Agenda 09/10/2024 Item #10A (Resolution - Opposition to Amendment 3 and the legalization of recreational marijuana)10.A
09/ 10/2024
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to adopt the attached Resolution in opposition to Amendment 3 titled as Adult Personal
Use of Marijuana, which if enacted would amend the Florida Constitution to legalize recreational marijuana
in Florida.
OBJECTIVE: To adopt the attached Resolution in opposition to Amendment 3 and the legalization of recreational
marijuana.
CONSIDERATIONS: Amendment 3, titled as "Adult Personal Use of Marijuana", would amend the Florida
Constitution to legalize recreational marijuana, by allowing adults 21 years or older to possess, purchase, or use
marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non -medical personal consumption, and allowing state licensed
entities to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell, and distribute such products and accessories. The
amendment is scheduled to be on the November 5, 2024, ballot in Florida.
I believe that the legalization of recreational marijuana would be detrimental to Collier County and the State of
Florida, and request that the Board adopt the attached Resolution in opposition to Amendment 3 and the
legalization of recreational marijuana. The Resolution is substantially the same as a recent resolution by the Florida
Sheriff's Association, a copy of which is attached as back-up. The proposed resolution states as follows:
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida ("Board"),
has been made aware of Amendment 3, a proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution that is
scheduled to appear on the November 5, 2024 ballot; and
WHEREAS, Amendment 3, titled as "Adult Personal Use of Marijuana", would amend the
Florida Constitution to legalize recreational marijuana, by allowing adults 21 years or older to
possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non -medical personal
consumption, and allowing state licensed entities to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell,
and distribute such products and accessories; and
WHEREAS, since 2012, several states have legalized the cultivation, commercial sale, and
recreational use of marijuana; and
WHEREAS, the legalization and commercialization of marijuana have spurred the growth
of a profit -driven marijuana industry that has pursued its profits ahead of public health; and
WHEREAS, between 2012 and 2022, the number of past -year marijuana users nearly
doubled from 31.5 million to 61.9 million; and
WHEREAS, between 2020 and 2022, the number of Americans with cannabis use disorder
increased from 14.2 million to 19.0 million, based on the DSM-V criteria; and
WHEREAS, in 2022, more than 30% of past -year marijuana users had a cannabis use
disorder; and
WHEREAS, in 2022, there were more past -year daily or almost daily users of marijuana
than alcohol, with 15.1 million and 11.7 million, respectively; and
WHEREAS, following legalization in California and Colorado, emergency room visits and
admissions related to marijuana abuse is up 89% in California and marijuana -related
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hospitalizations in Colorado increased 148%; and
WHEREAS, the Board believes that the effort to legalize recreational marijuana is contrary
to the interests of the public health, safety, and welfare, and desires to preserve the rights of
citizens to live and work in a community where drug use is not normalized and citizens are not
subjected to the adverse effects of drug misuse; and
WHEREAS, the average potency of marijuana increased from 3.75% THC in 1995 to
15.80% in 2018. The use of high -potency marijuana is associated with the development of anxiety,
depression, psychosis, and schizophrenia, in addition to cannabis use disorder; and
WHEREAS, our roadways must remain safe for our citizens to use, and the legalization of
marijuana runs contrary to the goal of keeping our roadways safe for our citizens. In 2020, 24.3%
of drivers involved in traffic fatalities tested positive for marijuana, up from 14.8% in 2013; and
WHEREAS, advocates of marijuana legalization routinely overestimate the revenue that
will be collected and fail to account for the limited marijuana tax revenue collected is offset by
even greater costs to taxpayers, ranging from additional healthcare costs to more students dropping
out of high school; and
WHEREAS, in Colorado, every $1 in tax revenue from the sale of marijuana was
associated with $4.50 in costs, ranging from increases in healthcare utilization to lost productivity;
and
WHEREAS, all states that have legalized marijuana have failed to curtail the illicit market
and drug cartels continue to exploit these black-market sales because they do not want to operate
within a regulatory system; and
WHEREAS, states that have legalized marijuana have had a profound impact on rates of
youth use, coinciding with decreases in risk perception, and increases in illicit behavior; and
WHEREAS, a 2022 analysis of a longitudinal cohort study of 21,863 individuals found
that youth in states with legal recreational marijuana were more likely to use marijuana than youth
in non -legal states; and
WHEREAS, a recent study found that recreational marijuana legalization was associated
with a 25% increase in adolescent marijuana use disorder; and
WHEREAS, marijuana legalization advocates have argued that legalization will reduce
overall crime, but in "legal" states marijuana crime rates have risen at a faster rate than other states
across the country.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners of
Collier County, Florida, is strongly opposed to the legalization and commercialization of
recreational marijuana and the proposed Amendment 3.
