State wide Ad Warns Floridians About Unregulated Cannabis Risks

Campaign Highlights Dangers of Unregulated Market

The campaign behind Florida’s marijuana legalization ballot measure, Amendment 3, has released a new advertisement to bolster support for the initiative. The ad, titled “Fact,” emphasizes the risks associated with cannabis available on the state’s illicit market, asserting it is dangerously unregulated.

“Most Florida marijuana is illegal, produced by criminals and can be laced with dangerous drugs like fentanyl,” a woman, described as “a Florida mom and voter who believes adult Floridians deserve the individual freedom to consume safe, tested adult-use marijuana,” states in the ad.

Statewide Campaign Effort

The 30-second ad is set to air statewide across various media platforms, including broadcast, cable, streaming, radio, and digital outlets, according to the campaign, Smart & Safe Florida.

Highlighting Widespread Use

“Millions of Floridians use marijuana. It’s a fact,” the ad declares. “Most Americans have access to legal marijuana that is regulated and tested for safety, but not Florida.”

Promises of Amendment 3

Amendment 3, which will be presented to voters in November, aims to provide adults with access to legal, safe marijuana while generating significant revenue for schools and police. The measure advocates for adults’ right to make informed choices about cannabis use.

Previous Campaign Efforts

Last month, the campaign released four additional ads supporting the marijuana legalization measure. Kim Rivers, CEO of Trulieve, the campaign’s primary financial backer, recently challenged surveys indicating flagging support, asserting internal polls show the initiative passing comfortably despite the 60 percent threshold needed for a constitutional amendment.

Political and Financial Support

Despite opposition from Governor Ron DeSantis, Rivers expressed confidence that DeSantis would respect voters’ will if the initiative is approved. Reports indicate that DeSantis may veto a legislative bill banning consumable hemp-derived cannabinoid products like delta-8 THC, potentially to garner financial support from the hemp industry against Amendment 3.

John Morgan’s Endorsement

Notable Florida trial attorney and Democratic fundraiser John Morgan, who contributed over $8 million to the 2016 medical marijuana legalization effort, has also endorsed the adult-use proposal, although he has not financially supported the current campaign.

Veterans Coalition and Broader Strategy

In March, Smart & Safe Florida announced efforts to form a coalition of veterans to build voter support for the reform, a move that has since been officially launched.

Governor’s Opposition

Governor DeSantis previously predicted that voters would reject the marijuana initiative, arguing that its passage would “reduce the quality of life” in Florida. However, recent surveys present a mixed picture of public opinion on the measure’s chances.

Economic Impact

Economic analysts estimate that the marijuana legalization initiative could generate between $195.6 million and $431.3 million annually in new sales tax revenue if enacted. These figures could rise significantly if additional excise taxes similar to those in other legalized states are imposed.

Legislative and Financial Details

If approved, Amendment 3 would amend the state Constitution to allow existing medical cannabis companies, such as Trulieve, to sell marijuana to adults over 21. While the proposal does not include provisions for home cultivation or equity measures like expungement, it sets possession limits and authorizes medical cannabis dispensaries to expand their operations.

Financial Backing

Nearly all financial backing for the campaign has come from existing medical marijuana businesses, with Trulieve contributing the most. The first quarter campaign finance activity report from the Florida Division of Elections shows nearly $15 million in new contributions, with Trulieve donating $9.225 million.

CEO’s Statement

Contrary to the governor’s claims, Trulieve’s CEO argues that legalization could “improve quality of life” for Floridians.

As the campaign for Amendment 3 progresses, supporters remain optimistic about its prospects despite opposition and mixed public opinion. The measure’s success could lead to significant changes in Florida’s cannabis landscape, offering regulated and safe marijuana access to adults while generating substantial revenue for the state.