M E M O R A N D U M
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Town Council
From: Roger Coriat, Council Member Seat 3
Date: July 17, 2019
Re: Supporting the Legalization of Marijuana for Recreational Use
REQUEST
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A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF CUTLER BAY, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA FOR RECREATIONAL USE; PROVIDING FOR TRANSMITTAL; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
The government in Florida is beginning to recognize the importance of marijuana as a growth industry with the potential to develop Florida's hemp industry. In 2016, the Tax Foundation estimated that states would potentially reap billions in tax revenue if they moved to a 'legalize-and-tax-regime"- a 20% sales tax across the board. The estimated tax revenue for Florida is $446 million.
It is my belief that there has been a shift in the public opinion regarding marijuana use. On February 12, 2018, the results of a poll taken by the Public Opinion Research Lab at the University of North Florida showed that 45% of Floridians strongly support legalizing and regulating marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol, limiting its sale to residents 21 years of age or older. In addition, on February 6, 2019, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner, Nicole Fried, announced her appointment of Holly Bell as Florida's first ever Cannabis Director.
In Florida, marijuana for medical use is legal but recreational use remains illegal. The legalization concerning the recreational use of marijuana needs to be changed and updated to reflect the growing social acceptance of marijuana and benefit from the potential revenue that will be generated by a 'legal-and-tax regime'.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Town Council approve the attached Resolution supporting t legalization of marijuana for recreational use for people 21 years of age or older and those who...
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