Florida Senator Proposes Outdoor Smoking Ban If Weed Is Legalized, Jacksonville Sheriff 'Dead Set' Against Cannabis, Mayor Supports It

GOP Sen. Joe Gruters, former Republican Party of Florida Chair, announced in late July that he supported Amendment 3, the proposed constitutional amendment that would legalize recreational cannabis for adults if passed at the ballot box in the November 2024 election.

Although, like Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) who vehemently opposes the legalization amendment, Gruters says he does not want people smoking weed all over the place.

"People don’t want to go outside and smell it in public places," Gruters said on Thursday. “So let’s go ahead and ban public smoking in all public places."

At a virtual press conference, reported by 10TampaBay, Gruters said he'll file legislation to restrict all outdoor smoking, including vaping and marijuana. The state Senator championed legislation signed in 2022 that allows local governments to regulate smoking on beaches and in parks.

Read Also: Florida Cannabis Legalization: One Poll Shows Weed Going Legal In November Ballot, Another Thumbs Down

Sheriff Of Florida's Largest City ‘Dead Set' Against Cannabis Legalization

Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters came out swinging against Amendment 3. "I'm dead set against it," he said last week at a town hall meeting, "because I'm a policeman." Although, he apparently also has a sensitive nose.

"Marijuana smoke is the most offensive smell to me ever. I was in Stockton, California, not too long ago, and I'm walking from one place to another just, marijuana smoke. Why do I have to smell everyone else's smoke?" he said.

"I don't want drugs legal in our city. I don't want drugs legal in our state. I don't want drugs legal in our country. It's not good for us. It's not good for our community," Waters said.

His Boss Begs To Differ

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan (D) exclusively told Florida Politics on Saturday that she supports Amendment 3. "People shouldn’t be jailed and caught up in the system for small amounts that are for personal consumption. There should still be laws in place that regulate the time, place, and manner for appropriate usage," Deegan said.

"We're thrilled to have Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan's endorsement of Amendment 3," said Morgan Hill, spokesperson for the Smart & Safe Florida legalization campaign. "Mayor Deegan understands legalizing recreational marijuana for adults in Florida is a win for the people of Jacksonville.” 

Jacksonville is the largest city in Florida with a population of nearly one million people.

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Photo: Florida postcard Shutterstock