By Rick Staly
As Flagler County voters consider Amendment 3, which proposes the legalization of recreational marijuana in Florida, we must consider the serious consequences the amendment would impose on our community and what its backers, with their well-funded commercials, aren’t telling you.
When I started my career, possession of any amount of marijuana was a felony. Over the years this was downgraded to a misdemeanor for possession of any amount below 20 grams. Today, possession often results in seizure of the marijuana but no arrest. Amendment 3 will allow personal possession of up to three ounces, tied with New York for the second-highest allowable amount in the nation, and four times the current misdemeanor amount, or about 150 marijuana joints. This is the equivalent of carrying over seven packs of cigarettes.
Marijuana today is not the marijuana of yester-year or the “hippy” generation. According to one frequently cited 2018 study, THC levels in some products sold in Colorado dispensaries had THC levels of between 17 to 28 percent, up from less than 2 percent before the 1990s. The consumption of such potent products can lead to acute health issues, such as severe anxiety, psychosis and heart complications. Studies indicate a correlation between regular marijuana use and the onset of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety and schizophrenia, particularly among adolescents and young adults.
States with legalized marijuana have seen sharp increases in emergency room visits and hospitalizations related to marijuana use or misuse, especially by children who mistake edibles for candy. A study based on three years of data from the National Poison Data System between 2017 and 2019 found 4,172 cases of exposure to cannabis among children ages 0 to 9, almost 4,000 of them unintentional. The study also found a 121 percent increase in such cases between 2017 and 2019. These products are often marketed in appealing forms like edibles and concentrates containing THC levels far exceeding what was commonly seen in the past.
Beyond public health concerns the legalization of recreational marijuana presents serious risks to public safety, especially on our roadways. Data from states with legalized marijuana show a rise in crashes and fatalities involving drivers impaired by marijuana. But unlike alcohol, marijuana impairment is difficult to measure and more challenging for deputies to enforce.
Despite commercials that say legalizing marijuana will reduce or eliminate the illegal marijuana distribution by Mexican cartels, states that have legalized marijuana still have thriving illicit markets, often involving more potent and dangerous products, by cartels undercutting legal sales. Other crimes related to both legal and illicit marijuana sales in nearby businesses or neighborhoods have flourished. Claims that legalization will eliminate the black market are bogus.
Illegal marijuana is easily detected by smell and through investigative means during a traffic stop that leads to a legal search. Often these traffic stops lead to the discovery of fentanyl, methamphetamines, cocaine, heroin and armed convicted felons, all because they were smoking an illicit joint while driving and committing a traffic violation. Amendment 3 would handcuff law enforcement in their ability to find and seize these drugs.
Our K-9’s are currently dual-purpose dogs, meaning they can track suspects and sniff for illicit narcotics, including marijuana. Because you cannot “deprogram” a dog, all K-9’s would either become single purpose tracking K-9’s only or all K-9’s would have to be retired, and replacements be purchased and trained at a cost to local taxpayers of over $200,000. During the six to nine month transition all other drugs being transported in a vehicle would likely go free to be sold in our community.
Supporters of Amendment 3 often highlight the “economic benefits” and its estimated $4 billion industry in Florida alone. These economic benefits fail to account for the increased society costs, such as its impact to the healthcare system, car crashes resulting in injury and death, additional strain on child and youth services, social services, workplace productivity and the criminal justice system. These costs can far exceed the revenue generated from marijuana sales and will become a burden to the taxpayer.
I’ve always been told to “follow the money.” More than $60 million is being spent by proponents of Amendment 3. Ask yourself: why? It’s not because it’s good for Florida. It’s because big business sees a cash cow for their bottom-line and will dump the long-term effects on you–the taxpayer.
In my opinion, the potential benefits do not outweigh the significant risks to our quality of life. All you need to do is look at states that have gone down this path and realize it’s the wrong path for our community and Florida’s future. While the idea of personal freedom and economic opportunity may be appealing, the hidden dangers of marijuana legalization present a clear threat to health, safety and the well-being of Flagler County and Florida.
As voters, we must consider the long-term consequences for our communities and families. Florida is worth saving from the dangers of recreational marijuana. While it may be too late for Colorado and California and the 22 other states that have legalized recreational marijuana, we can make the right choices for Flagler County and Florida. I encourage you to read the full amendment, not just the summary that is on the ballot, to make an informed decision. You can read the full proposed amendment here.
Rick Staly was elected Sheriff of Flagler County in 2016 and re-elected twice since.
Maryanne says
NO ON THIS AMENDMENT
Nephew Of Uncle Sam says
Why?
Brian Kelly says
Prohibition and Reefer Madness are only pushed and believed by a very small, lunatic-fringe minority of irrational looney-tune Holier Than Thou types that are on a never ending little personal moral-crusade and witch-hunt against relatively benign cannabis and it’s consumers. The rest of us sane, rational, normal Americans just laugh our butts off at and mock utterly desperate lying prohibitionists and their rediculious Reefer-Madness-Rhetoric as the comedy show they truly are!
What we certainly don’t need are anymore people who feel justified in appointing themselves to be self-deputized morality police.
We are very capable of choosing for ourselves if we want to consume cannabis, a far less dangerous choice over alcohol, and we definitely don’t need anyone dictating how we should live our own lives.
We can’t just lock up everyone who does things prohibitionists don’t personally approve of.
“Cannabis is 114 times safer than drinking alcohol”
“Cannabis may be even safer than previously thought, researchers say”
“Cannabis may be even safer than previously thought, researchers say New study: We should stop fighting Cannabis legalization and focus on alcohol and tobacco instead By Christopher Ingraham February 23
Compared with other recreational drugs — including alcohol — Cannabis may be even safer than previously thought. And researchers may be systematically underestimating risks associated with alcohol use.
Those are the top-line findings of recent research published in the journal Scientific Reports, a subsidiary of Nature. Researchers sought to quantify the risk of death associated with the use of a variety of commonly used substances. They found that at the level of individual use, alcohol was the deadliest substance, followed by heroin and cocaine.”
-Washington Post
“The report discovered that Cannabis is 114 times less deadly than alcohol. Researchers were able to determine this by comparing the lethal doses with the amount of typical use. Through this approach, Cannabis had the lowest mortality risk to users out of all the drugs they studied. In fact—because the numbers were crossed with typical daily use—Cannabis is the only drug that tested as “low risk.”
