For Immediate Release: November 4, 2024
Recording of Today’s Smart & Safe Florida Veterans for Amendment 3 Press Conference
Video of today’s press conference available HERE
(Orlando, FL) – A recording of today’s Smart & Safe Florida press conference, featuring a group of veterans in support of a freer, safer Florida but voting yes on Amendment 3, is available HERE.
Included in today’s press conference were seven veterans who spoke to the myriad benefits of legalizing adult use recreational marijuana for both Florida’s veteran population and adults across the state.
The veterans who participated in today’s press conference were:
- Adam Margio, United States Army
- Dean Zelaya, United States Air Force
- Forrest Miller, United States Army
- Jana Willis, United States Navy
- Joseph Agee, United States Marine Corps
- Jeffrey Brown, United States Army
- Victor Marrero, United States Army
- Andrea Ramirez (via letter), United States Army
Facts about veteran use of legalized marijuana:
Veterans often report using cannabis to treat symptoms of chronic pain and mood disorders, like post-traumatic stress. Clinical and observational data supports the use of cannabis treatment for these indications. Medical marijuana had additionally been proven to help people with arthritis and other rheumatic conditions and can reduce use of opioids and other medications.
An Ohio-based study showed 3 out of 4 patients said medical marijuana reduced their use of opioids and pain killers. A similar study in New York should more than 3 in 4 medical marijuana patients said marijuana allowed them to reduce their intake of prescription drugs.
Additionally, in states where medical cannabis is legal, opioid-related deaths have fallen significantly. Another nationwide study found that use of alcohol or opioids causes greater secondhand harms than marijuana consumption, proving marijuana is a good alternative.
For more information about Smart & Safe Florida and the campaign to legalize adult use marijuana in Florida, please visit www.smartandsafeflorida.com
