Elon Musk-Linked Group Donates $500K to Stop Florida Cannabis Law

The $500,000 Donation Pales in Comparison to Over $100 Million Raised for Florida Cannabis Legalization Initiative

A political committee opposing Florida’s cannabis legalization measure recently received a $500,000 donation from a group reportedly tied to Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk and his previous support for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s presidential campaign. The significant contribution comes as the campaign pushing for cannabis legalization surpasses $100 million in total fundraising, dwarfing the opposition’s financial resources.

Florida’s Cannabis Legalization Initiative: Amendment 3

The measure, known as Amendment 3, seeks to legalize recreational cannabis in Florida and will be presented to voters in the upcoming November election. To pass, the amendment must secure at least 60% of the vote, a high threshold for any ballot initiative. Despite polling showing strong support, with a recent NBC 6 poll indicating that 58% of voters favor legalization, the campaign still falls just short of the required percentage.

The legalization effort is led by the committee Smart & Safe Florida, which has raised over $100 million to promote the amendment. The majority of these funds have been contributed by Trulieve Cannabis Corp., the state’s largest medical marijuana provider, who has been a primary backer of the initiative.

The Opposition’s $500,000 Boost

In contrast, the opposition, led by the group Keep Florida Clean, received a $500,000 injection from Faithful & Strong Policies, Inc., a political organization overseen by Florida attorney Scott Wagner. Wagner’s group is dedicated to preventing the legalization of recreational cannabis in the state. Both Keep Florida Clean and its associated organization, the Florida Freedom Fund, are chaired by James Uthmeier, Gov. DeSantis’s former chief of staff and campaign manager.

Despite the recent $500,000 donation, the anti-cannabis campaign’s funding pales in comparison to the substantial resources behind the legalization effort. The financial backing of Smart & Safe Florida has been instrumental in bringing the issue to voters, ensuring widespread advertising and outreach ahead of the election.

Musk’s Unclear Connection to Anti-Cannabis Efforts

While Elon Musk’s exact role in this latest donation remains uncertain, he has previously contributed $10 million to organizations linked to Gov. DeSantis, with $5 million reportedly supporting DeSantis’s presidential campaign. The Wall Street Journal noted that Musk’s involvement with Faithful & Strong Policies may indicate an ongoing connection to the Florida political landscape.

However, Musk’s financial backing of the anti-legalization campaign contrasts sharply with his image as a tech visionary and supporter of personal liberties. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)’s Florida branch even posted a video in response to Musk’s anti-cannabis stance, sparking further discussion about his involvement.

Cannabis Legalization’s Financial Edge

The $500,000 donation is a drop in the bucket compared to the massive financial resources supporting the cannabis legalization campaign. According to Ballotpedia, Smart & Safe Florida had raised $91 million by late August, largely due to contributions from Trulieve. The additional funding has helped the pro-cannabis group launch a full-scale campaign, featuring ads, public endorsements, and grassroots organizing.

With only a few weeks until the November election, the financial disparity between the two sides has become increasingly apparent. The anti-legalization forces, despite the recent donation, continue to trail far behind in fundraising. Yet, both sides recognize that the margin between success and failure is narrow, as the most recent polling data shows the legalization campaign just two points short of the required 60% to pass.

DeSantis and the Opposition to Cannabis Legalization

As Florida’s governor, Ron DeSantis has taken a vocal stance against the legalization measure, rallying opposition through public statements and initiatives. His administration recently faced criticism over a taxpayer-funded public service announcement (PSA) warning against the dangers of impaired driving in states that have legalized cannabis. Critics argue that the PSA is part of a broader effort to sway public opinion against Amendment 3, even as polls indicate growing support for the measure.

Additionally, the battle over cannabis legalization has sparked legal challenges. Trulieve Cannabis Corp. has filed a defamation lawsuit against the Florida Republican Party, accusing it of spreading misleading information about the implications of the proposed amendment. The lawsuit claims that the party has intentionally misinformed voters about the impact legalization would have on public safety and state regulations, further complicating the political battle over cannabis in Florida.

Financial Showdown in the Final Weeks

With the November election fast approaching, the financial showdown between pro- and anti-cannabis groups is intensifying. The $500,000 donation to Keep Florida Clean, while significant, is dwarfed by the over $100 million raised by the legalization campaign, giving Smart & Safe Florida a considerable edge in its final push for public support.

Polling data shows that public sentiment is trending in favor of cannabis legalization, but with just a few percentage points to gain before reaching the 60% threshold, both sides are gearing up for a heated finish. As the election draws near, the question remains: will Florida join the growing list of states that have embraced recreational cannabis, or will the opposition manage to keep it off the books?