AMENDMENT 3:
BAD FOR FLORIDA BUSINESS

Amendment 3 does not have any time, place, or manner restrictions. That means effectively unrestricted marijuana use – anytime, anywhere and by any method. This will have a detrimental impact on local businesses, workplace environment, safety, and customer experience.

Increased Risk of Accidents: More employees consuming marijuana during work hours or before coming to work increases the risk of accidents, particularly in industries that rely on heavy machinery, warehouse operations, and transportation.

Higher Liability for Employers: One reason the billboard trial lawyers are in favor of more drugs on our streets and in our businesses is because businesses will face higher liability, legal and insurance costs if accidents occur due to, or allegedly due to, employees being under the influence of marijuana.

Negative Customer Impression and Experience Because Pot Stinks: Customers who encounter the smell of pot smoke or employees who are under the influence can lead to a negative perception of the business and drive customers away.  Many business leaders in Colorado, New York, California, and other states that have legalized pot seriously regret legalizing it and encourage us to stop this bad idea at all costs.

Uncertainty and Legal Challenges: The absence of standardized restrictions creates uncertainty and potential legal challenges for businesses trying to comply with inconsistent local regulations, which is one more reason the billboard trial lawyers are in favor of this bad idea.

Florida stands out as a beacon of both freedom and quality of life, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, economic opportunity, and family values. It’s a state where businesses can thrive, and families can grow and prosper. Amendment 3 puts all of that at risk and will make Florida more like California, New York and Colorado, where recreational marijuana, and its smell, is everywhere.

Increased Exposure: Amendment 3 will lead to increased public use and visibility of marijuana, exposing children and families to drug use while normalizing drug use in everyday settings such as parks, streets, and other public places.

Higher Risk of Secondhand Smoke: Families will be more likely to encounter secondhand marijuana smoke in public places, which can pose health risks, particularly to children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues.

Increased Access and Appeal to Youth: Despite age restrictions, Amendment 3 would make it easier for minors to access marijuana, and many marijuana companies even use marketing tactics, such as gummies, that appeal to kids. This has resulted in increased hospitalizations and emergency room visits in states with recreational marijuana.

The proponents of Amendment 3 claim it will increase safety and reduce crime; however, the facts and data prove otherwise.  That is one of the reasons why the Florida Sherrif’s Association opposes Amendment 3 and is urging local businesses to get the word out about the negative impacts recreational marijuana has on communities, businesses, schools and families.

Black Market and Crime: While the proponent’s reported goal of legalization is often to reduce illegal sales, most areas have actually seen an increase in illegal activities, such as black market sales or trafficking, especially in areas where marijuana is grown or distributed.

Increased Impaired Driving: As other states that have legalized pot have found, legalization will lead to more incidents of impaired driving, putting families and children at greater risk on the roads and increasing traffic accidents and fatalities, not to mention higher auto insurance rates.

While Amendment 3 claims that it will generate millions of dollars in tax revenue - it actually will introduce new costs for families, businesses, and law enforcement.

For Families:

Health Insurance Premiums: Increased marijuana has been tied to higher instances of health issues such as respiratory problems, mental health disorders, or substance abuse treatments, leading insurance companies to raise premiums to offset the higher cost of these medical services.

Auto Insurance Rates: States with recreational marijuana have seen an increase in impaired driving due to marijuana consumption which has caused auto insurance companies to increase premiums for all drivers in an area to compensate for the higher risk of accidents.

For Businesses:

Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Employers may see higher premiums if workplace injuries increase due to accidents resulting from employees being under the influence of marijuana.

Liability Insurance: Businesses, especially those open to the public, could face higher liability insurance rates to protect against claims related to accidents involving impaired individuals on their premises.

Operational Costs: Businesses will need to invest in updating policies, providing employee training on marijuana use, implementing drug testing programs or dealing with issues related to marijuana use.

Despite over $75 million in special interest funding from one marijuana company alone, Amendment 3 can be beat.

While almost half the country has fallen for the false promises of drug legalization proponents, only 3 states have passed pot legalization constitutional amendments with the level of support required in Florida (60%).  It is also still polling just under that threshold despite millions in political advertisements.  If employers get the word out to their friends, families and employees, we can keep Florida, Florida and defeat this bad for Florida families, businesses and communities plan.