Former President Donald Trump recently faced criticism from Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) following his comments supporting Amendment 3 in Florida, which proposes the legalisation of recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older. Trump’s remarks on Truth Social emphasised his law-and-order stance while recognising the growing support for marijuana legalisation across several states. However, his endorsement has drawn backlash from SAM, a policy group advocating for a health-first approach to marijuana policy. SAM President Dr. Kevin Sabet labelled Trump’s position as hypocritical, pointing out the potential risks of legalised recreational marijuana, such as increased cartel activity and targeting youth with high-potency products.

SAM argues that legalisation could lead to adverse health effects, citing studies linking marijuana use to mental health issues like depression and schizophrenia, as well as physical health risks. They urge Trump to reconsider his stance, highlighting that the marijuana industry could exploit vulnerable communities. This debate occurs against the backdrop of evolving public opinion on marijuana, with a recent Gallup poll indicating that a majority of Americans believe the drug negatively impacts society.

Source: Washington Examiner