Cannabis Industry Reacts to Trump’s Endorsement of Florida Legalization Initiative

LOS ANGELES- Former President Donald Trump’s recent endorsement of Florida’s Amendment 3, which seeks to legalize recreational cannabis in the state, has sparked immediate responses from key figures in the cannabis industry. The proposed constitutional amendment will appear on the November ballot and requires 60% voter approval to pass.

Industry Leaders Respond

Kim Rivers, CEO of Trulieve, Florida’s largest medical cannabis company and a major financial supporter of Amendment 3, expressed gratitude to Trump on social media, emphasizing the potential impact of his support on the campaign. Trulieve has been a significant backer of the initiative, which aims to legalize cannabis for adult use.

Boris Jordan, CEO of Curaleaf, highlighted the significance of having two major presidential candidates—Trump and President Joe Biden—publicly support pro-cannabis policies, marking a notable shift in the U.S. political landscape. Jordan noted that this bipartisan support reflects the growing acceptance of cannabis legalization among American voters.

David Culver, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for the U.S. Cannabis Council, also welcomed Trump’s endorsement, suggesting it could be pivotal in securing the necessary voter approval in Florida. He pointed out that Amendment 3 enjoys broad bipartisan support and that Trump’s backing aligns with the views of millions of Americans who have reassessed their stance on cannabis in recent years.

Political Implications

Trump’s endorsement contrasts with the position of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has consistently opposed cannabis legalization. DeSantis launched a political action committee to campaign against Amendment 3, arguing that the amendment’s language is misleading and could have unintended consequences.

Despite DeSantis’s opposition, Trump’s support for the measure could sway voters and potentially impact the outcome of the ballot initiative. Trump’s call for responsible regulation to prevent public cannabis use echoes concerns about the visibility and smell of cannabis in public spaces, which he linked to issues in “Democrat-run cities.”

Opposition and Financial Backing

The opposition to Amendment 3 remains strong, with significant financial contributions aimed at defeating the measure. Florida hemp industry executives have pledged $5 million to the state Republican Party for this purpose, and billionaire Ken Griffin recently announced a $20 million donation to support candidates who oppose the amendment.

As the November election approaches, the debate over cannabis legalization in Florida continues to intensify, with both supporters and opponents rallying significant resources to influence the outcome. The endorsement from a former president, however, adds a new dimension to the discussion, potentially shifting the dynamics of the campaign in the crucial final weeks.