Florida Lawmaker Opposes Amendment 3: Why House Speaker Hopeful Wants You to Vote 'No'

As November approaches, the debate over Amendment 3—legalizing recreational marijuana in Florida—is heating up. One key voice speaking out against it is Rep. Sam Garrison, a Republican from Fleming Island who’s next in line to become the House Speaker.

Garrison recently made his stance clear in a detailed email sent to media outlets, expressing his concerns about locking marijuana policy into the Florida Constitution.

His argument revolves around a common theme: state policy should be flexible, adaptable, and debated openly in the legislature rather than fixed through a constitutional amendment.

He pointed out the challenges of “policymaking by constitutional referendum,” arguing that it's not the best approach for a state as large and dynamic as Florida.

Garrison even reminded readers of past amendments, like the 2002 "pregnant pigs" amendment, as examples of why such decisions should be left to state lawmakers.

Regardless of where people stand on marijuana legalization, Garrison believes that the proper forum for debate is in Tallahassee, where elected representatives can openly discuss and fine-tune policies. "The place to debate it is in Tallahassee at the Capitol where the public can see and hear what we say and do,” Garrison emphasized.

He also highlighted the success of Florida's existing medical marijuana program, which was established through a 2016 constitutional amendment.

As the chair of the House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee, Garrison argued that Floridians who need cannabis for legitimate medical purposes already have safe and easy access.

He stated that this focus on alleviating suffering, which has bipartisan support, differs significantly from the push for recreational marijuana legalization.

Garrison also touched on a broader concern: Florida's reputation. "We’re not California. We’re not Colorado.

And we are certainly not New York,” he wrote, emphasizing that Florida’s economy thrives on its pro-family, pro-business, and tourism-friendly environment.

For Garrison, promoting Florida's natural beauty and recreational assets like beaches and springs should be prioritized over marijuana legalization.

In short, Garrison wants voters to think twice before they cast their ballots on Amendment 3.

He warns that amending the state constitution to legalize recreational marijuana could have long-lasting impacts, not only on Florida's policymaking flexibility but also on its reputation.

While the debate is sure to continue, Garrison’s position underscores the complexity and importance of this decision for Florida's future.