According to NBC News, a proposed measure to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida has been rejected by voters.
Despite significant support from many Floridians, including Democrats and some Republicans, Amendment 3—which aimed to legalized recreational marijuana use and allow its production—failed to meet the threshold of 60% approval needed to amend the state constitution.
Currently, Florida law permits the use of marijuana for medical purposes, provided that a licensed physician endorses it for conditions like glaucoma, cancer, or epilepsy. Voters approved broader access to medical marijuana through a successful referendum in 2016.
However, for now, the use of marijuana for recreational purposes will remain prohibited across the state.
The bill’s failure is a notable win for Governor Ron DeSantis, a prominent opponent of the proposal. The Republican governor actively campaigned against the measure, cautioning the public in various media outlets and press events.
For instance, during a May interview on Fox News with Sean Hannity, a well-known conservative figure, DeSantis expressed his concerns about the potential impacts of legalization on public welfare. He pleaded with Floridians to reject the proposal.
“It would permeate everywhere. The state would be filled with that smell. Florida doesn’t require any of this,” DeSantis remarked, as he emphasized the importance of protecting existing health measures in the state constitution.
In stark contrast, former President Donald Trump emerged as a national supporter of the amendment. Himself a resident of Florida, Trump cautioned about the need for “thoughtful regulation” for the growing marijuana industry, providing his endorsement for Amendment 3 as he encouraged Floridians to vote in favor of it.
“As a Floridian, I plan to support Amendment 3 this November,” Trump stated in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social.