-Complex
Laurel says
Brian: Where have you been all my life?
David Lauer says
Yes on Amendment 3
R.S. says
Yes, on this amendment–for sure. The sheriff’s arguments are spurious. 1. Alcohol and tobacco have far greater victim rates than marijuana. While the distribution should indeed be controlled and not be accessible to minors, an adult can control his/her use of marijuana at least as well as his/her booze. 2. While I feel sorry about the retirement of the indeed rather costly dogs, I am sure that they and we will get over that pain relatively easily. 3. Road enforcement of overindulgence while driving will be not much more complicated that overindulgence in booze. There are breathalyzer tests and very reliable blood tests available. German law, for example, requires less than one nanogram (ng) of THC per milliliter of blood. It’s doable, Sheriff Staly; it’s doable. My vote is for “yes” and I hope that all those folks who’ve been hounded before will get retroactively exonerated. [Goodness! Jailers may have to join the dogs in retirement.]
DP says
YES ON THIS ADMENDMENT , don’t let the fake scare tactics from LEO. The peiple who leave the edibles laying around, or the baggies will continue to do so. Lock them up, enforce child endangerment. It’s being smoked now w/o control, and will continue. This has nothing to do with the medical use, its strictly recreational use. It’s time to allow this, tax it and put theses funds into LEO budgets. Really no different the prostitution, it’s illegal, and it’s still done. Tax it, regulate it, and reap the taxes. If you don’t agree, or don’t do either, no one is holding you back to speak freely. So don’t hog tie others who wish to partake.
rapscallion says
the propaganda from both sides of the argument is outlandish.
you can already get safe cannabis tax free with a mm card.
schools are severely underfunded and they lie to you to make you believe the taxes will help schools like the lotto.
what a load of tripe
Justbob says
So much to dispute in what the sheriff said, we’ll just chalk it up to “Reefer Madness”
Friendly neighbor says
This allows them discriminate when enforcing these outdated and ignorant laws. It was made illegal to keep Mexicans out. GOP is full of lies. Much less harmful than alcohol tobacco and prescription drugs. Vote yes and end the unnecessary punishments of possessing a plant.
Tom D Hutson says
Sheriff Staly “Why I Oppose Amendment 3”
This is the same opinion of Sheriff Staly “Hidden Dangers in Florida Amendment 3” as stated in the Observer on September 19, 2024.
I was not going to enter this debate on Florida Amendment 3 regarding the legalization of recreational marijuana in the State of Florida. That is until I found the electronic media covered with “SCARE” tactics on the use of marijuana and the un documented evidence of marijuana legalization. Now our Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly offered his Opinion, twice on the legalizing recreational marijuana ISSSUE. If you read his opinion, you will find it sounds the same as the Anti-Amendment 3 SUPPORTERS in the media, nothing new here. While I am not an active member in Law Enforcement, I do have amassed over 50 years’ experience, retiring from an Ohio Police Department as Chief of Police and as a County Deputy Sheriff in the State of Texas. I am also a life member of the International Chief of Police, IACP.
On with my opinion, there is NO Credible Evidence that legalizing marijuana will affect crime rates, to the Contrary, they reflect just the opposite. As for traffic enforcement, accident rates did not increase related to marijuana use. The Mental Health Issue and Studies have been found to be lacking at best. Smoking in public will not change, local ordnance will correct that, and the State has already suggested a state wide ban of smoking in all public places. Adults will able to purchase marijuana legally, the same will remain for cigarettes, 21 and older and I personally hate the smell of cigar smoke, DUI/Impaired driver enforcement will not change. The current NHTSA standards SFST will still apply to impaired drivers. The only real cause of legalizing of marijuana will be during traffic stops, officers will not be able to simply use the smell test. They will be required to articulate the stop and need for further investigation. Under age drivers will be under the same restrictions for alcohol and marijuana and cigarettes, as will the amount of legalized purchased marijuana carried by adults for private consumption.
The K-9 use of dogs will not stop their use because of the passage of Amendment 3. The sheriff and other law enforcement need only rework their procedures for underage drivers and marijuana the same as alcohol.
Enough said on my opinion as the old saying goes, every one has one. The Sheriff is correct just follow the money specially our Tax money, and watch the connection between the businesses given the license to sell marijuana in Florida. Those licenses will be regulated just like the current license to sell alcohol in this state.
I will vote yes on Amendment 3, on November 5th. Don’t let the scare tactics work on you, as the Sheriff stated, read the entire document. Make use of the internet for any additional information regarding states that have already legalized marijuana use. VOTE YES on Amendment 3 on November 5th.
Thank you, Sheriff Staly, for your SERVICE.
Justbob says
So much to dispute in what the sheriff said, we’ll just chalk it up to “Reefer Madness”
Dennis C Rathsam says
Sheriff, Time to strap on the 6 shooter, your 10 gal hat, & get dress up as a cowboy again…. Holloween is coming! And if it passes, bet he asks for money again.
Jas says
Sheriff Staly has the years in the field to understand what Denver has learned the hard way. No good will come from taking marijuana down the same path as alcohol. Look at all the DUI’s and deaths as a result. If you want to drink and smoke your inebriating poison, move to New York, Denver, or Europe.
No doubt the haters will reply to this post like mad, so I’ll go the full nine yards. Alcohol, drugs, abortion, prostitution, and pediphilia, etc… Why do people want all their evils legalized?
Staly is 100% correct. Post your negative heart out. I will not return to read the mindless babble.
Jim says
Pedophilia is being legalized? Didn’t see that coming….
Laurel says
Jim: Brought to you by the commies, Marxists, socialists, immigrants, you know, your neighbors and relatives. We’re all going to hell! “They’re coming for the eggs!” Check it out on YouTube.
Um, maybe someone needs something to calm himself down and mellow, but he won’t be back to find out what that information may be. Oh well.
Bill Boots says
It will as the LBGQ community expands its bounds
VL says
It’s called freedom.
The freedom to live your life how you choose so long as you aren’t causing undue harm.
(and LGBTQ is in no way connected to pedophilia. You go to the churches for that)
Lance Carroll says
Did you, actually, combine pedophiles and abortions with use of marijuana? I read your post a few times..
