Florida State Senator Joe Gruters, a Republican who supports the legalization of marijuana, has proposed a bill to ban smoking in public places, including streets, sidewalks, and parks. Gruters claims that the ban is necessary for environmental and quality-of-life reasons, and argues that it will help to reduce the negative impacts of smoking on public spaces.
The proposed bill would prohibit smoking of all types, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and marijuana, in public areas. This would include common areas of schools, hospitals, government buildings, and other public spaces. The bill would also ban vaping in public.
Gruters’ proposal comes as Florida prepares to vote on Amendment 3, which would legalize marijuana for adults 21 and older. Gruters supports Amendment 3, but believes that the ban on smoking in public places is necessary to protect the public’s health and well-being.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican, opposes Amendment 3 and has expressed concerns about the potential negative impacts of legalizing marijuana on public health and quality of life. DeSantis has argued that legalizing marijuana has led to increased use and abuse of the drug in other states.
Gruters’ proposal has received support from some Democrats, including State Senator Darryl Rouson, who has agreed to co-sponsor the bill. However, it is unclear whether the bill will pass in the Florida legislature.
The proposal has sparked debate about the role of government in regulating personal behavior and the potential benefits and drawbacks of legalizing marijuana. While some argue that legalizing marijuana will lead to increased use and abuse of the drug, others believe that it will help to reduce crime and increase tax revenue.
Ultimately, the fate of Gruters’ proposal and Amendment 3 will depend on the outcome of the upcoming vote in Florida.
