this thread.

It truly shows peoples' colors.

Surprised it has survived the political &/or religion sniff test.



Two colors: Red and Blue. Not hard to figure out who is which based on post content. As long as it is not overt, sniff is odorless.

[jimjamuser]

Marijuana usage does not affect driving capability. This is an urban legend promoted by sheriffs so that they can keep their "bust" records high enough to justify the little work that the police do.

Besides, anyone who thinks marijuana use is not already rampant has stuck their head in the sand. Too many of our youth have been arrested for marijuana possession which has broad ramifications for their ability to get a job or enter a profession.

A great majority of our prison population consists of non-violent drug possession cases.Do you really want to continue to have your taxes keep going up so that these "offenders" are off the streets...while so many other "offenders" are using? That makes no sense. We have the largest prison population in the world. It is time to start sorting out the truly dangerous from those whom society simply wants to look down upon.
I agree with your post. Especially about the problem of high incarceration. I disagree that POT does NOT affect driving capability. With large quantities of POT a driver will be affected. But, they will tend to drive SLOWER not faster. In general, I would prefer to be driving on the road and surrounded by heavy POT users than I would heavy ALCOHOL users.

[jimjamuser]

Maybe instead of watching anti-choice TV scare ads you might want to actually read the amendment.
Here is the language:
"No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider. This amendment does not change the legislature’s constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor has an abortion."

So this amendment continues the Florida requirements that were in place before Roe was overturned. It does not add any new abortion rights that were not in place in Florida. And there absolutely are limits on abortion just back to exactly what it was before Roe was overturned, viability (the ability of the unborn to survive being outside the womb) ends the right to terminate unless the mother's life is endangered.

For a review see the LWV link above or this summary of the honesty of the ads you are seeing Getting the facts on confusing Florida Amendment 4 abortion ads (https://www.nbc-2.com/article/florida-amendment-4-ads-fact-check/62335958)
I believe that Roe was settled law and should NOT have been changed.

[allsport]

I am guessing that half of the Voters in Florida go to the Booth having little knowledge of the Amendment process.

1 The amendments are for a change in the Florida State Constitution.
2 It takes a 60 % affirmative to make the change effective.
3 Who proposed the submittal of the Amendment for vote

The change to the constitution can negate the existing laws by superseding them.

New laws cannot override the constitution.

Given the above, are you ready to vote yes.

As an example, there are current laws against drugs. Amendment 3 wants to legalize Marijuana for more than medical uses.

Comments say that can provide an opportunity for new tax revenue, elimination of bad Marijuana etc.

My question is how I do as an elector get any benefit. Do I want a contractor coming to the house with a Marijuana high? What rights do I have if I suspect he is under the influence, but it is legal. Is my auto mechanic high? Can I get money back if they are not performing correctly. Is there a legal limit or test that would apply to users and responsibility. I know that some would say that the same applies to alcoholics. Well two wrongs don't make a right.

There is no current reason to pass this amendment without knowing how the above will be protected.

Quite frankly, all of the amendments have this flaw. They are special interest solutions to problems not well thought out. Why should we enshrine them in our constitution?

Really, you probably have contractors every day that have had drinks, outlaw boos too?

[Blueblaze]

The issue on both of these two amendments is not the issues they address, but how they are attempting to address it. The reason they are amendments is simply because the proponents have had no success convincing the legislature to change the law. In Florida, the only way to float a direct referendum is a constitutional amendment. But that's like killing flies with a sledgehammer.

Do we really want to create a constitutional right to get stoned? Seriously? I've personally always thought it was dumb to try to outlaw a weed that grows wild in nearly every state in the union. But the only thing dumber would be to declare a constitutional "right" to get high! Weed is already legal, anyway. The last thing we need is make it a "right" that an lawyer could easily argue puts regulation of it beyond the reach of legislature!

And a constitutional "right" to abortion? Seriously? That's absurd! I can't imagine a more stupid thing to put beyond the reach of the legislature than the ability to decide the controversial ethical question of what is and what is not a human life. Both sides have a right to their contradictory opinions, so someone must legislate a compromise between the two equally deadly extremes. You can't just put the entire question beyond reach, in either direction. I personally think 1st trimester abortion ought to be legal, but that doesn't mean I think the law should have nothing to say about what happens to a full term baby. One is abortion -- the other is obviously murder, and that happens to be the opinion of about 70% of all Americans. It wouldn't be so bad if the proponents of this had the honesty to put a number on it. But the word "viable" is meaningless. A lawyer could easily argue that a baby AFTER BIRTH is not "viable" if the mother refuses to raise it!

The correct answer to both these amendments is "NO", regardless of your personal views on the issues they address. If you don't like the way the legislature has already decided these questions, go back and get them to change it -- don't do stupid things to our Constitution just to get your way.

[Pballer]

I believe that Roe was settled law and should NOT have been changed.

I also believed that the 1st Amendment was settled law, but apparently the State of Florida is now threatening criminal prosecution of television stations that are airing pro-abortion ads.