Legalising recreational marijuana in Florida could pose significant environmental risks. According to an opinion piece in the Miami Herald, the ecological impact of marijuana cultivation is substantial. Growing marijuana has a carbon footprint that exceeds many polluting industries, with Colorado’s marijuana industry alone producing 2.6 megatons of carbon dioxide annually. The cultivation process also requires enormous amounts of electricity—more than the consumption of 19 entire states combined.

Additionally, marijuana cultivation demands extensive water resources, using twice the amount needed for grapes. The use of high-intensity lighting for indoor growing and heavy air conditioning further strains local energy supplies, leading to higher electricity costs and increased carbon emissions. The environmental damage extends to wildlife, with THC-contaminated waste poisoning animals and trespass growers harming fragile ecosystems. Furthermore, the cannabis industry generates considerable plastic waste, exacerbating pollution issues.

Source: Miami Herald