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On Election Day, Florida residents will determine whether recreational marijuana use is legalized in the Sunshine State. Amendment 3 proposes allowing marijuana possession for adults aged 21 and over.

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If passed, the measure would permit individuals to possess up to three ounces of marijuana, including up to five grams in concentrated form. It allows existing Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers to sell weed for recreational use as well as medicinal.

Recent polling suggests that the amendment is approaching the 60 percent threshold required for passage. Supporters cite a 2023 Gallup poll showing that about 70 percent of Americans support legalizing cannabis.

A recent University of Florida survey found that 66 percent of respondents support Amendment 3. The poll showed support for the measure was strong across various demographics, regardless of political affiliation and age groups.

Stetson University conducted a poll showing that 64 percent of likely voters support Amendment 3 as well.

Supporters of the measure argue that it would bring significant tax revenue to Florida while creating jobs in the state. The cannabis industry has demonstrated substantial growth in states that have legalized the plant for recreational use.

Legalizing marijuana would reduce marijuana-related arrests, which means fewer people would have their lives adversely impacted by being incarcerated or otherwise punished for possessing marijuana. Proponents point out that the amendment would help criminal justice reform efforts.

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There were 2,349 arrests for marijuana possession in 2022, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. This accounts for 36.21 percent of total drug possession arrests. There were also 191 arrests for the sale or manufacture of marijuana, which represents 18.16 percent of total drug sale/manufacturing arrests.

Another benefit would be a substantial reduction in law enforcement and judicial costs associated with arresting and prosecuting marijuana users. By legalizing weed, states can free up law enforcement resources by diverting them away from enforcing low-level drug laws. This would allow officers to focus on violent and property crimes, which are far more serious.

Former President Donald Trump came out in favor of Amendment 3 in a post on Truth Social.

As I have previously stated, I believe it is time to end needless arrests and incarcerations of adults for small amounts of marijuana for personal use. We must also implement smart regulations, while providing access for adults, to safe, tested product. 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.

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Opponents of Amendment 3 argue that it could lead to increased addiction rates, impaired driving incidents, and higher rates of marijuana use among minors.

Research from the Kansas City branch of the Federal Reserve, for example, finds that recreational legalization increases rates of addiction, chronic homelessness, and arrests by double-digit percentages.

It also makes life a little less pleasant. Stoned employees make workplaces a little worse, and marijuana-intoxicated accidents have risen steadily as states have legalized.      

Critics have also pointed out that the measure favors existing medical marijuana providers, which have put up over $100 million to support Amendment 3. This would possibly create a situation in which a few companies have a de facto monopoly over the cannabis market that would stifle competition and innovation.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has been a vocal opponent of legalizing marijuana. During a recent event, he argued that it would “change the culture of the state.”

If this were up in the legislature, this would be an easy thing to vote against or veto. But if somehow this got into law and we saw the negative effects, we could tweak it, we could fix it. We’ve done that on different laws. We’re going to do that on some of the condo stuff to iron out some of that. This is forever in the Constitution, and this will change the culture of the state. It will change the quality of life in this state. It’s all because one big weed company is plowing  $100 million in, not because they care about you or your freedom, but because they care about themselves, their profits, and their greed.

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On Election Day, Floridians will have to weigh the potential economic benefits and criminal justice reforms against regulatory challenges and the impact on the free market. In the end, they will decide whether the government should be allowed to jail or otherwise punish people for freely choosing to consume marijuana.