Your post, still, makes no sense after my reading it a few times. Please clarify, your assimilation to pedophiles and abortion in connection with the use of marijuana? I am awaiting your response, Jas. For the record: I believe in a free country where we have choices, our voices to be heard, transparent elections. That being stated, I DO NOT endorse or/and agree with pedophiles and abortion..
Brian Kelly says
Fear of Cannabis Legalization Nationwide is unfounded. Not based on any science or fact whatsoever. So please prohibitionists, we beg you to give your scare tactics, “Conspiracy Theories” and “Doomsday Scenarios” over the inevitable Legalization of Cannabis Nationwide a rest. Nobody is buying them anymore these days. Okay?
Furthermore, if all prohibitionists get when they look into that nice, big and shiny crystal ball of theirs, while wondering about the future of cannabis legalization, is horror, doom, and despair, well then I suggest they return that thing as quickly as possible and reclaim the money they shelled out for it, since it’s obviously defective.
The prohibition of cannabis has not decreased the supply nor the demand for cannabis at all. Not one single iota, and it never will. Just a huge and complete waste of our tax dollars to continue criminalizing citizens for choosing a natural, non-toxic, relatively benign plant proven to be much safer than alcohol.
If prohibitionists are going to take it upon themselves to worry about “saving us all” from ourselves, then they need to start with the drug that causes more death and destruction than every other drug in the world COMBINED, which is alcohol!
Why do prohibitionists feel the continued need to vilify and demonize cannabis when they could more wisely focus their efforts on a real, proven killer, alcohol, which again causes more destruction, violence, and death than all other drugs, COMBINED?
Prohibitionists really should get their priorities straight and/or practice a little live and let live. They’ll live longer, happier, and healthier, with a lot less stress if they refrain from being bent on trying to control others through Draconian Cannabis Laws.
There is absolutely no doubt now that the majority of Americans want to completely legalize cannabis nationwide. Our numbers grow on a daily basis.
The prohibitionist view on cannabis is the viewpoint of a minority and rapidly shrinking percentage of Americans. It is based upon decades of lies and propaganda.
Each and every tired old lie they have propagated has been thoroughly proven false by both science and society.
Their tired old rhetoric no longer holds any validity. The vast majority of Americans have seen through the sham of cannabis prohibition in this day and age. The number of prohibitionists left shrinks on a daily basis.
With their credibility shattered, and their not so hidden agendas visible to a much wiser public, what’s left for a cannabis prohibitionist to do?
Maybe, just come to terms with the fact that Cannabis Legalization Nationwide is an inevitable reality that’s approaching much sooner than prohibitionists think, and there is nothing they can do to stop it!
Legalize Nationwide!…and Support All Cannabis Legalization Efforts!
KC says
This is why it’s time to put the boomer legislators and law enforcement leaders out to pasture. The world is moving toward legalization and cannabis has more advantages than disadvantages. I wonder how much big pharma influenced this blather from Staly.
Laurel says
KC: Honey, this boomer was toking before you were born. Get out of your barrel are learn something.
KC says
Good then. Run for office on a legalization platform. Otherwise, encourage your old fart friends to step back and let younger people bring progress to Florida and America.
Laurel says
KC: Why did you have to change the topic to one of bigotry? Just another divisive person. You won’t change anything. Same old bigoted crap.
Duane says
Now, now people, give the Sheriff a break, he’s a busy man and has to take a position. After all, he is spending a lot time criticizing all paramedics over the crimes of one.
Let spend our time and efforts explaining why amendment 4 is horrible for the lack of details and misrepresentation this amendment offers to mislead the public. Yeah well all know about the exceptions, let’s not waste time on the obvious but why kill the babies of the future of this country because of irresponsible people.
Barbara. says
Yes on 3 more money for the State of Florida and less people wasting courts time and money.
Yesiree on three says
Marijuana? No way. The crack that staley’s smoking? A-ok.
Steve says
All in on A#3. It’s way overdue and really should be done on a Federal level. This should have already been on the Books.
Nephew Of Uncle Sam says
YES ON 3! Two Dozen other States have legalized it with NO PROBLEM. You’d never even know your in a legalized State if someone didn’t tell you or you checked before vacation. Staly still living in a “Reefer Madness” world while the rest of the Earth moves forward including other States in The United States of America. As for RonDUH, he lies about it becoming a monopoly, which it wouldn’t, yet he handed the Seminoles a monopoly on Sports Betting. Florida GOP poster boy Gaetz even had an editorial/opinion for full legalization a couple years carried in many of the Florida papers including the News-Journal.
BillC says
IMO, pot is a gateway drug that leads to trying other highs. Been there, done that. If you are a teen don’t start. No on 3.
Nephew Of Uncle Sam says
“Pot” has NEVER been proven to be a “gateway drug”. NO ONE has ever died from ingesting or smoking marijuana, unlike Alcohol of which I’ve known a few people who drank them self’s to death.
YES ON 3!
Tired of it says
Simply noit true. THe statistics and fact show the opposite. Just more fear mongering
Brian Kelly says
The “Gateway Myth” has been proven false over and over again. Correlation doesn’t equal causation.
If “The Gateway Myth” had any merit to it whatsoever, then the true “Gateway Drugs” would logically be alcohol, nicotine and caffeine. Since just about every hard drug user out there most likely was using those perfectly legal, widely accepted, endlessly advertised drugs way before they ever even thought about pot.
If prohibitionists really want to protect families from a drug proven to destroy lives and families, then they should be up in arms, protesting the legality of booze.
Alcohol is the drug that causes the most traffic fatalities, domestic violence, and overall detriment to society by a huge landslide. More so than all other drugs, combined.
Why doesn’t that concern you prohibitionists even more? It should.
“Cannabis Is Gateway Drug” Theory Debunked, Again
-opposingviews.co…
“Cannabis a “Gateway” Drug? Scientists Call Theory Half-Baked”
-cbsnews.com/news…
“Cannabis as a Gateway Drug: The Myth That Will Not Die”
http://healthland.time.com/…
“Seven Studies That Debunk the Gateway Myth”
-norml.com/blog/2012…
Laurel says
Well, I do like bourbon…
Get real says
You realize that is there is NOT a “gateway” drug, right? If you are predisposed to addiction, then everything can be a “gateway” drug: alcohol, pot, cigarettes, etc. Many, many people smoke or partake in edibles and NEVER become addicted. If you’ve “been there, done that”, then you are a person predisposed (DNA) to addiction. You really need to supervise your children and other family members that share your DNA.
