On Wednesday, state representatives, Michael Grieco and Carlos Smith, proposed a law to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida. If the bill is passed, adults over the age of 21 will be allowed to purchase marijuana from dispensaries. 

By taxing recreational marijuana, Smith says that they will be able to allocate money towards the betterment of Florida citizens. “It really is an opportunity for our state to bring in revenue for things like education, affordable housing, for infrastructure.” However, there are some Florida officials who oppose the legalization of marijuana, like Governor Desantis, who supports medical marijuana, but doesn’t think it should be used for recreational purposes. 

Polk County Sheriff, Grady Judd, who also opposes the legalization of recreational marijuana, says: “It is ruining families and killing people every day across the United States. We stand here in denial thinking it is not a gateway drug.” 

If recreational marijuana is legalized in Florida, people will only be allowed to privately smoke it. If caught smoking in public, violators will have to pay a $100 fine.