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But would any of this actually benefit Florida?

Many certainly believe so. Outside from medical benefits, many believe it is a matter of constitutionality – does the government truly have the right to deny citizens use of a non-lethal substance? Libertarians would likely answer no, conservatives would probably try and change the subject. A more tangible discussion would likely come from the economic pros and cons. Florida has enjoyed solid growth for the last several year due to a combination of low taxes and reduced regulations. However, the commotion in Tallahassee during session also grows in volume every year because of spending priorities. Even this past session, conservative leaders like Gov. Rick Scott and House Speaker Richard Corcoran wanted more spending for public sector salaries and charter schools, respectively.

States which have legalized recreational marijuana have, undoubtedly, enjoyed increased tax revenue from the new market. Colorado gained close to $1 billion of new revenue in its first year. Here in Florida, that money would come in handy for organizations like Visit Florida, environmental protection projects, and school vouchers – all of which are hotly-debated issues around budget season.

Florida’s situation is unique compared to other states who have taken the step towards an open market – its geography. The nearest state to legalize recreational weed in Massachusetts; if Florida did it, the entire Southeastern United States would use the Sunshine State as the conduit for this $7 billion industry. The addition of nurseries and dispensaries in states like Nevada alone have generated over $1.7 billion in labor income. In California, which only just recently legalized pot, over 81,000 jobs have already been created within that industry alone.

Medical marijuana legalization is a step towards recreational green-lighting, but there are many influential politicians who are still against it because of its status as a gateway drug, and other health concerns.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse:

“A study using longitudinal data from the National Epidemiological Study of Alcohol Use and Related Disorders found that adults who reported marijuana use during the first wave of the survey were more likely than adults who did not use marijuana to develop an alcohol use disorder within 3 years; people who used marijuana and already had an alcohol use disorder at the outset were at greater risk of their alcohol use disorder worsening. Marijuana use is also linked to other substance use disorders including nicotine addiction.”