BillC says
You just put “alcohol, pot, cigarettes” in the same category. The risk is there. Alcoholism and lung cancer are major problems. They started with that first drink or first cigarette, usually as teens who sneaked it behind their parent’s back. IMO the prescription approach is best.
Laurel says
Actually, sugar is a much worse addiction. Do you partake?
My guess is that diabetes is far more common, and deadly, than marijuana.
Oh, and I can buy plants at Home Depot and Lowes, that have no warning label, that can kill pets and children. Staly?
BillC says
Do you recommend a diet high in sugar? IMO From all the tense, aggressive language voiced here by those demanding legal marijuana, sounds like there’s already a lot of unadmitted dependency on it.
Pot and drinking alcohol usually go together, then somebody brings a little coke to the party. You’re already buzzed so, what the hell, maybe just this one time try a little line… and someone says “don’t worry, sugar is a much worse addiction”.
Suit yourself.
Laurel says
24 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes. That’s 8% of the population diagnosed with type two diabetes. The number of type two diabetes in children is on the rise due to a sedentary lifestyle. Sugar is a known drug. For you to suggest that I recommend “a diet high in sugar” a an absurd statement. But, suit yourself.
There is no credible evidence that marijuana is a gateway drug.
BrentJ says
A quick counterpoint to the good sheriff:
1. Staly: Pot use leads to onset of other issues. Correlation does not equal causation. Regular alcohol use correlates to and causes many physical and emotional issues, but Staly points to issues with pot use in adolescents and young adults which is prohibited with A3 (under 21).
2. Staly: Hospital (ER/ED) visits increase in areas where pot is legal. Studies cited here were for 0-14 year-old children. The potential for misuse/mishandling of marijuana is no different than medications, alcohol, or firearms.
3. Staly: Public safety concerns rise. No evidence to support this fear. With A3, the same public safety control measures remain in place. An impaired driver is invisible unless a violation occurs. Traffic infractions of any sort would be handled according to established law or further investigation under due process (blood test, breath examination, field sobrietey, etc)
4. Staly: Illegal markets still exist. Yes, they do and yes they will continue. However, “illegal” might mean a legal grower in CO tried to sell in NV or AZ. That’s how convoluted the laws are at the moment. Other illicit and more potent drugs are trafficked to FL because of demand – unrelated to the legality of marijuana. A3 doesn’t change any other substance status. And for the Cartels to undercut legal sales, they would need to transport much more than the 3oz.
5. Staly: Traffic stops would be rendered useless. Legal traffic stops leading to a lawful search would still uncover fentanyl, meth, cocaine, heroin, weapons, etc. A3 keeps all other FL laws in place. A3 just prevents a person from being arrested for less than 3oz.
6. Staly: Significant cost to retire K9 units. This one is just silly, sheriff. K9 units can still be used to detect marijuana. A3 doesn’t change traffic or other laws which, when violated, might lead to K9 search. Anything over 3oz and the suspect deals with consequences (“good dog!” praise for the K9). Under 3oz, there are no consequences other than the original cause for search (“good dog!” praise for the K9). The K9’s worth is and has never been about the final outcome of any search and would not change with A3.
7. Staly: Social costs associated with A3. There are always social costs when adults have freedom to choose. The point of the revenue argument is that the money generated would be returned for the benefit of its citizens.
8. Staly: “Follow the money.” Maybe the $60 million spent is from pot growers, but it wasn’t scary big business that signed the petition over one million times just to get it on the ballot. And if we are going to talk about long-term burden on the taxpayers, can we take a look at developers, insurance companies, and “big business” that have polluted our air and water, attempted to develop state parks, decimated the insurance industry in FL, and funneled millions of tax dollars to select law firms to fight lawsuits on behalf of the Governor?
9. Staly: Opinion that the benefits do not outweigh the dangers. This certainly doesn’t seem to support the idea that we are the “free-est” state. It is my opinion that the opposition to A3 comes not from a fear about pot, but a fear that FL will appear to agree with all of those woke blue states. None of the 25 other states where pot is legal have made moves to re-instate the former restrictions. No ballot measures, no additional legislative measures to restrict, no challenges to the subsequent laws these states have put in place. Colorado has 10 years under their belt and have recorded significant positive benefits (https://www.colorado.edu/today/2022/11/04/decade-after-legalizing-cannabis-colorado-heres-what-weve-learned). It might take some time to iron out all the kinks, but we can do it together. Positive, meaningful dialog, where both sides are heard and respected, following thoughtful consideration can accomplish so much!
YES on 3 (& YES on 4 FWIW)
Laurel says
Excellent argument. Thank you!
The dude says
“Reefer Madness” was not a documentary.
Smoking the weed does not lead to boogie dancing and intermingling of the races… and even if it did, so what?
Let go boomers.
Stick with your gin and Chardonnay, but let the rest of us have a little freedom.
Laurel says
Your “freedom” is to repress others.
Tired of it says
How does voting yes on the anendment repress others? You don;t like pot? don’t smoke it. Simple.
Laurel says
Tired: Dude loves to slip in his prejudice in unrelated topics.
Both you and he assume I’m one of a group who want to vote no. We should step aside and have no say. That’s suppression.
He is an eternal victim of his own prejudgment.
I, and others, have been waiting a very long time to vote YES, and I will not “stick to your gin and chardonnay.”
Really says
Laurel im very confused, i’ve seen this reply and others you have made, if you’re for ammendment 3 why are you arguing with others that are also voting yes? Lol
Laurel says
Really: It shouldn’t be confusing. I grow tired of the tedious prejudgment and hostility towards seniors. These predjudous people love to blame others for their lot in life, rather than take responsibility for themselves, and tell us to step aside and let youth take over. That’s just nasty and ignorant. That said, why would you be confused that I will vote yes? Was there a prejudgment on your part?
yesonthree says
I 100 percent disagree with the Sheriff and I will be voting yes on 3. I don’t buy into the whole refer madness and scare tactics. Officials don’t like losing control and revenue they generate from marijuana arrests.
