Florida’s legal weed amendment, Amendment 3, failed. What now?

Florida's Amendment 3, which sought to legalize recreational marijuana for adults, failed to achieve the necessary 60% approval, instead receiving about 56% of the vote. This proposed amendment would have allowed adults aged 21 and older to purchase and use up to three ounces of marijuana without the need for a medical card. Governor Ron DeSantis actively campaigned against the measure, holding news conferences and promoting anti-marijuana advertisements. The initiative was backed by the group Smart & Safe Florida, with Trulieve, a major marijuana company, contributing over $100 million to the campaign. Currently, marijuana use is limited to individuals with medical marijuana cards, which require a doctor’s recommendation.

The failure of the amendment raises questions about the future of marijuana policy in Florida, especially given the strong push for legalization. As Florida voters continue to navigate the complexities of marijuana legislation, the implications of this vote could reverberate through future elections and policy discussions. The ongoing debate around marijuana legalization remains a significant issue in Florida politics.