Governor Ron DeSantis is ramping up his opposition to Amendment 3. He and his wife, Casey, held events denouncing the proposal to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida.
“It wasn’t immaculately conceived. It was put on the ballot because one big weed company has now spent $100 million trying to pass it,” DeSantis stated in Cape Coral.
“This amendment is written to benefit this one big weed company. It’s not meant to benefit you.”
DeSantis was referring to Trulieve, the company behind the petition drive for Amendment 3, having contributed nearly $100 million to the effort.
Currently, Florida permits medical marijuana for adults, but Amendment 3 would legalize recreational use for those 21 and older, allowing possession of up to three ounces.
DeSantis has criticized Trulieve for trying to monopolize the market since residents wouldn’t be allowed to grow their own marijuana under the ballot measure.
He argued that the Legislature couldn’t regulate Amendment 3 post-approval because it would be embedded in the state constitution.
DeSantis is also worried about police limitations on preventing public marijuana use, although lawmakers have a history of adjusting voter-passed amendments.
Though it will be added to the state constitution if it passes with 60% voter approval, Amendment 3 doesn’t stop the Legislature from introducing new regulations “consistent with the amendment.”
Casey DeSantis supported her husband’s stance at an event in Jacksonville, joined by members of law enforcement.
“Why do they package it like Gummy Bears and lollipops and Rice Krispie Treats and brownies?” she questioned. “It will happen where this gets to our kids, they can consume it and it can be potentially life ending.”
