Florida Lawmakers Decry DeSantis’ Anti-Amendment 3 Marijuana Ads
Two Florida lawmakers, a Republican and a Democrat, have come together to criticize the state’s use of taxpayer funds to promote anti-Amendment 3 marijuana ads. The ads, which have been running since September, have been deemed illegal by some, as they allegedly target the recreational marijuana amendment on next month’s ballot.
Incoming Senate Democratic Leader Jason Pizzo and state Sen. Joe Gruters, a former Republican Party of Florida chair, held a virtual press conference to express their concerns. Pizzo has even filed a lawsuit over one of the ads, which claims that DUI crashes increase in states with legalized marijuana.
Gruters, who has endorsed Amendment 3, stated that the ads are undemocratic and a violation of Florida law. “No matter where you stand on an issue, this is still a democracy, and in a democracy we do not spend taxpayer dollars in advance of a political issue,” he said.
Amendment 3 would allow 21-year-olds to possess up to three ounces of marijuana or five grams in concentrated form. However, it requires at least 60% approval from Floridians to pass.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has been vocal in his opposition to the amendment, hosting press conferences and traveling around the state to bash the measure. His administration has spent an estimated $50 million on marijuana ads alone, according to an audit by Smart & Safe Florida, the group running the pro-amendment campaign.
DeSantis’ office has defended the ads, stating that the state has the authority to educate the public on important issues, including the dangers of drug use. However, Pizzo and Gruters argue that the ads are an improper use of taxpayer funds and an attempt to sway public opinion.
The controversy has sparked comparisons to recent state-sponsored abortion ads, which have also been criticized for targeting a specific issue. Supporters of Amendment 4, which would ensure abortion access in Florida, have made similar claims about the ads.
The debate surrounding Amendment 3 and the state’s use of taxpayer funds to promote anti-amendment ads is likely to continue in the coming weeks, as Floridians prepare to vote on the measure.
