Both the Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA) and the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) are calling on voters to oppose a legalization initiative that will be on Florida’s ballot in November. The groups say legalizing marijuana could be detrimental to public health and lead to “violent assaults and deaths.”
According to a news release, FPCA President Chief Charles Vazquez said, “The use of marijuana, just like with alcohol, is also a major risk factor for victimization, violent assaults and deaths.”
Vasquez claims studies have found that alcohol and marijuana are present in similar percentages in homicide victims (37.5% and 31%, respectively). He did not cite the studies nor explain the significance of the presence of THC in the bodies of victims.
Meanwhile, the FSA passed a resolution to oppose the measure.
“Our priority is the safety and security of our communities, and the data clearly shows that legalization leads to increased public health issues, road safety concerns, and a rise in youth marijuana use,” Florida Sheriffs Association President and Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell said in a news release.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has been vocal in his opposition of the measure.
Judge Dismisses Texas AG’s Lawsuit
A Texas judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by the state’s attorney general meant to overturn local marijuana decriminalization laws in San Marcos.
Last month, Hays County District Judge Sherri Tibbe dismissed the lawsuit, marking the second time a suit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was denied.
In June, a Travis County judge dismissed a similar lawsuit brought by Paxton against the city of Austin. Paxton also sued the cities of Killeen, Elgin and Denton for the same reason.
The suits claim that local ordinances in the five cities that decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana violate state laws, requiring police to enforce drug prohibition. The judge said decriminalizing weed did not harm the state and allowed law enforcement agencies to focus on more dangerous crimes.
Paxton’s suit with Elgin was resolved through a consent decree in June and the city will not be enforcing its decriminalization ordinance. The Denton ordinance has been stalled by the city manager, who says it conflicts with state law.
Paxton’s suit with Killeen is still pending.
Psilocybin Edibles Company Granted License
The first-ever legal psilocybin edibles producer license was recently granted to a Portland, Oregon, company. Last month Oregon regulators granted the license to Spiritus Oregon, producer of Horizon Edibles psilocybin products. The brand includes various doses of psilocybin extracted from raw mushrooms and infused into chocolate or fruit-flavored gummies.