Jacksonville sheriff says legalizing recreational marijuana ‘could cause more issues’

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – People in Jacksonville and across Florida will get to say in November if they want recreational marijuana to be legal.

There were opinions on this both ways in downtown Jacksonville on Tuesday, but most people said it’s just a good idea to put it on the ballot.

Alan told News4JAX he will vote against marijuana legalization because he doesn’t use it. Greg said he’s for it because it will spur economic growth.

TELL US: With recreational marijuana use on Florida’s November ballot, do you plan to vote for or against it?

The issue is expected to be a big draw in the November election.

It was a large medical marijuana dispensary company that paid millions to help bring this to the forefront and it’s expected they will make millions more if recreational marijuana becomes legal.

But some have been opposed to the measure, like the Drug Free America Foundation and Florida’s Attorney General Ashely Moody.

On Tuesday, News4JAX put the question to Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters since it’s JSO that would have to deal with some of the ramifications if recreational pot is legal.

“If that becomes the law of the land, the law in our state, of course we obey the laws in our state. We’ll work around ways how to deal with that. It won’t be legal use in your car, won’t be legal to use when you shouldn’t. We’ll still enforce the laws in place but we’ll see what happens,” Waters said.

News4JAX asked Waters if legalization will cause more problems, like DUIs.

“I think that could be an issue. I really do. I don’t know exactly what’s going to happen but I do believe it could cause more issues, but we’ll see,” he said.

If approved, medical marijuana dispensaries would be allowed to sell pot to anyone over 21. People would be allowed to have about three ounces of marijuana.

Amendment 3, “Allows adults 21 years or older to possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical personal consumption by smoking, ingestion, or otherwise; allows Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers, and other state licensed entities, to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell, and distribute such products and accessories.”


About the Author

Jim Piggott is the reporter to count on when it comes to city government and how it will affect the community.

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