Fact-Checking Claims in the Marijuana Debate: A Look at Amendment 3
As the election season heats up, groups on both sides of the recreational marijuana debate are spending big money to influence voters’ decisions on Amendment 3. This proposed amendment would allow adults in Florida over 21 to buy, possess, and use marijuana without a medical card. Supporters argue that it would make the substance safer and generate revenue for the state. However, opponents have launched a new ad, “Monopoly,” which claims that marijuana companies are trying to manipulate the vote.
WPTV investigated the ad and found several misleading claims. The ad claims that marijuana companies spent $60 million to put Amendment 3 on the ballot. While this is true, it’s only partially accurate. Campaign finance records show that marijuana companies donated over $55 million before April 1, 2024, and an additional $60 million since then.
Another claim made in the ad is that Amendment 3 would create a monopoly. However, this is false. There are currently 25 parties licensed to sell medical marijuana in Florida, and the amendment contains a clause that would allow medical licensees to sell to all adults if it passes.
The ad also claims that Amendment 3 would ban homegrown pot. While growing marijuana at home is already banned in Florida, the amendment wouldn’t be responsible for the ban. Additionally, the ad claims that Amendment 3 would give special licenses to select corporations. However, this claim is unclear, as the amendment does contain a clause allowing the Legislature to create a new type of license for entities that are not medical marijuana treatment centers.
When asked to clarify their claims, a spokesperson for Vote No on 3, the group behind the ad, affirmed that the Supreme Court approved the ballot measure on April 1, 2024, but cited fundraising totals up to April 30, 2024. The spokesperson also provided a letter from the group’s lawyer addressing the claims made in the ad.
Despite the fact-checking, opponents of Amendment 3 continue to stand by their ad. “Our opponents have been trying to have this ad taken down, but it’s been proven true over and over,” said campaign spokeswoman Sarah Bascom. “This ad has been proven to be accurate, and it’s clear that the amendment is meant to benefit marijuana companies at the expense of voters.”
