The legal battle against recreational marijuana legalization in Florida heats up as Governor Ron DeSantis opposes Amendment 3 ballot proposal
In the latest twist in Florida’s complex cannabis landscape, Governor Ron DeSantis, the state Republican Party, and the hemp industry have formed an unexpected alliance to oppose Amendment 3, a ballot proposal aimed at legalizing recreational marijuana. This coalition, though not formally coordinated, reflects a shared concern about the amendment's potential impact on small businesses and public policy.
Stay tuned to learn more about this development
The opposition to Amendment 3
Governor Ron DeSantis has been vocal about his opposition to Amendment 3, which seeks to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida. At a recent press conference, DeSantis highlighted his concerns, suggesting that if the amendment passes, the entire state will smell like marijuana. This is a poignant remark, reflecting a broader apprehension among some residents and lawmakers about the societal impacts of legalizing recreational cannabis.
Despite these concerns, Florida already has the largest medical cannabis market in the United States, with over 800,000 residents accessing medical marijuana. The push for recreational legalization, largely supported by Trulieve, one of the nation’s largest marijuana companies, is seen by opponents as a move that could drastically alter the state's regulatory landscape.
An alliance of convenience
The alliance between Governor DeSantis, the Florida GOP, and the hemp industry is more a convergence of interests than a coordinated effort. In early June, DeSantis vetoed a bill that would have imposed significant restrictions on the hemp industry, effectively keeping it alive in Florida. This move has garnered support from hemp businesses, who see the potential legalization of recreational marijuana as a threat to their survival.
J.D. McCormick, president of the Florida Healthy Alternatives Association, a leading hemp industry group, explained the dynamics at play. He said that without Governor DeSantis, the hemp industry right now would be illegal in Florida. And then Trulieve would go on to develop a monopoly should the marijuana amendment pass. His group is actively raising funds for the state Republican Party’s Vote No campaign against the amendment.
The hemp industry, which sells products like Delta-8 THC joints, gummies, and vapes, views the potential legalization of recreational marijuana as a significant threat. McCormick likened the situation to a David and Goliath battle, with small hemp businesses at risk of being squeezed out by larger, more established marijuana companies like Trulieve.
The political and economic implications
The political maneuvering around Amendment 3 has significant implications for both the marijuana and hemp industries in Florida. Trulieve, which supports the amendment, argues that legalizing recreational marijuana would end criminal arrests for simple possession charges and eliminate dangerous, unregulated products from the market. Steve Vancore, a spokesperson at Trulieve, assured that their goal is to bring safe, legal marijuana to adults in Florida.
However, the hemp industry and its supporters, including DeSantis, see the amendment as a move that could harm small businesses. The governor’s veto of the hemp bill was framed as a protective measure for these enterprises. He added that the marijuana industry wanted this hemp bill.
They wanted to curtail that industry, and they wanted to be able to get this Amendment 3 passed. He emphasized his commitment to protecting Florida's small businesses from the potential disruption and harm the bill could have caused.
Evan Power, the chairman of the Republican Party of Florida and a lobbyist for Florida Healthy Alternatives, echoed this sentiment by saying that there was no deal on the legislation. They obviously were trying to work to get the bill vetoed to protect small businesses and were glad the governor did veto it. The Republican Party of Florida has taken a formal position against the marijuana amendment, with active efforts underway to rally opposition.
The battle ahead
The fight over Amendment 3 is shaping up to be a significant political battle in Florida. After DeSantis vetoed the hemp bill, hemp executives have pledged to raise $5 million to fight the marijuana amendment. This commitment underscores the high stakes involved in the hemp industry, which sees the legalization of recreational marijuana as a direct threat to its survival.
The opposition campaign has already seen substantial contributions, including a $100,000 donation from Apopka-based hemp grower Patrick O’Brien to DeSantis’ political committee. While O’Brien is not a member of the Florida Healthy Alternatives Association, his contribution reflects a shared concern among hemp businesses about the potential impact of Amendment 3.
As the November ballot approaches, the alliance between DeSantis, the Florida GOP, and the hemp industry will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the debate over recreational marijuana legalization in Florida. The outcome of this battle will have far-reaching implications for the state's cannabis landscape, influencing both the regulatory environment and the economic prospects of small businesses across Florida.
Join our community at Calle Ocho News by signing up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest news, insights, and events shaping Miami and beyond. Be the first to know about crucial developments like the alliance against recreational marijuana legalization and how they impact our local businesses and community.
Are you a small business in Miami? Let Calle Ocho News help you reach your target audience effectively. Our advertising services can help boost your visibility and connect you with potential customers. Contact us today.
So the hemp industry wants to keep selling their unregulated, untested, products that have no medicinal value, they are just to get high. And DeSantis is ok with that, but not ok with selling products with medicinal value that are regulated and tested for quality and analyzed for it's properties. Sounds like someone got a campaign donation...
And the whole state smelling like marijuana is the most absurd thing I've ever heard. This obviously comes from someone that has zero knowledge of the entire industry. People are already smoking it. Does the whole state smell like that now??? It won't be any more used than cigarettes are today. I'm sure it falls under the same rules as smoking cigarettes.