First Lady DeSantis Speaks Out Against the Marijuana Industry

PANAMA CITY, FL -  In the morning of October 23, 2024, the First Lady Casey DeSantis with a distinguished panel spoke about what is behind Amendment 3.  Panel members included Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, Bay District Schools Superintendent Mark McQueen and Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford. 

The discussion panel took place at Florida State University, Panama City, where critics of the proposed constitutional amendment for marijuana legalization in Florida voiced significant concerns about its implications for individual freedoms and public safety. 

The amendment, which aims to allow adults to use marijuana, has been criticized for potentially creating a monopolistic market. Opponents argue that while individuals may be allowed to use marijuana, they will only be able to purchase it from a select group of providers, effectively limiting consumer choice. Furthermore, home cultivation of marijuana would not be permitted, raising questions about personal freedoms associated with the substance.

Critics highlighted a lack of liability protections for consumers, noting that if someone experiences adverse reactions after using the product, they would have no legal recourse against the sellers. This aspect of the amendment has drawn particular ire, especially since the amendment was reportedly crafted by industry insiders who would benefit from these protections.  

First Lady DeSantis spoke out, “This is not about freedom in the sense that, yeah, you can smoke it, you can smoke it anywhere, at any place, at any time, but you can only buy it from them. This is a constitutional amendment that, in essence, creates a monopoly that you cannot undo once it's in our constitution.”

Additionally, the absence of restrictions on public use is alarming to some. The amendment does not specify where marijuana can be smoked, potentially allowing consumption in public spaces such as parks, restaurants, and even at family events like little league games. This could raise concerns for parents regarding exposure to marijuana use in shared spaces.

“You cannot grow it at home. So again, if this is about freedom, shouldn't you have the right to be able, as an individual, to grow this? Nope. Only can buy it from them. They gave themselves liability protections in this amendment. Meaning, if you smoke their product, and you get sick, let's say you have an adverse reaction, you have a seizure, you can't sue them. You have zero recourse as a result of that. And of course they would do that, right? Why? Because the CEO truly admitted, she wrote it! So of course they're going to give themselves all of these protections. No limitations for use in public, and I think that this is really important,” continued First Lady DeSantis.

Critics are urging voters to consider the long-term ramifications of such an amendment, drawing parallels to experiences in states like Colorado, where marijuana legalization has led to unforeseen challenges. As the election approaches, advocates are warning against changes that could transform Florida's regulatory landscape and impact public health, particularly for children.

The First Lady spoke of her experiences with children exposed to medical grade marijuana. “And the negative ramifications, and we're going to talk about this on our children, are profound. We have the evidence and the data is out there. We can see what it's doing. I've had a chance, and I'll get into it in a second, go to Baker Act receiving facilities to see what physicians are saying when they see children presenting with schizophrenia and psychosis.”

The debate continues as Florida residents prepare to vote on this significant amendment.

Watch video by April Gibson:

First Lady Casey DeSantis 

https://rumble.com/v5jv661-first-lady-casey-desantis-with-florida-surgeon-general-speak-about-marijuan.html