Vote for it, for safe, regulated MJ! says
Yeah, no. Sorry pal. I don’t trust your motives or explanation. I’m voting FOR Amendment 3. Those opposed, keep buying your fentanyl-laced MJ so the Sheriff and his boys can keep arresting people for possession of MJ and then posting videos about how they’re dying because the drugs were laced. Oh and that commercial against A3–since when can I grow pot in my own home?
It’s like everything in life, don’t like it, don’t do it, but don’t let YOUR feelings infringe on my rights. IDGAF if you smoke it or bake it or chew it or not. You do you. I won’t stop you. I don’t use MJ. CBD works well enough for me. But I’m voting for A3 so adults can safely buy MJ w/o a medical card, and to have the MJ tested and regulated. It’s safer that way. I don’t care whose packets are being line because it’s always someone.
The Sour Kraut says
Personally, i cannot stand the smell of pot. I was on a vacation in Colorado a few years ago and couldn’t get away from the stench. I don’t want Palm Coast smelling like that!
Tired of it says
Right because everyone is going to go out ans start smoking pot if the amendment passes. Waht a ridiculous argument. Did you object to the smell of cigarettes,vaping?
The Sour Kraut says
Yes
F section resident says
Palm Coast already smells like pot, red lights, parking lots and outside of restaurants all reek of the stuff. Lots of people aren’t being responsible with their “medicine” and it’s probably going to get worse. I’m tired of people not following the rules around here especially those that run red lights like it’s nothing. And don’t get me going on people not utilizing their turn signals.
feddy says
I’d rather smell the odor of pot than cigar odor
Laurel says
Ah, Freddy, you and I agree!
Laurel says
Sorry, feddy, auto spell correct in action. Three times my phone overroad me!
Jane Gentile Youd says
I have enjoyed reading all the comments so much that I cannot stop laughing. Sheriff has outdone his ‘showmanship’ big time on his anti-pot campaign Sheriff – stick to what you do best – go after the REAL criminals . That includes those who steal our tax money in front of your nose and let everyone else alone as long as they are not negatively affect anyone else’s life with their ‘pot’
.. GOD grows pot – he knew what he was doing more than you do.
Brian Kelly says
Odor also is is never a valid, reasonable, rational justification to keep anything illegal and to continue criminalizing and handing out life long permanent criminal records to millions of American citizens. We can’t just arrest, lock up and hand out life long permanent criminal records to anyone who, heaven forbid, dares to make you temporarily smell things that you aren’t fond of smelling for a few brief seconds while you pass by in public places. Sound fair and reasonable?
Believe it or not, millions of Floridians have always used cannabis way before we ever considered legalization. Legalization is not adding anything new into our public places that wasn’t always there before. For the most part its the very same people who have been using cannabis while it was illegal that will be using cannabis when it’s legal.
To suggest that all of a sudden due to legalization that the scent of cannabis will be everywhere public is ludicrous, irrational, and ridiculous! Get real, cut the bs and stop the silly smell exaggerations and lies. Admit that the only real issue you have with cannabis legalization is your very own unjustifiable irrational personal moral issue with allowing other adult American citizens to legally enjoy cannabis without constant threat of lifelong criminalization, prosecution and persecution.
Stephen Playe says
I came of age in the era of “sex, drugs and rock and roll” and believed that marijuana was pretty safe and very fun. I then practiced Emergency Medicine for over 30 years and saw first hand how alcohol kills through accidents and chronic disease. So legalizing recreational marijuana seems like a no brainer, right?
NOT SO FAST.
First, I must say that based on my evaluation of the medical literature about marijuana Sheriff Staley’s article was extremely accurate. The concerns he describes are real.
I would add another concern. The doses available today (up to 10 x the concentration available in my dorm in 1969) are particularly detrimental to the developing adolescent brain. Regular use is associated with several mental illnesses as well as generally decreased motivation. Given that there will be age restrictions on access, it could be argued that adolescents won’t smoke (vape or ingest) more after legalization than they do now. I say, dream on.
If you, like me, have ever thought, “Teenagers these days!” imagine them a little less motivated and a little less stable. Ugh!
Yes, law enforcement regarding marijuana has been embarrassingly prejudiced. Yes, marijuana is way safer than alcohol. But is the “new” marijuana as safe as what we had in the old days? Not even close. And is the tax money really going to the schools? As Sheriff Staly says, “Follow the money.” Is it the schools or the cannabis industry that is funding the push for legalization?
In the past several years I’ve gone from an old hippie solid supporter of legalization to a wistful retired doctor who is probably going to vote no. How uncool.
Laurel says
Steven Playe: I do not support adolescents smoking pot, or smoking anything, but for you to pontificate on its effect on the adolescent brain, is short of facts.
I indulged from about age 14 on, and managed to graduate from college with a 4.0 average, while paying my whole way, with no support. I have never lacked motivation, and have made it nicely through life, and with no addictions or mental illness.
I agree that the concentration is much stronger, regardless, your *facts* do not stand up. If you want to make an argument, make an honest one.
Samuel L. Bronkowitz says
Let’s see some links to the literature stephen, I can browse JAMA too
FlaglerLive says
Some links to studies pointing out concerns are in the article.
Brian Kelly says
Regarding “The Children”,
Let’s not use “The Children” as an excuse to prohibit and criminalize adult use of a natural plant far less dangerous than perfectly legal alcohol because nobody condones child use, and this is about allowing adults only to choose cannabis.
It’s our responsibility as parents by to educate our children on both alcohol and cannabis use. It’s not the government’s job to force Draconian cannabis Laws upon every adult citizen under the guise of protecting “The Children”.
What message are we sending our children when in states where cannabis remains completely illegal and prohibited, it is easier for them to obtain cannabis than it is for them to buy alcohol?
It doesn’t take the intellect of a genius to understand that stores card kids for I.D. Thugs and gang members do not. They also push the real hard drugs on children. Stores do not.
Cannabis legalization makes it harder for children to obtain it.
What message does it send our children when several of the Presidents of The United States themselves alongside a long list of successful people openly admit to cannabis use at one time or another in their lives?