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FISCAL IMPACT: None.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: None.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item has been reviewed by the County Attorney, raises no legal issues at this
time and requires majority vote for approval. -JAK
RECOMMENDATION: That the Board adopt the attached Resolution in opposition to the legalization of
recreational marijuana.
Prepared by: Daniel Kowal, Commissioner District 4
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. Resolution - opposing Amendment 3 recreational marijuana (PDF)
2. FL Sheriffs Association - Resolution 2024-01 opposing recreational marijuana (PDF)
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COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 10.A
Doc ID: 29734
Item Summary: *** This item to be heard at 10 AM *** Recommendation to adopt the attached Resolution in
opposition to Amendment 3 titled as Adult Personal Use of Marijuana, which if enacted would amend the Florida
Constitution to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida.
Meeting Date: 09/10/2024
Prepared by:
Title: Legal Assistant — County Attorney's Office
Name: Wanda Rodriguez
08/16/2024 2:58 PM
Submitted by:
Title: Commissioner District 4 — Board of County Commissioners
Name: Daniel Kowal
08/16/2024 2:58 PM
Approved By:
Review:
Office of Management and Budget Debra Windsor Level 3 OMB Gatekeeper Review
Office of Management and Budget Christopher Johnson OMB Reviewer
County Attorney's Office Jeffrey A. Klatzkow Level 3 County Attorney's Office Review
County Manager's Office Ed Finn Level 4 County Manager Review
Board of County Commissioners Geoffrey Willig Meeting Pending
Completed
08/28/2024 2:48 PM
Completed
08/29/2024 1:00 PM
Completed
08/29/2024 2:19 PM
Completed
09/02/2024 6:09 PM
09/10/2024 9:00 AM
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10.A. a
RESOLUTION NO.2024 -
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA, OPPOSING THE LEGALIZATION OF THE
USE, POSSESSION, CULTIVATION, DELIVERY AND SALE OF
RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA.
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida ("Board"), has been
made aware of Amendment 3, a proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution that is scheduled to appear
on the November 5, 2024 ballot; and
WHEREAS, Amendment 3, titled as "Adult Personal Use of Marijuana", would amend the Florida
Constitution to legalize recreational marijuana, by allowing adults 21 years or older to possess, purchase, or
use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non -medical personal consumption, and allowing state
licensed entities to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell, and distribute such products and accessories;
and
WHEREAS, since 2012, several states have legalized the cultivation, commercial sale, and
recreational use of marijuana; and
WHEREAS, the legalization and commercialization of marijuana have spurred the growth of a profit -
driven marijuana industry that has pursued its profits ahead of public health; and
WHEREAS, between 2012 and 2022, the number of past -year marijuana users nearly doubled from
31.5 million to 61.9 million, and
WHEREAS, between 2020 and 2022, the number of Americans with cannabis use disorder increased
from 14.2 million to 1.9.0 million, based on the DSM-V criteria; and
WHEREAS, in 2022, more than 30% of past -year marijuana users had a cannabis use disorder; and
WHEREAS, in 2022, there were more past -year daily or almost daily users of marijuana than alcohol,
with 15.1 million and 11.7 million, respectively; and
WHEREAS, following legalization in California and Colorado, emergency room visits and
admissions related to marijuana abuse is up 89% in California and marijuana -related hospitalizations in
Colorado increased 148%; and
WHEREAS, the Board believes that the effort to legalize recreational marijuana is contrary to the
interests of the public health, safety, and welfare, and desires to preserve the rights of citizens to live and work
in a community where drug use is not normalized and citizens are not subjected to the adverse effects of drug
misuse; and
WHEREAS, the average potency of marijuana increased from 3.75% THC in 1995 to 15.80% in 2018
The use of high -potency marijuana is associated with the development of anxiety, depression, psychosis, and
schizophrenia, in addition to cannabis use disorder; and
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10.A.a
WHEREAS, our roadways must remain safe for our citizens to use, and the legalization of marijuana
runs contrary to the goal of keeping our roadways safe for our citizens. In 2020, 24.3% of drivers involved in
traffic fatalities tested positive for marijuana, up from 14.8% in 2013; and
WHEREAS, advocates of marijuana legalization routinely overestimate the revenue that will be
collected and fail to account for the limited marijuana tax revenue collected is offset by even greater costs to
taxpayers, ranging from additional healthcare costs to more students dropping out of high school; and
WHEREAS, in Colorado, every $1 in tax revenue from the sale of marijuana was associated with
$4.50 in costs, ranging from increases in healthcare utilization to lost productivity; and
WHEREAS, all states that have legalized marijuana have failed to curtail the illicit market and drug
cartels continue to exploit these black-market sales because they do not want to operate within a regulatory
system; and
WHEREAS, states that have legalized marijuana have had a profound impact on rates of youth use,
coinciding with decreases in risk perception, and increases in illicit behavior; and
WHEREAS, a 2022 analysis of a longitudinal cohort study of 21,863 individuals found that youth in
states with legal recreational marijuana were more likely to use marijuana than youth in non -legal states; and
WHEREAS, a recent study found that recreational marijuana legalization was associated with a 25%
increase in adolescent marijuana use disorder; and
WHEREAS, marijuana legalization advocates have argued that legalization will reduce overall crime,
but in "legal" states marijuana crime rates have risen at a faster rate than other states across the country.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners of Collier
County, Florida, is strongly opposed to the legalization and commercialization of recreational marijuana and.
the proposed Amendment 3.
