Florida Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against DeSantis Administration Over Anti-Marijuana Ads, Poll Shows Legalization Initiative on Track to Pass
A Florida judge has dismissed a lawsuit challenging Governor Ron DeSantis’s use of taxpayer funds to promote anti-marijuana ads ahead of a vote on a legalization initiative on the November ballot. Meanwhile, a new poll shows that two-thirds of voters plan to support the measure, which is expected to pass despite opposition from the governor and other Republicans.
The lawsuit, filed by Democratic State Senator Jason Pizzo, claimed that DeSantis’s administration was using taxpayer funds to promote anti-marijuana ads in violation of the state’s constitution. However, a state circuit court judge agreed with the administration’s attorneys that Pizzo lacked standing and failed to state a claim in the challenge.
The anti-marijuana ads, which have been criticized by advocates for being misleading and biased, have been a key part of the DeSantis administration’s campaign against the legalization initiative. The ads have attempted to link marijuana use to increased impaired driving and other negative consequences.
Despite the opposition from DeSantis and other Republicans, a new poll from the University of North Florida’s Public Opinion Research Lab (PORL) shows that 66% of voters plan to support the legalization initiative, with 78% of Democrats, 73% of independents, and 53% of Republicans in favor of the proposal.
The poll also found that the initiative has gained support over the past few months, with 66% of voters now in favor of the measure compared to 64% in July. The poll’s director, Michael Binder, said that the results suggest that the initiative is “on track to exceed the 60% supermajority required to pass.”
The legalization initiative, known as Amendment 3, has been endorsed by a number of prominent figures, including former President Donald Trump, who has recorded an ad urging voters to support the measure. The initiative has also been backed by a number of state lawmakers, including Republican Senator Joe Gruters, who has said that he supports the measure because it will help to reduce the number of people in prison for non-violent drug offenses.
Despite the growing support for the initiative, DeSantis has continued to oppose it, arguing that it would create a “new addiction-for-profit industry” in the state. The governor has also been criticized for his administration’s handling of the issue, with some arguing that he is using his office to promote his own political agenda rather than serving the best interests of the people of Florida.
