A.G. Gancarski
Florida’s Surgeon General seems to be arguing that people with green thumbs should have a right to expand their horticultural horizons.
During elliptical comments denouncing Amendment 3, the Adult Personal Use of Marijuana question on the ballot this Fall, Joseph Ladapo gave the green light to cultivation and use.
“It’s not a marijuana legalization. Like, that is actually not what it is. It is a bad relationship,” Ladapo said to describe his framing of the arrangement the amendment would set up, before discussing marijuana legalization more generally.
“I don’t love drugs, but I think it’s fine for people to, you know, you want to grow marijuana in your yard, you want to have parties, hang out with your friends, God bless you. I want you to do it with open eyes and know that, you know, it’s not something that you get to do for free because it kills brain cells. It has other health effects. But, you know, most people are on the same page about that.”
The amendment would legalize recreational marijuana possession and purchase at retail outlets, and requires 60% support to pass. In additional comments Wednesday in Orlando, Ladapo described Amendment 3 as “preposterous,” “absurd,” “disgusting” and “revolting.”
The amendment, which was shaped by restrictions against overly broad citizens’ initiatives, does not contemplate home grow, which has never been considered seriously by the Legislature.
Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers, whose company has been the leading backer of the amendment push, has said her company has backed home grow in other markets, and would support expansion of that model in Florida if recreational use is approved by voters. But that would likely require signoff from legislators.
8 comments
Joe
October 30, 2024 at 1:22 pm
This guy is truly an idiot.
MH/Duuuval
October 30, 2024 at 2:49 pm
Scott Rivkee, Ladapo’s predecessor, got the hook for less. Let’s see if Ladapo catches some heck from the nanny state decider.
MH/Duuuval
October 30, 2024 at 8:10 pm
My guess is Ladapo gets a pass from Dee or at most a mild, private reprimand for his loose language on pot.
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Dont Say FLA
October 30, 2024 at 1:29 pm
I can’t tell from this reporting whether Dr Ladapo is for it or against it.
I’m not sure Dr Ladapo knows whether he is for it or against it.
But if the current amendment doesn’t legalize everything folks want, fine, pass it and then craft another one next time to finish the job of making one tiny little aspect regarding the state of Florida actually be free.
Michael K
October 30, 2024 at 4:27 pm
We were warned about this clown, but DeSantis needed a sycophant instead of a public health official, so we taxpayers pay this guy handsomely to do nothing. He pulls in more than half million dollars. His UF colleagues were outraged over his selection – and performance – where he rarely shows up for work, as noted in FP.
Anony
October 30, 2024 at 4:48 pm
Next thing you know he will recommend pot as a COVID cure. Better than injecting bleach, amirite?
MH/Duuuval
October 30, 2024 at 5:09 pm
Pot won’t help any, but it won’t have the unpleasant, negative side effects of bleach. Or, ivermectin.
Frankie M.
October 30, 2024 at 10:02 pm
He’s a champion of the little guy LMAO