Former President Donald Trump has voiced his support for a Florida bill that aims to restrict the public use of marijuana, arguing that citizens should not be subjected to its pervasive odor.
In a recent statement on Truth Social, as reported by Breitbart, Trump discussed Florida's Amendment 3, a proposed legislation that would permit adults aged 21 and above to purchase, possess, or consume marijuana for non-medical purposes. Trump emphasized the need for the State Legislature to enact laws that would prevent the public use of marijuana, thereby ensuring that its scent does not permeate public spaces.
Trump, who has often touted his commitment to law and order, wrote, As everyone knows, I was, and will be again, the most respected LAW & ORDER President in U.S. History. We will take our streets back by being tough & smart on violent, & all other types, of Crime. In Florida, like so many other States that have already given their approval, personal amounts of marijuana will be legalized for adults with Amendment 3.
He further stressed the inevitability of the amendment's approval, stating, Whether people like it or not, this will happen through the approval of the Voters, so it should be done correctly. We need the State Legislature to responsibly create laws that prohibit the use of it in public spaces, so we do not smell marijuana everywhere we go, like we do in many of the Democrat run Cities. At the same time, someone should not be a criminal in Florida, when this is legal in so many other States.
Trump's endorsement of Florida's Amendment 3 comes amidst criticism from Governor Ron DeSantis, who has labeled the amendment as a "bad policy and even worse constitutional law." DeSantis has expressed concern over the potential monopoly of the marijuana market by the CEO of a cannabis company, who has reportedly invested $70 million into the amendment's campaign.
If Amendment 3 garners 60 percent support from voters, it would legalize the possession, purchase, or consumption of marijuana products and accessories for non-medical personal use, according to the amendment's ballot summary. The legislation would allow individuals to possess up to three ounces of marijuana.
During his presidency, Trump had hinted at his potential support for legislation that would allow states to regulate marijuana independently, without federal interference, as per Politico.
At present, 24 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized both medical and recreational marijuana, while 14 states, including Florida, have legalized medical marijuana, according to the Pew Research Center. This ongoing trend towards legalization underscores the importance of ensuring that such changes are implemented responsibly, with due consideration for the public's comfort and well-being.
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