Pediatricians in Florida disagree with Amendment 3 to legalize recreational marijuana

The Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics opposes Amendment 3, which would legalize recreational marijuana use for people 21 and older, arguing that the change would unintentionally expose more children to the drug.

Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis and Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo joined the group of pediatricians in urging voters to reject the measure on the Nov. 5 ballot.

“Why are they packaging this like gummy bears, lollipops, Rice Krispie treats, and brownies?” asked Casey DeSantis at a press conference in Jacksonville last week. “This will happen when it gets to our children, they can consume it and it could potentially be the end of their lives.”

The group supporting Amendment 3, the Smart & Safe Florida political committee, counters that passing the amendment would help keep marijuana away from young people.

“Legalizing adult recreational marijuana use makes it more difficult for youth to access marijuana and has led to a decline in youth marijuana use,” the group said in an email to WLRN. – tested marijuana, all while restricting youth access to marijuana.”

Amendment 3, or “Adult Personal Use of Marijuana,” is on the ballot as follows:

“Allows adults 21 years of age and older to possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for smoking, ingestion, or otherwise non-medical personal consumption; Allows Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers and other state-licensed establishments to possess marijuana products and marijuana accessories; to grow, process, produce, sell and distribute such products and accessories.”

FCAAP told WLRN in an email statement that “accidental marijuana ingestion and marijuana overdoses in children have increased rapidly in the seven years since the legalization of medical marijuana.”

“Research has also shown that legalization has created the false perception that cannabis causes little or no harm, leading to increased use by adults and adolescents,” FCAAP said. he says.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, marijuana is a mind-altering or psychoactive drug produced by the cannabis sativa plant.

In 2016, 71% of voters approved legalizing medical marijuana. Since then, pediatric emergency room visits due to marijuana exposure in Florida have increased 836% from 2016 to 2023. According to Florida Ministry of Health.

Board-certified pediatrician and FCAAP president Dr. “The parent, the family, the friends, they don’t intentionally give it to the child, but the child finds something,” Rana Alissa said. “They could be gummy bears, they could be brownies, they could be any shape or form that’s very attractive. That’s another significant risk for kids.”

Dr. Alissa told WLRN about a scenario he’s familiar with: a child who needs emergency medical care because he can’t wake up. “You ask the question: ‘Are there any diseases or disorders?’ And everything is no. And then specifically ‘Do any of you have marijuana in your purse or pocket?’ When you ask, you will see that someone will say yes. This is not intentional. “They don’t give it to the child on purpose, but the child finds something.”

Adolescents who intentionally consume marijuana may experience depression and anxiety, as well as difficulties with learning and socializing, he says.

READ MORE: With Amendment 3, will Florida follow other states in ‘righting the wrongs’ of past drug policy?

‘Safe and smart product’

Dr. David BergerA board-certified pediatrician who supports Amendment 3 says he sees more benefits than risks. He certified children’s medical marijuana in Florida and told WLRN that he has consistently pushed for Florida to have a safe product.

He says alcohol and cigarettes are much more dangerous for children and adults than marijuana.

“As with alcohol, everything is the responsibility of the parents. “You’re the irresponsible one if you’re going to leave this lying around,” Berger said. “I have and have experience with parents and grandparents who use marijuana and live with visiting children or grandchildren. Children with serious debilitating conditions such as seizures and autism have access to it.”

Berger says if Florida legalizes recreational marijuana, it will be tested and not sold in colorful packaging or ways that attract children. He believes this will help prevent exposure to street products and provide tax revenue to the state that can be used to educate children about marijuana.

According to the Smart and Safe Campaign, current medical marijuana laws in effect in Florida require manufacturers to limit packaging color and size, make all packaging child-resistant, and ensure all products are created without graphics, images or neon colors that could make the product attractive to children. “These are restrictions that are not necessary for the illicit market. We can ensure that the same restrictions apply to recreational marijuana only if it is purchased on the legal market.”

Poison control help

The Florida Poison Information Center in Miami reported that calls to poison control centers related to marijuana or related products increased from 549 in 2018 to 1,717 in 2023. Calls in 2024 increased by 5.8% compared to last year.

Most often, these calls include edibles containing minor cannabinoids, including THC (a psychoactive component of marijuana) product, dried plants, and hemp derivatives.

This year, of the 596 cases of edible ingestion, 200 involved children ages 5 and under, 82 involved children ages 6 to 12, and 133 involved teenagers.

Of the 259 cases involving minor cannabinoids, 68 were in children ages 5 and under, 36 were in children ages 6 to 12, and 48 were in teens.

“Poison centers now routinely treat very sick children who eat their parents’ or grandparents’ gum,” center officials told WLRN. It may appeal to children.”

The Poison Help line can be reached toll-free, 24 hours a day, at 1-800-222-1222..

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