A.G. Gancarski
Gov. Ron DeSantis is again sounding the alarm about what he sees as potential consequences of a constitutional amendment that could legalize marijuana in Florida, misrepresenting it along the way.
“I mean the amendment language says that there can be no penalties for use or possession, civil criminal, anything. I think it’s going to be very difficult for businesses to operate without that infringing on them,” DeSantis said Wednesday in Tampa, where he signed the state budget.
“I think you’re going to see people, you will be able to bring 20 joints to an elementary school. Is that really going to be good for the state of Florida? I don’t think so.”
The Florida Supreme Court gave its approval in April to the Adult Personal Use of Marijuana citizen initiative, which could allow people to possess three ounces of flower or five grams of concentrate.
The Legislature would be permitted to enact laws consistent with the amendment, including permitting recreational-use dispensaries to compete with the medical companies in the Florida market. But DeSantis continues to insist that there would be no such legislative input, and as he has previously, he bashed the Supreme Court for allowing the language to go in front of voters.
“I was just being downtown here in Tampa. If that marijuana passes, this will smell like marijuana. Like when you go outside, it will because it’s written so broadly,” DeSantis said. “How the court let that language on the ballot, I will never understand; you read the language, it does not do justice.”
The Court noted after approving the language that its role was limited.
“Our role is narrow — we assess only whether the amendment conforms to the constitutionally mandated single-subject requirement, whether the ballot summary meets the statutory standard for clarity, and whether the amendment is facially invalid under the federal constitution. In light of those limited considerations, we approve the proposed amendment for placement on the ballot,” the Court ruled with a 5-2 majority.
DeSantis will fight this amendment, as well as a legalized abortion push and battles in local races, with a new Freedom Fund political committee.
20 comments
Frankie M.
June 12, 2024 at 1:58 pm
What does he mean “could”?? It’s already happening.
MH/Duuuval
June 12, 2024 at 10:45 pm
Easy now. Manny Diaz is prone to living nightmares, and we wouldn’t want him worrying that Florida teachers are tying up students and forcing them to smell pot smoke.
Richard Paula
June 12, 2024 at 2:08 pm
A ridiculous totally unfounded argument. Legal or not those who would dare to bring marijuana to a school will do it anyway. If legalized it can be monitored and regulated just like ethyl alcohol.
Mr, pool guy
June 12, 2024 at 3:27 pm
Cigarette/ cigars are legal, and it don’t smell like smoke from them?
Camp fires and bbq smell more,
Jim Jackson
June 12, 2024 at 3:53 pm
Dear Governor DeSantis,
As you’ve indicated, people can violate the law. An inanimate substance, or an object, does not have inappropriate behavior. Guns don’t kill people, people kill people. Likewise, marijuana doesn’t go to elementary schools.
Michael K
June 12, 2024 at 4:12 pm
People bring guns to schools, and the governor makes it even easier for anyone to gel a gun.
Tjb
June 13, 2024 at 10:28 am
Agree. I predict more guns will be brought to school than a joint. It is interesting how the anti pot folks stated that medical marijuana dispensaries would lead to more crime, and it did not happen. Ron should burn one and mellow out.
PeterH
June 12, 2024 at 5:51 pm
Creating an atmosphere of fear is what Republicans do best.
Republicans are America’s worst enemy!
Vote all Republicans out of office!
Gloria G
June 12, 2024 at 6:24 pm
Just more bs to make false claims. Kids can take marijuana to schools now if they wanted too, just like guns, alcohol and other drugs…stop it DeSantis, just stop with the bs please…legalized marijuana is better controlled and cleaner than what’s already out in the streets. Just collect the taxes and boost the economy for it. Thank you
Donni J
June 12, 2024 at 7:25 pm
I totally agree. The governor’s objections ARE BS! I have lived in states where legalized cannabis has been allowed for years. And none of DeSantis’s fears have been proven true. Let the people decide.
Smell that Smell
June 12, 2024 at 7:52 pm
I’d rather smell marijuana smoke than the smell of Trump’s ass every time Ron speaks.
Ron Dick Sanchez
June 14, 2024 at 4:13 pm
I agree, his wife is probably a strict latina and does not let him smoke that good shit.
Carrol Probus
June 13, 2024 at 1:58 am
Maybe our governor should smoke a joint and chill out with all his bs and scare tactics. The taxes alone would more then pay for more housing so our veterans and many other people could get off the street and into a home that so many deserve. Maybe even build more shelters or even up to date prisons so we can keep the real criminals locked up and stop letting them out early because of over crowding. REALLY GOVENOR WAKE THE HELL UP!!!!
Mark miller
June 13, 2024 at 12:49 pm
Tell that to the people that `wetter “victims of the parkland `shooting.
Dont Say FLA
June 13, 2024 at 1:29 pm
Everybody please watch Reefer Madness so Rhonda can spend their time pushing some other nonsense. Thanks in advance!
3fingerpudding
June 14, 2024 at 5:29 pm
Governor opens mouth, nonsense spews. The subject doesn’t matter, he’s a clown.
Cindy
June 17, 2024 at 8:49 pm
People fight to go a stray of the brain. Psychosis is high. And all that cartel cash
Cindy
June 18, 2024 at 5:39 pm
On the real 👉 pull over your under investigation… will not go as well. So much for the big 8
Jojo
June 19, 2024 at 6:42 am
Elementary schools… guns good, marajuana bad
Good god DeSantes where are your morals?
CWC
June 19, 2024 at 11:54 am
DeSantis is fear mongering and creating false narratives. It would be the Fl legislature’s responsibility to limit where cannabis can and can not be consumed just like alcohol.
Shame on DeSantis for being untruthful and deceptive.