Recreational marijuana initiative fails in Florida

File photo: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.

Florida will not be the 25^th state to permit recreational cannabis use after voters failed to deliver a supermajority vote of 60% percent in favor the measure- despite bipartisan support at the highest levels.

Amendment 3 would have allowed adults to possess up to three ounces of marijuana, with up to five grams in concentrate form. Under the new law, existing Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers would have been authorized to sell marijuana to adults for personal use.

The failed campaign for Amendment 3 was spearheaded by Smart and Safe Florida and reported an impressive $153 million in contributions. Trulieve, the state’s largest medical marijuana company, contributed $144.6 million, funding an expansive campaign that emphasized economic growth, accountability, and safety in the cannabis industry. Proponents highlighted Florida’s cannabis industry as a growing job creator and revenue generator, with potential tax contributions projected to reach $4.06 billion by 2025.

The amendment faced substantial opposition from Governor Ron DeSantis and affiliated groups, who raised $33.4 million to campaign against it. DeSantis argued that the amendment would establish a “monopoly” in Florida’s cannabis market, favoring existing companies like Trulieve and denying Floridians the right to grow their own plants. The governor has been a vocal opponent, calling the measure “radical” and launching a series of public service campaigns to discourage support.

DeSantis criticized the amendment’s lack of a provision for home cultivation as an effort to deliver big business for the larger cultivators.

DeSantis mobilized state resources to oppose Amendment 3, with several state agency leaders joining his efforts. The Florida Department of Health released warnings about marijuana use, while the state’s highway safety agency aired public service announcements cautioning against driving under the influence of cannabis.

However, advocates argue that the lack of a home-grow provision was a strategic choice to avoid issues with the Florida Supreme Court, which requires ballot initiatives to cover only one subject. Rivers has voiced support for home-grow legislation and noted that bipartisan lawmakers plan to introduce a bill next year to allow Floridians to cultivate marijuana for personal use.

Former President Donald Trump, who resides in Florida, publicly backed Amendment 3, stating on his social media platform that it represented a lawful and effective approach to legalization. In a rare moment of agreement, Vice President Kamala Harris also voiced support for legalization efforts, contributing to a campaign ad that brought together unlikely allies for the failed cause.