While we tell our kids how it will ruin their futures, and then ensure so, by allowing our government to to jail our children and give them permanent criminal records when they get caught with a little cannabis. Especially, if they are the wrong skin color or from the “wrong neighborhood”. Which in turn, ruins their chances of employment for life.
The Prohibition of cannabis is the wrong message to send our children while we glorify, advertise and promote the much more dangerous use of alcohol like it’s an all American pastime.
The worst thing about cannabis and our children is what happens to them when they get caught up in the criminal justice system due to it’s prohibition.
Protect “The Children” and Our Neighborhoods Through The Legalization and Regulation of Cannabis Nationwide!
Edith Campins says
Yes on this amendment. for a host of valid reasons.
YankeeExPat says
I dont care what Oprah tells me to vote for , I dont care what Hulk Hogan tells me to vote for , I dont care what Taylor Swift tells me to vote for , and I sure as Hell don’t care what Rick Staly tells me to vote for. ……….do something usefull and write some speeders for the crappy drivers in Crap
Coast
Just Say Yes says
I was always against pot. I never smoked it in high school or as a young adult, and I had a low opinion of people who did.
Now I am middle aged. Okay, near the top of middle age. A few years ago I got a job at a company that happens to employ a lot of veterans. Most were deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan at least once. They have the physical and mental scars to tell the tale.
This is when I learned that many of them smoke pot to be able to remain functional in society. It helps with pain management, sleep, and anger issues (most likely PTSD related). I have seen them struggle when they couldn’t access it. They don’t want to lose themselves to opiate addictions, and I don’t blame them. One of these guys has cancer, and he explained the hoops he had to jump through to get the medical stuff. As if he didn’t have enough to deal with! Another coworker has crippling anxiety. He moved to a state that has legalized recreational marijuana, and since he can now easily smoke when he needs to, his job performance has improved greatly, and he has even been promoted twice in three years.
All of this to say that I’m voting yes. Maybe I’ll try it when it’s legal. Who knows? I know I will probably try to get my very elderly and constantly in pain mother to try it so she can have a bit of comfort in her final years. She deserves that.
IvoryTowers says
This is why you let everyone grow it .. for free so it’s worthless.
But oh we sure can’t do that and end the monopoly on a weed, Amendment 3 is just more money and power to the few and their “additives” just like all our food and medicine is poison. nothing but problems for us who exist far from the ivory towers.
Randy Bentwick says
He opposes it because he doesn’t want to risk losing any photo ops at all of his drug houses.
YES on 3
Protonbeam says
Legalize it and give people freedom to choose –
just change the penalties (same with alcohol) – driving while impaired loose license for six months and 10k fine first offense and jail time and permanent loss of license offense number 2.. If you kill someone while impaired – automatic life sentence.
There will be more deaths on the highways and more crime, statistics from “legal states” prove this out – people deserve freedom to choose -but also the freedom to accept consequences if they can’t be responsible…. Pretty simple
JW says
The Art of the Deal! Remember?
If you want to make marijuana illegal, do the same with guns (all guns). That’s a DEAL
Barbara. says
Vote yes on 3.
Kennan says
Yes on 3!!!
Pros out way cons by a mile.
ACTUALLY way safer than alcohol.
Steve Clair says
Don’t fall for the fear mongering from Sheriff Staly about the Sheriff’s K9’s being rendered useless, having to be retired or designated as only as “tracking” dogs, and needing costly replacements because of this amendment 3 should it pass.
As a 30+ years experienced K9 Handler/ Certified Trainer, 20 of those years with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, 10 years with a dual purpose Narcotics/Apprehension canine and another 10 years with a dual purpose Explosive/Apprehension canine.
I also was a certified Florida Department of Law Enforcement canine trainer during my years with the Sheriff’s Office, I can assure you 100% that this will have no bearing on the K9’s ability to do their “sniffs” on vehicles, houses/buildings, and any other open areas. (Sniffs of people/persons are already not permitted).
Most Narcotics detection canines are taught under what is called a 7 to 1 method, where the canines are trained to locate all of the narcotics deemed to be illegal, such as Marijuana, Heroin,Cocaine, Methamphetamines, Fentanyl, and anything derived from it, like THC, hash oils’ etc. ( Narcotic canines are also trained in uncirculated US Currencies “sniff’s”, for the presence of narcotics).
The same with Explosive detection canines, the are trained to basically locate everything and anything associated with explosive materials or devices, such as Single base, Dbl. base, Black powders, TNT, Chlorides, Simtex,Det Cord, RDX, Nitro etc.
Which means in ALL detector canines, if they smell for ANY of those odors they are trained on and if they do locate those odors, they will indicate by either sitting/pointing (passive) or more pronounced (aggressive) alerts.
In all my years of training and actual real world deployment, such as vehicle searches, building/schools, Super Bowl Stadiums, Daytona Speedway events, and several times on “Air Force One”, When my K9’s alerted me the presence of any odors they were trained to detect….Not a single time did my K9 tell me exactly what odor they detected, you know why? because as highly trained and effective they were, they cant talk and tell me what exact odor they smelled! LOL,
So if a K9 alerted on a vehicle, house ect . and only Marijuana was found (if this amendment 3 passes), it would still be a legal alert and a justified “probable cause” search based on the canine and K9 handlers training and experience, a “good dog” praise would be showered on the canine and life goes on. If the K9 alert located other illegal substances, the search and seizure would be still 100% legal in court regardless of which odor the canine detected allowing a search.
In thousands of alerts by my canines, both in training and working the streets, never once did my canine tell me exactly what odor he detected, only that he indicated the presence of an odor he was trained to detect.
And in most court proceedings in regards to a “alert” by my canine, I never had a Judge, State Attorney or Defense Attorney ask me which exact odor my canine detected, Their only legal concern or questioning was that my canine and I were properly trained to detect and documented as such. (Most agencies require annual certifications of their detector teams).
So as far as the possible loss of the Sheriff’s K9’s already in service, don’t fall for Sheriff Stalys rhetoric, there is nothing that would cause for those K9’s to be retired, replaced or “deprogrammed”, (as if that were even a real thing).
I suspect that if this amendment should pass, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (who certifies detection K9 Teams) will probably remove Marijuana as a training requirement for newer canines recruits But again, they may not since Marijuana is still a Federal Scheduled Narcotic.
