Although recreational marijuana use is criminalized in Florida, more than half of Americans currently live in states where they can safely and legally use marijuana. I don't believe that we in Florida should live with more restrictions than others, as we deserve the same freedoms as they do.

As a veteran, I firmly believe in protecting my family and other American families from dangerous criminals, but I also believe that government should play as little a role in our lives as possible. Given the proven public safety benefits of legalizing marijuana – including reducing drunk driving incidents, providing greater resources for serious crime prevention, and ensuring access to marijuana without dangerous substances – the state's current marijuana laws harm Floridians and restrict their individual freedom.

And now it matters: A new study by the (conservative) American Medical Association has found that states that allow the legal use of marijuana for adults have an actual reduce in use among teenagers. That alone should be a motivation to vote “yes” on Amendment 3!

In November, we have the opportunity to roll back the unfair and unproductive criminalization of marijuana by voting yes on Amendment 3. This will allow law enforcement to better focus on protecting their citizens by targeting serious crimes and requiring safe use regulations, including requiring that marijuana be consumed only by responsible adults in the home.