Commentary: Big Tent Ideas

JENNA ELLIS: Legalizing Pot In Florida Is A Bad Idea — Just Ask Colorado and California

A marijuana plant. (Screen Capture/PBS NewsHour)

As Floridians prepare to vote, an issue looms that could forever alter the foundation of our state — Amendment 3, which would legalize recreational marijuana in the state without any protections for public spaces.

Although this measure may appear to champion individual liberties, it poses grave risks to public safety, financial stability and our children’s future. Similar initiatives in Colorado and California offer a cautionary tale, revealing the costly consequences of passing broad, citizen-driven amendments.

Community Safety: Unintended Consequences From Coast To Coast

When Colorado legalized recreational marijuana through a constitutional amendment in 2012, it sparked widespread optimism. Advocates promised economic gains, but the social cost has been steep. Violent crime in the state surged by approximately 25% between 2013 and 2017, according to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Moreover, Colorado’s public health resources were strained, and communities faced rising substance abuse rates and increased burdens on emergency services.

What began as a citizens’ initiative for individual liberty ultimately undermined community safety and order.

In California, the story is similar. Proposition 47, passed in 2014, reclassified many non-violent crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. While intended to address overincarceration, this measure has contributed to increased drug offenses and homelessness, particularly in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. These initiatives may have started with noble intentions, but the practical results paint a clear picture: broad-brush changes to public policy without careful vetting can backfire.

Economic Impact: A Financial Burden On Taxpayers

Amendment 3’s proponents argue it will bring economic benefits, but the history from other states suggests otherwise. Colorado’s marijuana tax revenue, heralded as a financial boost, covers only a fraction of the social costs. According to a study on the legalization of marijuana published by the Centennial Institute, “For every dollar gained in tax revenue, Coloradans spent approximately $4.50 to mitigate the effects of legalization.” Instead of contributing to economic growth, these revenues have become an inadequate stopgap, leaving taxpayers on the hook for the true costs.

California’s financial burden from Proposition 47 has been similarly heavy. The state has spent over $1 billion annually on emergency services, public health and law enforcement to manage the rise in drug-related offenses and homelessness. These costs are not borne by the state government alone but by cities and counties that often lack sufficient resources. The additional taxes borne by California’s working families illustrate a fundamental truth: well-intentioned but expansive citizen initiatives can place serious financial burdens on residents. If Amendment 3 passes in Florida, the resulting costs could have devastating effects on local budgets and taxpayers alike.

Children And Families: The Overlooked Costs

In Colorado, the legalization of recreational marijuana has led to increased exposure for young people, with schools reporting rising levels of drug use among students. A study from the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area found that youth marijuana usage in Colorado soared to 85% above the national average post-legalization. What kind of message does this send to Florida’s youth who look to their communities and state for guidance on responsible citizenship?

Ordered Liberty And The Value of Stability

Constitutional amendments are difficult to reverse and often impossible to revise without significant consequences. Colorado, for example, faces challenges in modifying its marijuana policies due to their constitutional status, leaving the state with limited flexibility in addressing new and unforeseen issues.

By voting “No” on Amendment 3, Floridians can protect our state from the unintended consequences that arise when policies are crafted without thorough review and debate. Unlike regular legislation, which goes through a rigorous vetting process, constitutional amendments are lasting and difficult to adjust.

Preserving Florida’s Future

Citizen-driven initiatives are an important part of democracy, but complex public policy changes should not be decided through measures that bypass deliberative processes. The experiences of Colorado and California serve as stark reminders of the unintended costs of expansive citizen-driven amendments. Florida’s constitution exists to ensure stability and protect individual rights within a framework that allows for careful, considered change — not reactionary alterations with unpredictable consequences.

Jenna Ellis is a senior adviser of public policy for the American Family Association, national radio host of “Jenna Ellis in the Morning,” and a Florida resident. She previously served as a senior legal adviser to former President Donald Trump.

The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the Daily Caller News Foundation.