Opinion: Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly: Beware of Marijuana Amendment

Daytona Beach News Journal

By Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly

As Flagler County voters consider Amendment 3, which proposes the legalization of recreational marijuana in Florida, we must consider the serious consequences that Amendment 3 would impose on our community and what supporters of Amendment 3 , with their well-funded advertisements, don’t tell you.

When I started my career, possession of any amount of marijuana was a felony. Over the years, possession of less than 20 grams was a crime. Today, possession often results in seizure and no arrest. Amendment 3 will allow personal possession of 3 ounces, the highest in the nation, and four times the current misdemeanor amount, or about 150 joints of marijuana. That’s the equivalent of carrying seven packs of cigarettes.

The marijuana of today is not the marijuana of yesteryear or the “hippie” generation. Today, THC levels are at least five times higher than just 15 years ago. Consumption of such potent products can lead to acute health problems, such as severe anxiety, psychosis, and heart complications. Studies indicate a correlation between regular marijuana use and the onset of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, particularly among adolescents and young adults.

States where marijuana is legalized have seen a sharp increase in emergency room visits and hospitalizations related to marijuana use. These states have seen a 3,000% increase in calls to poison control, often because the product is edible and mistaken for candy by children. These products are often marketed in attractive forms and concentrates containing THC levels far exceeding what was commonly seen in the past.

Beyond public health concerns, legalizing marijuana for recreational purposes poses serious risks to public safety, particularly on our roads. Data from states where marijuana is legalized shows an increase in crashes and deaths involving drivers impaired by marijuana. But unlike alcohol, impairment from marijuana use is difficult to measure and harder for deputies to enforce.

Despite advertisements that claim that legalizing marijuana will reduce or eliminate the illegal distribution of marijuana by Mexican cartels, states that have legalized marijuana still have thriving illicit markets, often involving more potent and dangerous products, thanks to cartels that reduce legal sales. Other crimes related to the legal and illicit sale of marijuana in nearby businesses or neighborhoods have flourished. Claims that legalization will eliminate the black market are false.

Illegal marijuana is easily detected by smell and investigative means during a traffic stop that leads to a legal search. Often, these traffic stops lead to the discovery of fentanyl, methamphetamines, cocaine, heroin, and convicted armed felons, all because they were smoking an illicit joint while driving and committing a traffic violation. Amendment 3 would limit law enforcement’s ability to find and seize these drugs.

Our K-9s are currently dual-purpose dogs, meaning they can track suspects and detect illegal narcotics, including marijuana. Because you cannot “deprogram” a dog, all K-9s would either become single tracking K-9s, or all K-9s would have to be retired, and replacements would be purchased and trained at a cost. of more than $200,000 for local taxpayers. . During the 6-9 month transition, any other drugs carried in a vehicle would likely be sold for free in our community.

Reading the fine print of the full amendment would allow smoking in all public places. Because Amendment 3 amends the Florida Constitution, local governments cannot pass a law prohibiting outdoor recreational marijuana smoking in public places. In a crazy dichotomy of laws and regulations, smoking medical marijuana would remain prohibited in public spaces. Personally, I don’t want to smell like cigarette smoke or marijuana joints!

Supporters of Amendment 3 often point to the “economic benefits” and its estimated $4 billion industry in Florida alone. These economic benefits do not take into account increased societal costs, such as its impact on the health system, car crashes resulting in injuries and deaths, additional pressure on children and youth services, services social security, workplace productivity and the criminal justice system. These costs can far exceed the revenue generated from marijuana sales and become a burden on the taxpayer.

In surveys, I was always told to “follow the money.” More than $60 million is being spent by supporters of Amendment 3. Ask yourself “Why?” » It’s not because it’s good for Florida. That’s because big business sees a cash cow for their bottom line and blames the long-term consequences on you, the taxpayer.

In my opinion, the potential benefits do not outweigh the significant risks to our quality of life. All you have to do is look at the states that have taken this path and realize that it is the wrong path for our community and for the future of Florida. While the idea of personal freedom and economic opportunity may be appealing, the hidden dangers of marijuana legalization present a clear threat to the health, safety, and well-being of Flagler County and Florida.

As voters, we must consider the long-term consequences for our communities and families. Florida deserves to be saved from the dangers of recreational marijuana. While it may be too late for Colorado and California, we can make the right choices for Flagler County and Florida. I encourage you to read the amendment in its entirety, not just the summary that appears on the ballot, in order to make an informed decision.

You can read the entire proposed amendment here: Click “view full text” below the summary.

https://dos.elections.myflorida.com/initiatives/initdetail.asp?account=83475&seqnum=2

Rick Staly was elected sheriff of Flagler County in 2016.