Lakeland Chamber Adopts Resolution Opposing Passage of Amendment 3

This week, the Lakeland Chamber joined the Florida Chamber in voicing opposition to the passage of Amendment 3 "Adult Personal Use of Marijuana."

The Florida Constitution is meant to protect fundamental rights, establish the framework of government and outline basic principles. The Lakeland Chamber has held a longstanding position opposing any proposed constitutional amendment that could be accomplished by statute or budget.

​As written, Amendment 3 does not adequately protect the interests of business in the State of Florida.

A RESOLUTION OF THE LAKELAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OPPOSING AMENDMENT 3 “RECREATIONAL USE OF MARIJUANA”
 
The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce joins the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association in opposition to the passage of Amendment 3 “Recreational Use of Marijuana.”
 
Constitutional Amendments significantly limit the ability of a transparent and accountable legislative process to craft policy. The Lakeland Chamber has a longstanding position opposing any proposed constitutional amendment that could be accomplished by statute or budget.
 
Enshrining drugs in Florida’s foundational document is dangerous policy.
 
Florida’s reputation as a family-friendly destination for tourism is critical to our state and local economies. As written, Amendment 3 does not include any restrictions on the time, place or manner of use and does not enable communities to regulate or control the location of shops selling marijuana.
 
A June 2024 study conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City showed that in post-legalization states, per capita state income rose by about 3%, housing prices rose by 6% and population grew by 2%. At the same time, substance use disorders increased by 17%, chronic homelessness increased by 35% and arrests increased by 35%.
 
As the nation’s 3rd largest state and the 16th largest economy in the world, our state’s continued economic success is threatened by Amendment 3.
 
Amendment 3 does not define a relationship to the long-standing Florida Clean Air Act which prohibits most indoor smoking in public places. This intentional omission creates uncertainty about property rights and businesses’ ability to set restrictions on their own properties.
 
            As written, Amendment 3 does not adequately protect the interests of business in the State of Florida.
 
ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE LAKELAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, this 28th day of August, 2024

Learn more from the Florida Chamber about the impacts of Amendment 3 at ​https://flbizagainsta3.com/