Florida Voters Overwhelmingly Support Legalization of Recreational Marijuana
A new poll released by the University of North Florida’s Public Opinion Research Lab (PORL) has found that a staggering 66% of Florida voters support a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana in the state. The proposed constitutional amendment, known as Amendment 3, would allow adults aged 21 and older to possess and purchase up to 3 ounces of marijuana and up to five grams of cannabis concentrates.
The poll, which surveyed 977 likely Florida voters, also found that 30% of respondents would vote against the measure, while 4% were undecided. The results indicate that the measure is on track to exceed the 60% supermajority required to pass.
Dr. Michael Binder, PORL faculty director and UNF professor of political science, noted that the poll results are consistent with previous surveys, which have shown a growing majority of Floridians in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana. “Closing in on election day, despite some heavy campaigning, we’re seeing support for this amendment and is on track to exceed the 60% supermajority required to pass,” Binder said.
Amendment 3 is spearheaded by the group Smart & Safe Florida, with major backing from Trulieve, the state’s largest medical marijuana provider, and other businesses in the cannabis industry. If passed, the amendment would allow state lawmakers to approve regulations for new businesses to enter the newly legal recreational marijuana market.
The poll results are the latest in a series of surveys that have shown increasing support for the ballot measure. In April, a USA Today/Ipsos poll found that 57% of voters supported Amendment 3, while a separate Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and Mainstreet Research poll released that month showed only 47% of voters backed the measure.
Smart & Safe Florida spokesperson Morgan Hill welcomed the poll results, stating, “This poll is another welcome reminder that Amendment 3 is expansively supported and widely seen as the best path forward for Florida. Legalizing recreational adult use marijuana is good for the health, safety, and individual freedom of Floridians, and we are energized to continue showing that to voters between now and Election Day.”
