Florida Voters to Decide on Recreational Cannabis Amendment

Florida Voters on the Brink of Legalizing Recreational Cannabis with Amendment 3

LOS ANGELES—In a landmark decision, Florida voters are gearing up to cast their ballots on Amendment 3, a proposal to legalize recreational cannabis in the state. Multiple polls suggest strong support for the amendment, indicating it is likely to pass.

Details of Amendment 3

Amendment 3, if approved, will permit individuals aged 21 and older to possess up to three ounces of dried cannabis flower and up to five grams of cannabis concentrates. These products would be sold through licensed retailers, with existing medical cannabis dispensaries eligible to apply for dual licenses to cater to both medical patients and recreational users. The entire supply chain, from licensed growers and producers to testing labs, would be regulated to ensure quality and safety.

Polling Data Indicates Strong Support

For Amendment 3 to pass, it requires at least 60% voter approval since it aims to amend Florida’s constitution. Recent polling data indicates that the amendment is on track to meet and exceed this threshold:

• University of North Florida Poll (November): 67% of likely voters support the amendment, with 28% opposed. Support is particularly strong among Democrats (78%), Republicans (55%), and non-partisans/others (69%). The poll has a margin of error of +/-4.37%.
• Fox News Poll (June): 66% of respondents favor the amendment, while 32% oppose it, with a margin of error of +/-3%.
• Florida Politics Poll (This Month): Shows 64% support and 30% opposition.

The only recent survey indicating support below 60% is a USA Today/Ipsos poll from April, showing 56% in favor, 40% against, and 4% undecided, with a margin of error of 4%. This poll suggests that the undecided voters could potentially tip the balance in favor of the amendment.

Campaign Funding and Opposition

Smart & Safe Florida, the organization advocating for Amendment 3, has raised over $60 million, marking the highest fundraising total for any statewide cannabis initiative in U.S. history. On the other hand, opposition from Governor Ron DeSantis’ political action committee has garnered a mere $10,000, primarily from former U.S. Representative Keith Rothfus (R), a known opponent of cannabis reforms.

Governor DeSantis has expressed significant concerns regarding the legalization of recreational cannabis. He has highlighted issues related to public safety and community standards. “We already have medical cannabis, but we need to keep our streets clean. We cannot have every town smelling like cannabis,” DeSantis stated.

The Future of Cannabis in Florida

The decision on Amendment 3 rests with Florida voters, who will ultimately determine whether the state joins others in legalizing recreational cannabis. If passed, Amendment 3 will dramatically reshape Florida’s legal landscape concerning cannabis use, opening up new avenues for both consumers and the cannabis industry at large.