Christine Jordan Sexton
Gadsden County Sheriff Morris A. Young found himself front and center after a mass fentanyl overdose killed six people in Gadsden County over the July 4 weekend in 2022.
Now, the Sheriff with more than 20 years of law enforcement experience is endorsing Amendment 3, which would legalize recreational marijuana for adults if passed this November.
“When Amendment 3 passes, adults who choose to consume marijuana will be safer as a result because simple cannabis products, legally purchased won’t contain those dangerous additives,” Young wrote in an opinion piece that appeared in the Tallahassee Democrat.
“My deputies won’t have to spend our limited resources on arresting or otherwise prosecuting adults for simply possessing or consuming small amounts of marijuana. This will allow us to focus on preventing serious violent crimes or crimes involving deadly drugs like cocaine, fentanyl and meth.”
Morgan Hill, spokesperson for Smart & Safe Florida, said Young’s endorsement underscores that making marijuana legal for adult use is safe and a step forward in the right direction.
“Sheriff Young is right: Passing Amendment 3 will not only alleviate the burden Florida police feel on a daily basis, allowing more time to focus on dangerous crime, but Amendment 3 will also provide more tax revenue and support for the health and safety of all Floridians.”
Recreational marijuana needs a “yes” vote from 60% of voters in November in order to pass. A recent poll obtained by Florida Politics found that 64% of likely Florida voters plan to vote for the amendment.
If approved, adults 21 and older would be allowed to possess and purchase marijuana for recreational use.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has been one of the most vocal critics of the ballot referendum, with the Governor saying passage would reduce “the quality of life” in Florida. DeSantis has also said passage of the measure would lead to many places in the state smelling like pot.
