Understanding Florida’s Amendment 3: Effects on Public Marijuana Use

In this post, we’ll delve into Florida’s Amendment 3: Adult Personal Use of Marijuana. Governor DeSantis, along with the Florida Sheriffs Association and the Florida Republican Party, are united in opposing this amendment.

One has to wonder if Ron DeSantis’ worried about an adverse impact Florida’s tourism and hotel revenues.

The financial impact analysis part of this amendment is quite comprehensive. It covers potential forecasted revenues and the impact on crime. But there is no data analyzing the effect of legalized recreational marijuana on hotel or tourism revenues.

There is some statistical data related to crime. Despite the collective years and the number of states that have legalized recreational marijuana, no analysis appears to exist. No survey appears to exist. There is no information on how other law enforcement agencies police in an environment where recreational marijuana is legal.

There is also statistical data on legalized recreational marijuana and opioid statistics. Although the percentages be low, it be more impactful to have actual figures for better context about opioid-related issues.

During the Covid lockdowns, Florida was known as the “free state.” In Florida, gun rights are protected, and were less restrictive about Covid lockdown measures. Is it fair to believe Florida has what it takes to responsibly handle legalized recreational marijuana? Without a doubt, there will be some downsides to legalizing marijuana. The supplied statistical data in the financial analysis of this amendment evidences this. 

Now, let’s explore using ChatGPT to apply some analysis. 

Concerns about this bill (Expressed by Ron DeSantis)	“We’ve got to keep our streets clean. We cannot have every town smelling like marijuana. We cannot have every hotel smelling—theme parks,” he said, adding that voters don’t really understand the specifics of the legalization proposal and that ballot initiatives are generally “so bogus.”
Question to ChatGPT	Will the amendment allow for Florida’s legislature to regulate the use of smoking marijuana in places like hotels? Can they regulate its use in theme parks? Does the amendment allow for such regulation? Now, smoking of cigarettes is regulated in such places. And, there appears to be businesses with policies that prohibit smoking or vaping of any kind (marijuana and/or tobacco products)

So, the full text of the amendment was entered into a spreadsheet (not shown). The two rows above were placed below the amendment’s text. The part (Expressed by Ron DeSantis) wasn’t in the original prompt. It was added to give you, the reader, insights into who explicitly expressed this concern.

Here’s what ChatGPT returned:

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The amendment addresses various aspects of the legalization and regulation of marijuana for both medical and personal use. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its implications, especially about the regulation of smoking marijuana in public places like hotels and theme parks:

Relevant Sections from the Amendment

1. Public Policy and Liability Protections:
   • (a)(4) and (a)(5): Personal use of marijuana by adults is protected from criminal or civil liability under Florida law. The operations of Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers are also protected when in compliance with the amendment.
2. Definitions:
   • (b)(13): “Personal use” is defined as the possession, buy, or use of marijuana products or marijuana accessories by an adult. This is for non-medical personal consumption. There are specific quantity limits.
3. Limitations:
   • (c)(4): “Nothing in this section shall let the operation of any vehicle, plane, train or boat. Operation while under the influence of marijuana is not allowed.”
   • (c)(6): “Nothing in this section shall mandate any accommodation of any on‐site medical use of marijuana in any correctional institution. It also does not mandate any accommodation in any detention facility. This includes places like education or employment. Additionally, it does not force an accommodation of smoking medical marijuana in any public place.”
4. Duties of the Department:
   • (d)(1): The Department of Health is tasked with issuing regulations necessary for the implementation and enforcement of this section.

Analysis

Regulation of Smoking Marijuana in Public Places

The amendment specifically states in section (c)(6). It does not legally force any accommodation for the on-site medical use of marijuana in public places. This implies that the current regulations and policies about smoking in public places can be extended. These include settings like hotels and theme parks. These policies can add marijuana. The Florida legislature retains the authority to regulate or prohibit the smoking of marijuana in these areas. Private businesses also have this authority. They can do this in a manner like existing regulations on smoking tobacco.

Conclusion

Based on the provisions of this amendment, the Florida legislature can regulate the smoking of marijuana in public places. This includes hotels and theme parks. They regulate it just as they do with tobacco. Additionally, businesses can keep policies that prohibit the smoking or vaping of any kind on their premises. This ensures that public health and comfort are safeguarded. Personal use of marijuana is allowed within the framework established by the amendment.

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So, according to ChatGPT’s assessment, if this amendment passes. Florida’s legislature, hotels, and theme parks (to name a few) can find a way to coexist peacefully.

With a little research, you can find any state’s pending legislation and amendments. Surprisingly, you will find an increasingly high number of bills written clearly and easy to understand. There are an equal amount, if not more, that are not.

Again, I hope these posts inspire you. Try to run a few bills or amendments through one or more LLMs of your choice.