Miami-Dade Commissioner Warns Medical Pot Will Increase Crime, Homelessness in Florida

"To prevent similar incidents from occurring in Florida, implementing legislation or regulations should include appropriate security and measures."

Miami-Dade commissioner Sally A. Heyman warns about the potential problematic impact medical marijuana poses to Florida in a resolution urging state legislature to include Senate Bill 406 implementing Amendment 2.

Heyman cites various news stories about increased emergency room visits by children, spiking crime rates and rising homelessness in cities where medical marijuana is already being distributed.

The resolution suggests prohibiting cartoon characters, neon colors, and terms that would be attractive to children on packaging to deter them from accidently consuming edible marijuana products.

Colorado has seen an increase in homelessness initated by the legalization of marijuana, according to a report Heymam cited by the Pueblo Chieftan.

The implemented regulations would impose security requirements for growing, processing, dispensing, and transporting medical marijuana products to prevent robberies and other crime-related incidents.

A Colorado marijuana shop employee was ambushed and robbed at gunpoint while walking to his car, according to one of several incidents identified in the resolution.

"To prevent similar incidents from occurring in Florida, implementing legislation or regulations should include appropriate security and measures," stated one section of the memorandum.

The use of medical marijuana for debilitating conditions was legalized in Florida, supported by 71 percent of voters last November.

The resolution is set to go before Miami-Dade County commissioners on Feb. 7.

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