Florida recreational marijuana amendment, Amendment 3, fails

The failure of Florida's Amendment 3, which aimed to legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older, has significant implications for the state's legislative landscape. It required a minimum of 60% voter approval but only achieved about 56%, leading to an official call of the race by the Associated Press shortly after polls closed. Smart & Safe Florida, the campaign supporting the amendment, accepted the defeat while noting the strong majority of support for legalization among voters. They conveyed their intention to collaborate with state leaders to pursue decriminalization and enhance access to safe marijuana, including home cultivation. The amendment's journey to the ballot involved gathering over one million signatures, showcasing substantial public interest in marijuana reform.

The campaign was largely supported by the marijuana company Trulieve, which reflects the growing business interest in the state's cannabis market. The results of this election will influence future discussions and policies surrounding marijuana use in Florida, highlighting the complexities of public opinion on the issue. As discussions continue, the focus will likely shift towards addressing consumer safety and regulatory measures for marijuana use in the state.