Last updated : December 23, 2024
You’ve surely heard by now that Florida is putting recreational marijuana legalization to a vote on its November ballot. Those who support legalizing pot for adults to enjoy during their leisure time without fear of punishment are anticipating heading to the polls on November 5th. The ballot title they’ll be looking to add their mark to is “Adult Personal Use of Marijuana.”
That sounds pretty all-encompassing. Don’t fear though, there are boundaries in place.
Amendment 3 proposes to allow adults who are 21 years or older to possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical personal consumption by smoking, ingestion, or otherwise. It also allows Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers, and other state-licensed entities, to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell, and distribute such products and accessories.
The Amendment applies to Florida law only. It doesn’t change or immunize violations of federal laws in place on or after November’s vote. If passed, the initiative would amend Article X, Section 29 of the Florida Constitution.
The changes include adding provisions that allow adults to possess not more than three ounces of pot for personal use—and only 5 grams if the user prefers using concentrated forms. Moreover, it’s important to note that, if passed, operating any motor vehicle, aircraft, train, or boat while under the influence of marijuana is strictly prohibited.
What are the odds?
Constitutional amendments require Floridians to show up to vote in favor of the proposed change by a 60% supermajority. Society accepted marijuana as a harmless drug decades ago. Pot smokers are known as being incredibly mellow and easy to get along with. And, for the most part, that’s true. Marijuana causes users to experience a sense of euphoria.
It’s safe to say that Florida voters who use marijuana products to kick back and relax are going to turn out in droves. Many expect that Florida will follow in the way of other states legalizing recreational marijuana when it’s put to a vote in November.
Smart & Safe Florida is an organization that backs the amendment. It’s already in high gear getting ads out to the masses encouraging a “yes” vote on election day. However, word of mouth—both “yay” and “nay”—is doing a good job promoting the proposed measure in its own right.
Does the opposition stand a chance?
Floridians Against Recreational Marijuana, supported by organizations and individuals such as Drug Free America, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and Florida Attorney General, Ashley B. Moody (R), oppose the proposed amendment.
Attorney General Moody filed briefs with the state supreme court arguing that the proposed measure is misleading and should, therefore, be blocked from appearing on the ballot. She stated that it fails to accurately inform voters that marijuana would be illegal under federal law. She also alleged that the ballot summary would allow Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers, and other state-licensed entities, to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell, and distribute marijuana even though “the amendment itself ‘allows’ no such thing—it merely declines to disturb the legislature’s preexisting authority to license additional such entities.”
Despite this opposition, the measure is being put to a vote. Everyone is entitled to their personal opinion and some Floridians don’t want recreational marijuana legalized. Pro or con, opinions will be pitted against those of other citizens, and the majority still rules.
It’s a free country, but…
Many view marijuana legalization as a step in the right direction. Some because they feel Americans should be free to live the life they see fit above all else. However, just as is true with alcohol, if you fail to use recreational drugs responsibly lives may be at risk.
Especially yours.
Using drugs affects the brain’s ability to operate correctly, even if the user is unaware of that. When someone is high, it adversely affects cognitive and motor skills. The person is at greater risk of being involved in an accident. Even worse, so are other people nearby.
For instance, if someone who recently used drugs gets behind the wheel of a car, the risk of them becoming involved in an accident intensifies because they aren’t able to think clearly. This in turn adversely effects reaction times. Additionally, if the driver can’t stay focused, it constantly puts others on the road at risk.
Now, let’s consider an irresponsible employee using drugs in the workplace. The person can still become unable to concentrate and stay focused causing an accident, as well. Moreover, if their job entails manual labor, impaired motor skills put them… and anyone working nearby… in danger of being involved in an accident due to that fact.
Checks and balances
Employers who want to keep the workplace as safe as possible for employees institute a drug-free workplace policy. Just the fact that the company drug tests can deter many who use drugs from applying for a position in the first place. Moreover, the program helps to weed out those dishonest employees who think they can slide under the radar.
Worker’s compensation insurance requires anyone involved to be given a blood test immediately following a workplace accident. The intent is to determine whether or not anyone involved in the accident has drugs in their system. That’s because blood tests can determine a parent drug meaning that the person is under the influence in the moment.
Holding our friends and family members accountable is another important check and balance in today’s world. If you suspect someone you know and love is using drugs, say something to them. Instead of belittling them for their ways, try encouraging them to put drugs down and to live their life sober.
Assuming there isn’t an addiction to battle in the interim, odds are that if they tried it, they’d like it. If they are suffering an addiction, they need people in their corner. Stand by them throughout the process, as long as things progress positively anyway. Keep in mind that sometimes a “tough love” strategy falls into play in these situations too.
The world promotes drug and alcohol use as a “normal rite of passage” to our youth their entire lives. No wonder so many kids and young adults are ready and willing to jump on the party train. Nobody bothers to stress to them, though, it’s a train that leads to nowhere for so many who find themselves caught up in a life of addiction.
If you plan to vote “yes” for marijuana legalization on November 5th, we’re sure you will be a responsible user. Still, though, ponder that “big picture” thought above for a minute or two.
Okay?