Say No to No New Taxes or Budget requests for replacement K9’s by Sheriff Staly.
Major Steve Clair (Retired)
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office
K9 Unit Commander/K9 Handler for K9 I-Ax and K-Kuda
FBI NA #240 Session
Laurel says
Steve Clair: Thank you for actual facts and experience!
Vincent Maccherone says
Easy one for you #3 haters. How many deaths, rapes etc were alcohol related last year vs marijuana crimes??!! I’ll wait
Jf says
😂😂😂 that’s really all that can say about out sheriff. Look at the daily jail bookings. At a rate of approximately 65-70% of ppl getting arrested for possession of cannabis under 20 grams and possession of paraphernalia (a spoking device). The only ppl I hear bitchin are the ones whose pockets won’t get extra padding from big pharma. This is a joke. Legalize it tax it that’s it!
Laurel says
It should be a part of our hedge if we wanted. We are able to craft beer.
FlaglerLive says
Dr. Jerry Cammarata, the World Safety Organization’s Ambassador to the United Nations, sent the following email to Sheriff Staly on Sept. 25, in response to the article above:
Sheriff Staly;
I agree with your position on prohibiting the legalization of recreational marijuana in our State of Florida. I am the Ambassador to the United Nations for the World Safety Organization, and reside in Palm Beach and New York. In my decades of work and advocacy, I have observed no recreational value of Marijuana which allows for healthy self preservation as well as the protection of others.
Just on the national level and reported this past August 2024, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration surveyed around 9,000 drivers in a nearly two-year long study of alcohol and drug use by drivers. Compelling is the fact that marijuana users were 25% more likely to be involved in a car crash than a sober driver.
Beyond driving, the negative effect legalizing recreational marijuana will have on the operations of businesses in Florida can be devastating. According to a study reported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, employees who tested positive for marijuana had 55% more industrial accidents. 85% more injuries and 75% greater absenteeism compared to those who tested negative.
Beyond road safety here, it is imperative to make clear the negative economic impact recreational marijuana will have on businesses, particularly operational heavy equipment businesses, all of which are already covered under DOT Regs, but can soon find increased compromises taking place.
Sheriff, the issue often requires the consequences of what will hit home, what will hit our pocket books, and to sound the alarm as to our families’ future survival.
From my perspective, as part of a team of professionals who are confronted with drug use on every level internationally, the stakes are high. The battle you are courageously fighting has become a standard mantra internationally. Your efforts can help enormously.
Please let me know if my office can help you in communicating your agenda as well as adding fuel to your strategies leading up to this election and beyond.
Further, and as an aside, I appreciate being a member of your Florida Sheriff’s Association.
Jerry
Nephew Of Uncle Sam says
“…, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration surveyed around 9,000 drivers in a nearly two-year long study of alcohol and drug use by drivers. Compelling is the fact that marijuana users were 25% more likely to be involved in a car crash than a sober driver. ” per Jerry above.
Where’s his statistics for those under Alcohol as part of that “study” of 9000, you can’t pick and choose statistics. Jerry is just another one spreading propaganda that has been used for decades now while your neighbors are enjoying marijuana with no problems. Yes they live amongst you, maybe even right next door.
Brian Kelly says
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been notoriously known to be a rabidly prohibitionist organization that puts out tons of reefer maddest and fake bogus statistics to desperately try to push their anti-legalization agenda and try to fear monger the public back into the strict prohibition of relatively benign cannabis. They have been fear mongering over it for over a decade. Since right before Colorado was going to legalize recreational cannabis. They therefore have absolutely ZERO credibility on cannabis, none!
What has actually occurred in states that have legalized cannabis is that law enforcement agencies statewide immediately and vigorously began a new policy of testing more drivers than they ever did before legalization occurred for residual trace amounts of THC. Which remain detectable in a driver’s system for up to months after consuming cannabis.
This obviously in no way proves actual impairment at the time a driver is pulled over. So for instance, the police get to the scene of a roadside accident with a fatality. The driver at fault, is let’s say for example three times over the legal alcohol BAC limit, but the police also insist on a test for cannabis. Although bear in mind, with a BAC three times over the legal limit for booze and with all the obvious tell-tale signs of impairment, it’s plain for all to immediately see, and know, that alcohol was the drug responsible for this tragedy….
Residual trace amounts of THC are detected in the driver’s system after the police conclude their very specific and intentional policy driven test for those residual trace amounts of THC. A month prior to being pulled over, the driver consumed a little cannabis socially with friends…
Obviously, the joint or two from a month ago had nothing to do with this fatal and tragic accident, but the booze the driver drank at the bar before he got into his car that very same night most certainly did.
Law enforcement now marks off this accident as another cannabis “INVOLVED” fatality in order to bolster their bogus statistics.
Prohibitionists always use terms like “INVOLVED” , “RELATED” or “LINKED” when they tout these horrific sounding statistics and claims. Because they can’t ever prove cannabis impairment alone to be the actual “CAUSE”.
In states that have now legalized cannabis, when you get into an accident whether at fault or not at fault even, pulled over for speeding or for anything at all, law enforcement policy will automatically also require that the police administer that very same test for residual trace amounts of THC from up to months prior to being pulled over. Which again, in no way proves impairment whatsoever and then the results are added on as just another one of their bogus cannabis “INVOLVED/RELATED”/LINKED” statistics.
This is nothing more than merely another prohibitionist scare tactic. The goal being to frighten and alarm the public back into the strict prohibition of cannabis.
Well guess what? The public isn’t buying it and everyone sees the deceit by ever more desperate prohibitionist zealots. Hell-bent on keeping cannabis illegal. So, the public is already well aware that when such claims are made about cannabis “INVOLVED/RELATED/LINKED” deaths, they are flat out lies!
Nobody is so gullible as to believe these utterly nonsense prohibitionist claims of massive amounts of new cannabis impaired drivers.
Now, I challenge all anti-cannabis prohibitionist types publicly yet again:
Please provide us proof of just one single roadway fatality proven one hundred percent to have been “CAUSED” (Not “INVOLVED/ Not “RELATED”/Not “LINKED”) by cannabis impairment and only cannabis impairment, alone.
