Supporters of legalizing medical marijuana in Florida say the move would lead to LESS crime statewide – not MORE, as many of its opponents contend. One of three constitutional proposals going before Florida voters next month is Amendment Two. The measure would allow doctors to prescribe marijuana to patients with extremely debilitating illnesses.
Ben Pollara is spokesman for United for Care, a patient advocacy group campaigning in favor of Amendment Two. He told the Miami Herald Editorial Board Monday there are no statistics suggesting that legalizing medical marijuana leads to an increase in crime.
“The University of Texas did a 20-year study of states with medical marijuana laws,” said Pollara. “Uh, not only did they find zero increase in crime. In fact, they found a small decrease in violent crime rates.”
The Florida Sheriff’s Association has publicly opposed the amendment, saying the law would lead to increased crime and widespread drug abuse.
Pollara said he disagrees with that.
“There was another recent study showed that over 2009/2010, a year in which opiate overdose deaths increased -- whether prescribed or illegal heroin states with medical marijuana laws had a 25-percent decrease in overdose deaths,” said Pollara.
If Amendment Two passes, Florida would become the 24th U.S. state to legalize medical marijuana.
