UPDATE: Since the information below was sent out yesterday afternoon, I have received some feedback concerning Amendment 4 in reply. The question is whether it gives the parent notification or consent when their underage daughter is seeking an abortion. Amendment 4 is clear: “…require notification to a parent…” Therefore, it only requires a “notification” and does not require consent. State law currently requires parental consent.

ORIGINAL: 

We are only 34 days away from Election Day. Concerned Women for America of Florida considers Amendments 3 and 4 the most important. If passed, these amendments will change our state constitution.
 
Consider the following facts when voting on Amendments 3 and 4.
 
Amendment 3
 
Ballot Title: Adult Personal Use of Marijuana
 
Ballot Summary: Allows adults 21 years or older to possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical personal consumption by smoking, ingestion, or otherwise; allows Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers, and other state licensed entities, to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell, and distribute such products and accessories. Applies to Florida law; does not change, or immunize violations of federal law. Establishes possession limits for personal use. Allows consistent legislation. Defines terms. Provides effective date.
 
We can know the impact of legalizing marijuana by studying the statistics in Colorado after they legalized marijuana. Here are some highlights from the National Library of Medicine (the most extensive U.S. federal-run medical library) concerning The Legalization of Marijuana in Colorado: The Impact. 
 
Since recreational marijuana was legalized in January of 2014:

• Traffic deaths involving drivers who tested positive for marijuana more than doubled from 55 in 2013 to 115 people killed in 2020. This equates to one person killed every three days in 2020 compared to one person killed every six and a half days in 2013.
• The yearly number of marijuana-related hospitalizations increased by 101 percent (2013 compared to 2017).
• The percentage of suicide incidents in which toxicology results were positive for marijuana has increased from 14 percent in 2013 to 23 percent in 2017.

Amendment 4
 
Ballot Title: Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion
 
Ballot Summary: No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider. This amendment does not change the Legislature’s constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor has an abortion.
 
In Short:

• A “YES” vote will change Florida’s constitution to allow abortion within all nine months of pregnancy and eliminate parental consent.
• A “NO” vote opposes a change to the state constitution regarding abortion.  

Pray: Ask the Lord to give wisdom to Florida voters.
 
Take Action:

• Decide now if you will give this amendment a “YES” vote or a “NO” vote on November 5.
• Forward this email to others who may find it helpful.
• Vote on November 5.

In His service,
 
Ruth Smith
State Director