Florida Lawmakers Criticize DeSantis’ Anti-Amendment 3 Marijuana Ads
Two Florida lawmakers, a Republican and a Democrat, have come together to condemn the state’s use of taxpayer funds to finance anti-Amendment 3 marijuana advertisements. The ads, which have been running since September, claim that legalizing recreational marijuana would increase DUI crashes and put Floridians at risk.
State Senator Jason Pizzo, a Democrat, and Senator Joe Gruters, a Republican, held a virtual press conference to express their disapproval of the ads. Pizzo has even filed a lawsuit against the state, claiming that the ads are illegal and an attempt to sway public opinion.
Gruters, who has endorsed Amendment 3, said that regardless of one’s stance on the issue, it is undemocratic to use taxpayer funds to promote a political agenda. He noted that the state has spent an estimated $50 million on anti-Amendment 3 ads, which is a significant amount of taxpayer money.
The Governor’s office has defended the ads, stating that they are within the state’s rights to educate the public on important issues, including the health and safety of women and children. However, critics argue that the ads are biased and an attempt to sway public opinion.
Amendment 3 would allow 21-year-olds to possess up to three ounces of marijuana or five grams of concentrated marijuana. It requires at least 60% approval from Floridians to pass. The amendment has been the subject of much debate, with some arguing that it would increase crime and others arguing that it would reduce the burden on the criminal justice system.
The controversy surrounding the ads has sparked concerns about the role of government in promoting political agendas. While the Governor’s office claims that the ads are necessary to educate the public, critics argue that they are an attempt to sway public opinion and undermine the democratic process.
