To Honorable Members of the Florida State Senate,

I am writing to express my strong support for the legalization of recreational marijuana in the state of Florida. As a concerned citizen and a student of public policy, I have conducted extensive research on this issue and believe that legalizing recreational marijuana will have numerous benefits for the state, including increased tax revenue, decreased crime rates, and improved public health outcomes.

First and foremost, legalizing recreational marijuana will provide a significant boost to the state's economy. According to a report by New Frontier Data, a leading cannabis research firm, legalizing marijuana in Florida could generate over $1.6 billion in annual sales by 2025, with a potential tax revenue of over $300 million per year. This revenue could be used to fund important public services, such as education and healthcare.

In addition, legalizing recreational marijuana will also lead to decreased crime rates. Prohibition has only served to drive the sale and distribution of marijuana into the hands of criminals, contributing to the growth of violent crime and gang activity. By legalizing and regulating marijuana, we can take the profit out of the hands of criminals and bring it into a legal market, creating a safer environment for all.

Moreover, legalization will also have positive public health outcomes. By regulating marijuana, we can ensure that it is tested and labeled for potency and purity, reducing the risk of harm to consumers. Additionally, legalization would enable researchers to conduct more rigorous studies on the medical benefits of marijuana, potentially leading to new treatments and therapies for a variety of health conditions.

To achieve these benefits, I urge the Florida State Senate to pass SB 1576, which would legalize recreational marijuana in the state and establish the Division of Cannabis Management under the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This bill would also authorize persons 21 years of age and over to engage in certain actions relating to marijuana, provide for licensing of marijuana establishments, and remove cannabis from the schedule of controlled substances.

Furthermore, the bill provides that marijuana establishments that sell food containing marijuana are considered food service establishments for the purposes of specified regulations, which will ensure that these establishments are held to the same high standards as other food service establishments. Additionally, the bill provides for the regulation and licensing of marijuana cultivation and production, ensuring that the marijuana sold in Florida is safe and of high quality.

In conclusion, legalizing recreational marijuana is a sensible and responsible policy that will have numerous benefits for the state of Florida. I strongly encourage the Florida State Senate to pass SB 1576 and establish a legal and regulated market for marijuana in the state.