On the November 5th ballot, a “yes” vote supports legalizing marijuana for adults 21-years-old and older and allows individuals to possess up to three ounces of marjuana. A “no” vote opposes legalizing marijuana for adult use in Florida.
I encourage voting in favor of legalizing, regulating and taxing adult-use marijuana. But whether you decide in favor of Amendment 3 or not, I want to play a role in sharing the facts.
In my role as Florida state director of Minorities for Medical Marijuana, I’ve joined street teams at various community events in North and South Florida passing out brochures, T-shirts, and fans, encouraging people to vote “Yes” on 3. Based on polls and personal reactions with Floridians, I’m optimistic that the amendment will pass. But I also understand that there’s a need to not just encourage people to vote, but also educate people.
A safe legal industry will help prevent unsafe, tainted marijuana products and deadly opiods from hitting the streets and save lives through regulations and quality controls.
Decriminalizing marijuana is critical. People of color are unfairly targeted with marijuana arrests despite usage rates similar to other racial groups. Legalization will pave the path for clearing marijuana-related convictions from criminal records, and be a step toward correcting systematic racism in America’s drug policy.
The legal marijuana industry is rapidly growing with opportunities ranging from business ownership to jobs, but it’s also a very difficult industry to get in and stay in. Challenges include acquring capital and small business owners unable to compete with multistate operators that typically engage in various aspects of the vertically intergrated cannabis supply chain, including cultivation, processing, distribution and retail.
Still, I’m encouraged that Floridians will join 24 other states (plus Washington D.C.) in approving adult use. Cannabis is legal in 38 of the 50 states for medical use, including Florida.
Nationwide, an overwhelming share of U.S. adults (88%) say marijuana should be legal for medical or recreational use, according to a recent Pew Research Center poll.
Recently, the Florida Democratic Party officially endorsed Amendment 3, citing needless arrests of adults for simple marijuana possession and expanding our individual freedoms. This issue cuts across party lines and has the support of the Florida Libertarian Party and even Republicans including the Florida Young Republicans. Looking at TV commercials, I see opposing views. But it was refreshing to see a Republican Sheriff in favor of Amendment 3.
The FDP joins other major supporters such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Service Employees International Union. SEIU Florida is one of the state’s largest unions, representing over 80,000 diverse professionals and essential workers statewide.
From a personal perspective, I saw how cannabis offered pain relief to a close family member who suffered from migraines, after various migraine medications failed. In my experience of playing a role in hosting a cannabis educational conference in Ohio, and participating in other events, I’ve talked to lots of individuals and experts who convinced me to support the “option” of trying this plant that now comes in many forms ranging from flower to capsules, tinctures and gummies.
Pain relief is one of the reasons that Roz McCarthy founded Orlando-based Minorities for Medical Marijuana eight years ago. She believes that the plant should be accessible to people with health challenges that range from sickle cell anemia to cancer. Members of this nonprofit also advocate for national policy changes and social equity in the cannabis industry.
As a business journalist my entire career I’ve always stayed away from anything political. But as a freelancer who is passionate about education and advocacy, I feel good about passing out brochures that include Attorney Ben Crump, Senator Tracie Davis and Sheriff Morris Young. They have different reasons for supporting “Yes on 3.” Whether it’s because of a belief to decriminalize this natural substance to give people their lives back, or the need to create regulations for safe cannabis, it’s all important.
I support legalizing recreational marijuana for smart and safe adult use, and I encourage you to vote “Yes on 3.”
Marcia Pledger is the Florida State Director for Minorities for Medical Marijuana, the largest community-based organization serving communities of color in the cannabis and hemp industries. She’s also the former editorial page editor for the Florida Times-Union.
For more info visit: https://minorities4medicalmarijuana.org/
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