DeSantis Criticizes Cannabis Legalization Initiative’s Ballot Inclusion

LOS ANGELES- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed concerns over the state’s cannabis legalization initiative, known as Amendment 3, during a Florida Sheriffs’ Association conference. DeSantis argued that the ballot summary for the amendment does not fully represent its content and that the Florida Supreme Court should have prevented it from appearing on the ballot. The amendment, approved by the court in April, will be decided by voters in the November 2024 elections.

DeSantis contended that similar measures in states like Colorado, California, and New York have not yielded favorable results and suggested that Florida should avoid taking an extreme approach. He also clarified that the amendment does not prevent private property owners from regulating cannabis use on their premises, contrary to some interpretations.

Recent polling commissioned by opponents of the amendment indicates that 64% of likely voters support the initiative, a slight decline from earlier in the year. The “Vote No On 3” campaign noted an increase in opposition despite substantial financial backing for the amendment’s promotion, including significant contributions from Trulieve Cannabis Corp. The initiative requires 60% voter approval to pass.