Florida’s Marijuana Future: What’s Next After Amendment 3’s Failure?
Despite falling short of the required 60% approval threshold, a majority of Floridians still supported Amendment 3, which would have legalized recreational marijuana in the state. However, with the amendment’s defeat, it’s unclear when or if Florida will join the growing list of states that have legalized recreational marijuana.
President-elect Donald Trump, who endorsed Amendment 3, has not explicitly endorsed federal legalization, but has expressed support for states’ rights to pass their own marijuana laws. Trump’s administration has also indicated a willingness to work with Congress on issues like banking reform and reclassification of marijuana.
In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis and many lawmakers have expressed opposition to recreational marijuana, citing concerns about home grow and public use restrictions. However, some lawmakers, like Republican state Sen. Joe Gruters, are planning to file bills in the upcoming legislative session to expand marijuana access in Florida.
Gruters, who was a vocal supporter of Amendment 3, plans to introduce bills that would make veterans exempt from yearly medical marijuana use fees and allow Floridians to grow their own marijuana at home. He also expressed support for preemptively putting public use restrictions in place.
Florida’s largest marijuana companies, such as Verano and Trulieve, have expressed enthusiasm for working with DeSantis and lawmakers to develop new policy. However, not all lawmakers are on board, with incoming Senate President Ben Albritton stating that he does not support expanding marijuana beyond the medical program.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen when or if Florida will legalize recreational marijuana. For now, it seems that incremental changes, such as expanding medical marijuana access or allowing home grow, may be the most likely outcome.
