Florida ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana fails

A ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana in the state of Florida is projected to fall short, according to Decision Desk HQ, although medicinal use is still legal in the Sunshine State.  

Florida Amendment 3 would have allowed adults aged 21 and older to possess, purchase and use marijuana for nonmedical consumption. Per state law, a 60 percent supermajority was required for the amendment to pass. 

Medicinal cannabis use was legalized in Florida back in 2016 after an amendment passed with a 71 percent approval rating. Under that amendment, possession is limited to 3 ounces. The amendment would not have changed the possession limits or other restrictions regarding marijuana use in the state constitution.  

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) was vocal in his opposition to the amendment, claiming it would make the state smell and “reduce the quality of life.” Alongside the Florida Chamber of Commerce, he also argued that the language of the amendment would prevent laws that restrict outdoor use.

Two lawyers representing Smart and Safe Florida, the nonprofit organization that sponsored the amendment, wrote in a Tampa Bay Times op-ed that these claims were “unfounded.”  

“If voters approve the amendment, the Legislature will have full authority to regulate or ban the use of marijuana in public places — that it already exercises for tobacco and alcohol,” they wrote.  

It is still illegal to use marijuana in public places, except for low-level THC. 

Former President Trump, a registered Florida voter, threw his support behind Amendment 3, posting on Truth Social that he would vote in favor of legalization.  

“As I have previously stated, I believe it is time to end needless arrests and incarcerations of adults for small amounts of marijuana for personal use,” the post said. “We must also implement smart regulations, while providing access for adults, to safe, tested product.” 

“As a Floridian, I will be voting YES on Amendment 3 this November,” he went on to say. “As President, we will continue to focus on research to unlock the medical uses of marijuana to a Schedule 3 drug, and work with Congress to pass common sense laws, including safe banking for state authorized companies, and supporting states rights to pass marijuana laws, like in Florida, that work so well for their citizens.”