Former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have entrenched themselves in opposite positions over a new voter initiative that could legalize Marijuana in the state of Florida this November.
Trump and DeSantis’ positions have divided the GOP, which supporters of the proposal hope to capitalize on to get it over the finish line.
Marijuana Amendment
On the ballot this November for voter consideration is Amendment 3, which would legalize recreational marijuana for Florida adults.
If passed, this constitutional amendment would allow the possession of up to three ounces of marijuana for all individuals 21 years old and over.
DeSantis’ Fight
For months, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been fighting hard against the amendment’s passage.
“Once voters figure out how radical both of those are, they are going to fail,” DeSantis said during a news conference early this year about the abortion and marijuana amendments. “They are very, very extreme.”
Smelling Like Marijuana
DeSantis tried to frame Amendment 3 as an extremely radical measure that would harm Florida communities.
“This state will start to smell like marijuana in our cities and towns … It will reduce the quality of life. Do we want to have more marijuana in our communities?” DeSantis said. “I don’t think it will work out.”
Default No
The governor also mentioned that ballot amendments are a challenging issue with voters, who view changes to the Constitution skeptically.
“They default to ‘no’ on these things,” said DeSantis.
Trump Enters the Fray
Despite DeSantis’ consistent anti-marijuana messaging, Trump recently weighed in on this amendment, creating discord within the GOP ranks.
“I believe it is time to end needless arrests and incarcerations of adults for small amounts of marijuana for personal use,” Trump wrote in a 9/8 Truth Social post.
Regulating Marijuana
In his post, Trump expressed the necessity of implementing regulations that would lead to safer drug consumption.
“We must also implement smart regulations, while providing access for adults, to safe, tested product,” wrote Trump.
Declaring Support
Trump ultimately endorsed Amendment 3 in his post, tying the action to similar ones he will take as president to loosen marijuana restrictions.
“As a Floridian, I will be voting YES on Amendment 3 this November. 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,” Trump wrote.
Celebrating Trump’s Endorsement
While some typical Amendment 3 backers may often be critical of Trump, after his recent comments many were thrilled at the support.
“We welcome support from former President Trump and encourage all Floridians to get the facts and join us in voting yes on Amendment 3,” said Morgan Hill a spokeswoman for Smart & Safe Florida, the group behind the campaign for Amendment 3.
Past Comments
Just before his recent endorsement, Trump gave an interview on the Lex Fridman podcast posted on September 3 where he was positive about the proposal.
“It’s got to be done in a very concerted, lawful way, and the way they are doing it in Florida — I think is going to be actually good,” Trump said. “It’s going to be very good.”
Opposing the Amendment
Opponents of the new proposal frame the issue as corporate greed trying to buy a spot in the state constitution.
“@Fla_Pol recently reported that the mega marijuana company Trulieve has now spent over $75 million in support of Amendment 3. This massive spending from Trulieve is nothing more than a single company trying to buy a spot in Florida’s constitution to make more profits for themselves at the expense of taxpayers. Their campaign isn’t about access to weed, it’s about corporate greed,” wrote the campaign to Vote No on 3 in an X post.
Not Advancing Freedoms
Amendment critics also feel like the discussion around freedom is a red herring and just a way to sneak in what they see as a bad proposal.
“Amendment 3 isn’t about improving your life or advancing your freedoms. It’s only about improving the bottom line of big industry and advancing corporate greed,” wrote Conservative Radio host Jenna Ellis on X. “Floridians should stand up to the mega marijuana companies and stop Florida from becoming the next California by voting NO on 3 in November. Even if you want legalized recreational weed, legislation or an amendment needs time, place, and manner restrictions and a better drafting.”
