'It's a trick': Polk County Sheriff Slams Amendment to Legalize Marijuana

Sheriff Grady JuddPhoto byPolk County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page

In a recent video posted by the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Grady Judd responded to numerous requests for his opinion on Amendment 3, which proposes the legalization of recreational marijuana. Judd was direct and firm in his perspective.

According to Judd, a small group of wealthy marijuana companies spent millions to push Amendment 3 onto the ballot.

"It's a trick," he stated, suggesting these companies have ulterior motives.

He explained that while the amendment would legalize marijuana possession, individuals would still be prohibited from growing or selling their own marijuana.

"That's not what these wealthy people intended," Judd said. "They intended for you to buy your marijuana from them. They specifically wrote in the amendment that you couldn't grow your own marijuana plants."

Judd also highlighted how the amendment could complicate law enforcement's duties, explaining that the legal status of marijuana would depend on how it is used or possessed. Once the marijuana is out of its original packaging, he warned, "no one will know the difference."

He noted that the companies promoting the amendment claim their profits would support education or law enforcement, but there are no guarantees behind those promises.

"They also tell you it will be safer because it's regulated and taxed," Judd said, adding, "that’s not necessarily correct." He argued that black market dealers would still thrive, selling marijuana at lower prices, avoiding taxes, and undercutting the legal market.

"The whole thing is a trick. They make billions of dollars, you misunderstand the law, and can still go to jail."

Sheriff Judd assured viewers that, regardless of the outcome, he and his deputies would continue to follow the law. However, he cautioned, "How you vote once again is up to you, and I respect your position [...] but I'm voting 'no' because it's a trick, and I don't like to see our folks tricked."