A.G. Gancarski
On Friday, former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine — a Democratic candidate for Governor — rolled out his proposal to legalize the sale of adult-use cannabis.
“If elected Governor,” Levine tweeted, “I will carefully move to legalize the sale of limited quantities recreational marijuana for adults.”
“Careful means controlled,” Levine said, with “highly regulated” sales and distribution and bans of sales to those under 21.
Local control, regarding size and locations of outlets, would be protected.
“Through responsible reform,” Levine added, “Florida can generate $600 million annually.”
Levine is not the only Democrat in the race open to legalization: Chris King and Andrew Gillum share that position.
But as he leads in polls currently, and in fundraising, Levine may be the best hope for legalization advocates to carry the banner of cannabis legalization into the November election.
The Levine plan would fund investments of $300 million annually into community health and substance abuse, and $300 million per year for additional funding for public schools, per a media release from his campaign. As well, Levine asserts that $3.9 billion per year could be saved off Medicaid, with more savings in the prison system.
Levine, who decriminalized cannabis possession as mayor, clearly sees no political detriment to taking a full-scale position in favor of regulated legalization.
Civil liberties, Levine asserts, also are paramount to the proposal.
“Finally, and morally, this is the right thing to do as today black Floridians are 4 times more likely to be arrested than whites for drug possession in some counties. As a result, our minority communities grow to distrust the police, and their neighborhoods are over-policed while ruining employment opportunities,” Levine said.
“This is a wrong that must be righted.”
https://twitter.com/MayorLevine/status/1005094862281199616
