The Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) today announced the release of a resolution that was approved by Florida’s sheriffs at the Sheriffs Summer Conference last week. The resolution opposes the legalization of the use, possession, cultivation, delivery and sale of recreational marijuana. The FSA will work to educate Floridians how the legalization of recreational marijuana will jeopardize the health and safety of Floridians and would lead to a lower quality of life for all. 

The dangers of marijuana have been well documented in recent years with increased crime and traffic crashes in states that have passed laws legalizing marijuana. One example that has been researched shows that in 2020, 24.3% of drivers involved in traffic fatalities tested positive for marijuana, up from 14.8% in 2013, and to compound that impact on our public safety, 48.8% of teen drivers who use marijuana report driving under the influence. In states where marijuana has been legalized, marijuana crime rates have risen at a faster rate compared to other states, emergency department visits related to marijuana abuse have risen following legalization, and a recent study shows that the legalization was associated with a 25% increase in adolescent marijuana use disorder.

“The well-being and health of the citizens of Florida are threatened through the legalization and normalization of recreational marijuana,” said Florida Sheriffs Association President and Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell. “Our priority is the safety and security of our communities, and the data clearly shows that legalization leads to increased public health issues, road safety concerns, and a rise in youth marijuana use. We must take a stand to protect our citizens, especially our youth, from the negative impacts of marijuana.”

Law enforcement, families, veterans, and citizens across the state are fighting against the push of the legalization and commercialization of recreational marijuana. Marijuana use and the drug’s potency have greatly increased over the last few decades. Consequently, there has been an increase in high school dropouts and youth dependency issues related to marijuana use. At the same time, advocates for recreational marijuana legalization often overestimate the promised tax revenue, neglecting the even greater costs to taxpayers from increased healthcare utilization and lost productivity. For example, in Colorado, every $1 in tax revenue from the sale of marijuana was associated with $4.50 in costs.

“At the end of the day, the legalization of recreational marijuana prioritizes the interests of the marijuana industry over the health and safety of every Floridian, because we have seen the impact on our youth, on our roadways, within the illicit market, within the healthcare industry and more,” said Florida Sheriffs Association Immediate Past President and Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper. “By opposing the legalization and commercialization of recreational marijuana, we are committed to safeguarding our citizens from various potential harms.” 

Florida’s Sheriffs stand firm in their opposition to the legalization of the use, possession, cultivation, delivery and sale of recreational marijuana.

View FSA’s resolution here.