Florida Sheriffs Campaigning Against Medical Pot

TAMPA, Fla. — The Florida Sheriff’s Association is set to make a large push against the legalization of marijuana; voters will decide on the legalization of medical marijuana in November.

The association sent an email to sheriffs across the state during the winter asking for their support and is looking for the support of substance-abuse awareness and anti-drug groups to be part of the “Don’t Let Florida Go To Pot” campaign.

The association says there has been a spike in crime and traffic accidents in states that have passed similar legislation and that marijuana has a high potential for abuse and presents significant dangers to youths in the state.

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco said he doesn’t have an issue with legitimate uses of medical marijuana, but believes, “the real purpose of this amendment is for recreational marijuana to be legalized.”

For more on this story, visit the Miami Herald.

Matt Stein is a season-credentialed media member covering the Tampa Bay Rays and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, also assisting with coverage of USF Athletics. He attended the University of Tampa and graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Sport Management.