The public is waiting for prohibitionists to provide indisputable proof of just one such death “CAUSED” directly and solely by cannabis impairment, alone. Just one. (Not even the massive influx prohibitionists claim. Just one.)
We’ll wait….and wait…and wait….While we all know they simply can’t. Because it’s all just propaganda, lies, and scare-tactics.
*yawns*
Next?
Brian Kelly says
Legalizing Cannabis will not create a massive influx of marijuana impaired drivers on our roads.
It will not create an influx of professionals (doctors, pilots, bus drivers, etc..) under the influence on the job either.
This is a prohibitionist propaganda scare tactic.
Truth: Responsible drivers don’t drive while impaired on any substance period!
Irresponsible drivers are already on our roads, and they will drive while impaired regardless of their drug of choice’s legality.
Therefore, legalizing cannabis will have little impact on the amount of marijuana impaired drivers on our roads.
The same thing applies to people being under the influence of cannabis on the job.
Responsible employees do not go to work impaired, period. Irresponsible employees already share our workplaces and they will come to work impaired regardless of their drug of choice’s legality.
Brian Kelly says
Contrary to what prohibitionists are so desperately trying to get the public to believe wholeheartedly and without question, legalizing cannabis IS NOT adding anything new into our society that wasn’t always there and widely available already.
Therefore cannabis legalization does not lead to some massive influx of new cannabis consumers. The very same people who have been consuming cannabis during it’s prohibition are for the most part the very same ones who will be consuming cannabis when it’s legal.
The prohibition of cannabis has never prevented cannabis’s widespread availability nor anyone from consuming cannabis that truly desires to do so.
Cannabis has been ingrained within our society since the days of our founding fathers and part of human culture since biblical times, for thousands of years.
So, since cannabis has always been with us and humans already have thousands upon thousands of years worth of experience with cannabis, what great calamities and “Doomsday Scenarios” do prohibitionists really think will happen now due to current legalization efforts that have never ever happened before in all human history?
Legalize Nationwide Federally Now!
Laurel says
“THEY’RE COMING FOR THE EGGS! THEY’RE COMING FOR THE EGGS!”
Alex says
Yes on 3.
Layla says
I wonder if the wagging tongue experts here will try and blame the consequences to all this on the Republicans? Betting yes.
Never listen to the experts…. What the hell do they know? Just wait til these people get behind the wheel and begin killing people. This is a very cleverly written CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT by that fellow who is also a major donor to the Democrats, John Morgan.
A Constitutional Amendment cannot be altered, it is permanent. The people in this country have been dumbed down to the point of acceptance of their own destruction.
Brian Kelly says
Fear of Cannabis Legalization Nationwide is unfounded. Not based on any science or fact whatsoever. So please prohibitionists, we beg you to give your scare tactics, “Conspiracy Theories” and “Doomsday Scenarios” over the inevitable Legalization of Cannabis Nationwide a rest. Nobody is buying them anymore these days. Okay?
Furthermore, if all prohibitionists get when they look into that nice, big and shiny crystal ball of theirs, while wondering about the future of cannabis legalization, is horror, doom, and despair, well then I suggest they return that thing as quickly as possible and reclaim the money they shelled out for it, since it’s obviously defective.
The prohibition of cannabis has not decreased the supply nor the demand for cannabis at all. Not one single iota, and it never will. Just a huge and complete waste of our tax dollars to continue criminalizing citizens for choosing a natural, non-toxic, relatively benign plant proven to be much safer than alcohol.
If prohibitionists are going to take it upon themselves to worry about “saving us all” from ourselves, then they need to start with the drug that causes more death and destruction than every other drug in the world COMBINED, which is alcohol!
Why do prohibitionists feel the continued need to vilify and demonize cannabis when they could more wisely focus their efforts on a real, proven killer, alcohol, which again causes more destruction, violence, and death than all other drugs, COMBINED?
Prohibitionists really should get their priorities straight and/or practice a little live and let live. They’ll live longer, happier, and healthier, with a lot less stress if they refrain from being bent on trying to control others through Draconian Cannabis Laws.
Brian Kelly says
Fear of Cannabis Legalization Nationwide is unfounded. Not based on any science or fact whatsoever. So please prohibitionists, we beg you to give your scare tactics, “Conspiracy Theories” and “Doomsday Scenarios” over the inevitable Legalization of Cannabis Nationwide a rest. Nobody is buying them anymore these days. Okay?
Furthermore, if all prohibitionists get when they look into that nice, big and shiny crystal ball of theirs, while wondering about the future of cannabis legalization, is horror, doom, and despair, well then I suggest they return that thing as quickly as possible and reclaim the money they shelled out for it, since it’s obviously defective.
Prohibition and Reefer Madness are only pushed and believed by a very small, lunatic-fringe minority of irrational looney-tune Holier Than Thou types that are on a never ending little personal moral-crusade and witch-hunt against relatively benign cannabis and it’s consumers. The rest of us sane, rational, normal Americans just laugh our butts off at and mock utterly desperate lying prohibitionists and their ridiculous Reefer-Madness-Rhetoric as the comedy show they truly are!
“Cannabis is 114 times safer than drinking alcohol”
“Cannabis may be even safer than previously thought, researchers say”
“Cannabis may be even safer than previously thought, researchers say New study: We should stop fighting Cannabis legalization and focus on alcohol and tobacco instead By Christopher Ingraham February 23
Compared with other recreational drugs — including alcohol — Cannabis may be even safer than previously thought. And researchers may be systematically underestimating risks associated with alcohol use.
Those are the top-line findings of recent research published in the journal Scientific Reports, a subsidiary of Nature. Researchers sought to quantify the risk of death associated with the use of a variety of commonly used substances. They found that at the level of individual use, alcohol was the deadliest substance, followed by heroin and cocaine.”
-Washington Post
“The report discovered that Cannabis is 114 times less deadly than alcohol. Researchers were able to determine this by comparing the lethal doses with the amount of typical use. Through this approach, Cannabis had the lowest mortality risk to users out of all the drugs they studied. In fact—because the numbers were crossed with typical daily use—Cannabis is the only drug that tested as “low risk.”
-Complex
Laurel says
I’ve heard these same old arguments all my life.
It’s here… it’s been here…and yet we’ll all go to hell, overnight, should the amendment pass.
Let’s vote YES, and finally, finally move on