ADOPTED upon majority vote this day of 2024.
ATTEST: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Crystal K. Kinzel, Clerk of Courts COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: By:
Deputy Clerk Chris Hall, Chairman
APProvqdJ6_[I;�and legality:
JeffreyW rlafzrkow, County Attorney
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10.A. b
FLORIDA SHERIFFS ASSOCIATION
Resolution 2024-01
Florida Sheriffs Association Resolution Opposing the Legalization of the Use,
Possession, Cultivation, Delivery and Sale of Recreational Marijuana.
WHEREAS, since 2012, several states have legalized the cultivation, commercial sale, and
recreational use of marijuana; and
WHEREAS, the legalization and commercialization of marijuana have spurred the growth of a
profit -driven marijuana industry that has pursued its profits ahead of public health; and
WHEREAS, between 2012 and 2022, the number of past -year marijuana users nearly doubled
from 31.5 million to 61.9 million; and
WHEREAS, between 2020 and 2022, the number of Americans with cannabis use disorder
increased from 14.2 million to 19.0 million, based on the DSM-V criteria; and
WHEREAS, in 2022, more than 30% of past -year marijuana users had a cannabis use disorder;
and
WHEREAS, in 2022, there were more past -year daily or almost daily users of marijuana than
alcohol, with 15.1 million and 11.7 million, respectively; and
WHEREAS, following legalization in California and Colorado, emergency room visits and
admissions related to marijuana abuse is up 89% in California and marijuana -related
hospitalizations in Colorado increased 148%; and
WHEREAS, the Florida Sheriffs believe the effort to legalize recreational marijuana is contrary
to the interests of the public health, safety, and welfare, and desires to preserve the rights of
citizens to live and work in a community where drug use is not normalized and citizens are not
subjected to the adverse effects of drug misuse; and
WHEREAS, the average potency of marijuana increased from 3.75% THC in 1995 to 15.80% in
2018. The use of high -potency marijuana is associated with the development of anxiety,
depression, psychosis, and schizophrenia, in addition to cannabis use disorder; and
WHEREAS, our roadways must remain safe for our citizens to use, the legalization of marijuana
runs contrary to the goal of keeping our roadways safe for our citizens. In 2020, 24.3% of
drivers involved in traffic fatalities tested positive for marijuana, up from 14.8% in 2013; and
WHEREAS, advocates of marijuana legalization routinely overestimate the revenue that will be
collected and fail to account for the limited marijuana tax revenue collected is offset by even
greater costs to taxpayers, ranging from additional healthcare costs to more students dropping out
of high school; and
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10.A. b
WHEREAS, in Colorado, every $1 in tax revenue from the sale of marijuana was associated
with $4.50 in costs, ranging from increases in healthcare utilization to lost productivity; and
WHEREAS, all states that have legalized marijuana have failed to curtail the illicit market and
drug cartels continue to exploit these black-market sales because they do not want to operate
within a regulatory system; and
WHEREAS, states that have legalized marijuana have had a profound impact on rates of youth
use, coinciding with decreases in risk perception; and increases in illicit behavior; and
WHEREAS, a 2022 analysis of a longitudinal cohort study of 21,863 individuals found that
youth in states with legal recreational marijuana were more likely to use marijuana than youth in
non -legal states; and
WHEREAS, a recent study found that recreational marijuana legalization was associated with a
25% increase in adolescent marijuana use disorder; and
WHEREAS, marijuana legalization advocates have argued that legalization will reduce overall
crime, but in "legal" states, marijuana crime rates have risen at a faster rate than other states
across the country; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Florida Sheriffs Association that:
(1) THE FLORIDA SHERIFFS ASSOCIATION IS STRONGLY OPPOSED
TO THE LEGALIZATION AND COMMERCIALIZATION OF
RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA.
(2) THIS RESOLUTION SHALL BE EFFECTIVE UPON PASSAGE.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL MEMBERSHIP OF THE
FLORIDA SHERIFFS ASSOCIATION ON THE 23rd DAY OF JULY 2024.
Sheriff Bill Leeper
Nassau County
FSA President
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