Florida GOP Senator Proposes Public Smoking Ban Ahead of Possible Marijuana Legalization
08/23/2024
Florida State Senator Joe Gruters, a Republican who supports the legalization of marijuana, has introduced a potential bill aimed at banning smoking in public spaces. The proposed legislation would prohibit smoking of all types, including vaping, in public areas such as streets, sidewalks, and parks if Florida voters approve Amendment 3, which seeks to legalize marijuana for adult use.
During a virtual news conference on Thursday, Gruters emphasized that his primary concern is the impact of public smoking on the environment and quality of life. "I'm not a big fan of smoking of any kind anywhere — I think it infringes on my quiet enjoyment when I'm out in public," Gruters said. He cited the negative experiences of cities like Las Vegas and New York, where public smoking is prevalent, as motivation for his bill.
Gruters’ proposed legislation would extend the current ban on smoking in indoor workplaces to all public spaces, including common areas around schools, hospitals, government buildings, apartment complexes, and retail shops. The bill, which Gruters described as "a starting point in the legislative process," aims to establish regulations that would protect the public if Amendment 3 becomes law.
Amendment 3, which is set for a vote, would allow adults 21 and older to possess, buy, or use marijuana products for personal, non-medical use. It would also permit Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers and other licensed entities to sell these products.
Gruters’ support for Amendment 3 aligns him with a growing segment of Florida's population but puts him at odds with Governor Ron DeSantis, who opposes the amendment. DeSantis has expressed concerns about the impact of marijuana legalization on quality of life, pointing to other states like Colorado where legalization has led to an increase in public marijuana use.
Co-sponsored by Democratic State Senator Darryl Rouson, Gruters' bill reflects a bipartisan effort to preemptively address the potential consequences of marijuana legalization by ensuring public spaces remain smoke-free.
"This is easy to do. This is well within our authority. I think we can get ahead of this," Gruters concluded, signaling his commitment to pushing the bill forward if Amendment 3 is approved by voters.
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During a virtual news conference on Thursday, Gruters emphasized that his primary concern is the impact of public smoking on the environment and quality of life. "I'm not a big fan of smoking of any kind anywhere — I think it infringes on my quiet enjoyment when I'm out in public," Gruters said. He cited the negative experiences of cities like Las Vegas and New York, where public smoking is prevalent, as motivation for his bill.
Gruters’ proposed legislation would extend the current ban on smoking in indoor workplaces to all public spaces, including common areas around schools, hospitals, government buildings, apartment complexes, and retail shops. The bill, which Gruters described as "a starting point in the legislative process," aims to establish regulations that would protect the public if Amendment 3 becomes law.
Amendment 3, which is set for a vote, would allow adults 21 and older to possess, buy, or use marijuana products for personal, non-medical use. It would also permit Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers and other licensed entities to sell these products.
Gruters’ support for Amendment 3 aligns him with a growing segment of Florida's population but puts him at odds with Governor Ron DeSantis, who opposes the amendment. DeSantis has expressed concerns about the impact of marijuana legalization on quality of life, pointing to other states like Colorado where legalization has led to an increase in public marijuana use.
Co-sponsored by Democratic State Senator Darryl Rouson, Gruters' bill reflects a bipartisan effort to preemptively address the potential consequences of marijuana legalization by ensuring public spaces remain smoke-free.
"This is easy to do. This is well within our authority. I think we can get ahead of this," Gruters concluded, signaling his commitment to pushing the bill forward if Amendment 3 is approved by voters.
Reference
