Over the weekend, a Florida beach in Neptune Beach, near Jacksonville, became the site of a mysterious event. Police responded to the discovery of a large quantity of marijuana that had washed ashore. It is believed that the bundles of cannabis likely broke open at sea and scattered before reaching the beach. Officers and Public Works were on the scene to clean up the marijuana, as it formed long trails of cannabis buds along the coastline.
However, the police department issued a warning to the public, advising against attempting to turn the discovery into a treasure hunt. The marijuana had been floating in the ocean for some time, causing it to degrade and rot, making it unsuitable for use.
This is not the first time such an incident has occurred in Florida. In 2018, law enforcement in St. John’s County reported packages of cannabis washing up on their shores, indicating possible illegal drug exchanges taking place at sea. The location of origin for such packages is often difficult to determine, as they could drift for days before reaching the coastline.
Despite incidents like this, recreational cannabis remains illegal in Florida, and efforts to legalize it have faced opposition from some state officials. Last month, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody filed a lawsuit challenging a proposed 2024 ballot initiative that seeks to legalize recreational cannabis for adults aged 21 or older. The initiative, brought forth by the advocacy group Smart & Safe Florida, is facing legal challenges, as opponents argue that it violates federal law and is misleading.
