Florida's First Lady says legalizing recreational marijuana would be 'detrimental, if it's passed'

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Published  October 30, 2024 8:38pm EDT
FOX 35 Orlando
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Casey DeSantis speaks against Amendment 3 in Orlando

Florida first lady Casey DeSantis holds a press conference alongside Florida Department of Health Surgeon General, Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo and Brevard County Sheriff, Wayne Ivey at Dockside Lake Nona in Orlando.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis visited Central Florida on Wednesday, less than a week before Election Day, to weigh-in on a controversial amendment that will be decided by voters next week. 

DeSantis spoke during a news conference at Dockside in Lake Nona, alongside the Florida Department of Health Surgeon General, Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo, and Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey.

She has been touring the state, pitching her position on why she believes people should vote "no" on Amendment 3, which, if passed, would legalize recreational marijuana.

"I am deeply concerned about what Amendment 3 would mean for the future of our state," DeSantis said. "If you don't want Orlando to smell like New York City, vote no on Amendment 3."

Dr. Ladapo also spoke out against Amendment 3, likening it to a "poisonous relationship." 

"If I didn't care about these things I wouldn't have left California three years ago," Dr. Ladapo said, adding, "If you look at the language of this amendment, it's disgusting and revolting."

The organization Smart and Safe Florida, which is behind Amendment 3, argues that legalizing marijuana could create a regulated and safe market. In a previous interview with FOX 35, Morgan Hill, a spokesperson for the group, noted that approximately 1.8 million Floridians already use marijuana bought illegally. 

"People shouldn’t be going to jail for this. We should be able to tax this product and our public programs could benefit from that tax revenue," Hill said.

MORE INFORMATION ON VOTING IN CENTRAL FLORIDA:

Early voting is currently underway in Central Florida and Election Day is November 5. 

You can find more information on Amendment 3 and other voting resources from FOX 35 linked below.

Amendment 3: Legalization of recreational marijuana

Florida's Amendment 3 will allow voters decide on legalization of recreational marijuana

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You Decide | Amendment 3: Arguments in favor

FOX 35 News+ Garrett Wymer spoke with Morgan Hill from Smart and Safe Florida. Hill discussed Amendment 3 and provided an argument on why she believes voters should vote yes on the ballot.

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You Decide | Amendment 3: Arguments against

FOX 35 News+ Garrett Wymer spoke with Dr. Jessica Spencer, director of advocacy, Vote No on Amendment 3. Dr. Spencer discussed Amendment 3 and provided an argument on why she believes voters should vote no on the ballot.

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