As Florida voters prepare to decide on Amendment 3, which seeks to legalise recreational marijuana, significant concerns have emerged regarding its potential hidden costs. Lessons from states like California, Oregon, and Colorado indicate that the anticipated economic benefits from marijuana taxation are often overstated. In Colorado, for example, tax revenue from marijuana accounted for less than 1% of the state’s budget, falling short of initial projections. Additionally, these states have faced increased regulatory and enforcement costs, diluting the financial gains from legalisation.
Beyond economic considerations, the negative impacts on public health and safety are substantial. Studies indicate rising mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and psychosis, particularly among adolescents whose brains are still developing. States with legalised recreational marijuana have also reported spikes in violent crime rates and marijuana-related traffic accidents. These findings highlight the broader societal risks, suggesting that the costs of legalising marijuana may outweigh the potential benefits.
Source: FL Voice News
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