Florida may soon join the 24 states that have embraced the legalization of adult-use marijuana. Since the Florida Supreme Court approved the proposed constitutional amendment to legalize adult-use marijuana to appear on the November ballot, voters now have the opportunity to enact a profound change for our state that comes with adult-use legalization.

It represents more than a policy adjustment; it’s a shift in culture and economics, with benefits felt in every sector of the state. Take Nevada, where the cannabis industry is expected to support more than 41,000 jobs and generate $1.7 billion in labor income by the end of the year. California’s experience points to the creation of at least 81,000 jobs and a $3.5 billion boost in labor income. Florida is poised not just to mirror these achievements but to exceed them.

The nationwide picture suggests that legalization could forge 1 million well-paying jobs by 2025, highlighting the significant impact on Floridian livelihoods across cultivation, processing, distribution and retail. This growth also propels ancillary sectors, including technology, finance and construction.

Beyond job creation, legal cannabis nurtures communities, with states that have legalized recreational use witnessing a 3% rise in average state income per capita. This reflects a wider trend toward states that adopt forward-thinking policies like cannabis legalization.

A cornerstone of the legalization discourse is the emphasis on safety and the stringent testing of products, setting the legal cannabis market apart from the unregulated sectors. Cannabis products purchased from the legal market are free of pesticides, heavy metals, mold and other dangerous additives and contaminants, including fentanyl. The regulated market guarantees safe, quality products, crucial for consumer protection and industry trust.

The transition from legalized medical use to adult use is one that is well documented. As more states move to recreational, we have best practices that we can replicate in Florida. In Massachusetts, we took proactive steps to smooth the transition to adult use. By forging strong partnerships with local police departments well ahead of time — issues from traffic to safety were addressed, ensuring our transition not only went smoothly but also positively impacted the communities we serve. The 24 states that have gone before Florida to move to adult use serve as examples of how strategic planning and collaboration can address potential challenges effectively.

The push for adult-use marijuana legalization in Florida is not just an avenue for economic and job growth; it represents a significant leap forward in public safety. Transitioning to a regulated market ensures product safety, curtails illicit activities and facilitates cooperation with local authorities to preemptively tackle community issues.

Supporting the legalization of adult-use cannabis is a vote for a future energized by a responsible, safe cannabis industry that generates jobs and bolsters communities. It’s an opportunity for Florida to lead in fostering a prosperous, secure future through the thoughtful legalization of adult-use marijuana. Let’s embrace this chance to build a safer, more thriving Florida for everyone.

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Matt Lowther is the Florida Market President of Surterra Wellness, a vertically integrated cannabis company that operates 45 Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers in the state of Florida.