Legalize Cannabis? Florida Voters to Decide on Amendment 3

Florida Voters Poised to Decide on Legalizing Recreational Cannabis with Amendment 3

LOS ANGELES — Florida voters are on the cusp of making a significant decision regarding the legalization of recreational cannabis as they approach the vote on Amendment 3. Multiple polls suggest strong support for the measure, indicating a high likelihood of its passage.

Details of Amendment 3

Amendment 3 proposes to allow 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 available through licensed retailers. Medical cannabis dispensaries would have the opportunity to apply for dual licenses, enabling them to serve both medical patients and recreational consumers. The proposed supply chain would include licensed growers, producers, and testing labs to ensure product safety and quality.

Polling Data Indicates Strong Support

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

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

The only recent poll indicating support below 60% was a USA Today/Ipsos survey from April, which showed 56% in favor, 40% against, and 4% undecided, with a margin of error of 4%. This poll suggests a potential path to victory considering the undecided voters.

Funding and Opposition

Smart & Safe Florida, the organization advocating for Amendment 3, has raised over $60 million, marking the highest amount ever raised for any statewide cannabis initiative in U.S. history. In stark contrast, Governor Ron DeSantis’ political action committee, which opposes the initiative, has raised only $10,000, primarily from former U.S. Representative Keith Rothfus (R), a known opponent of cannabis reforms.

Governor DeSantis’ Concerns

Governor DeSantis has expressed significant concerns regarding the legalization of recreational cannabis, emphasizing 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 Path Forward

The decision on Amendment 3 will ultimately rest in the hands of Florida voters. If passed, the amendment will significantly reshape the state’s legal landscape regarding cannabis use, potentially setting a precedent for other states to follow.