Donald Trump has endorsed Florida’s marijuana legalization initiative, Amendment 3, while Governor Ron DeSantis strongly opposes it. The former president’s support reflects a shift in his stance on marijuana, aligning him more closely with pro-cannabis advocates, although he stops short of endorsing full federal decriminalization.
Trump Endorses Florida’s Marijuana Legalization Initiative
Former President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Florida’s Amendment 3, a ballot measure aimed at legalizing marijuana for adult use. In a Truth Social post, Trump, who is registered to vote in Florida, confirmed that he will vote in favor of the initiative this November. His endorsement marks a significant moment in the marijuana legalization debate, particularly as he refrains from supporting full federal decriminalization but advocates for reclassifying marijuana under federal law to allow for more medical research and reduce penalties for cannabis-related activities.
DeSantis Opposes Amendment 3, Warns of a ‘Drug Cartel’
In stark contrast, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has voiced strong opposition to Amendment 3, characterizing it as a measure that would establish a “drug cartel” within the state’s constitution. DeSantis argues that the initiative, heavily funded by the state’s largest medical marijuana company, Trulieve, would give undue control to a few businesses, harming public safety and leading to rampant public marijuana use. He dismissed claims that the amendment would reduce marijuana-related arrests, noting that no one in Florida is currently imprisoned for simple possession.
Trump’s Evolving Stance on Marijuana
Trump’s support for Amendment 3 represents a shift from his previous, more cautious approach to marijuana policy. While serving as president, Trump had appointed Jeff Sessions, a staunch opponent of marijuana legalization, as attorney general. However, Trump now appears to favor a more lenient stance, supporting state rights to legalize marijuana and reclassifying it to Schedule III, which would reduce federal restrictions and taxes on cannabis companies.
Amendment 3 Faces Opposition Despite Strong Funding
Amendment 3 requires at least 60% of the vote to pass, and while it has garnered substantial financial backing—over $80 million, mostly from Trulieve—it faces considerable opposition, particularly from DeSantis and other Republican leaders. The measure’s success hinges on broad support from Republican voters, many of whom may be swayed by DeSantis’s warnings about the potential negative impacts of legalization.
Trump vs. DeSantis: A Clash on Marijuana and More
The clash over Amendment 3 highlights broader tensions between Trump and DeSantis, both prominent figures in the Republican Party. While Trump supports loosening marijuana restrictions, DeSantis has taken a hardline stance against both marijuana legalization and the expansion of abortion rights, as evidenced by his opposition to another Florida ballot measure, Amendment 4. These differences underscore the divergent paths the two may take as they vie for influence within the party.
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