Florida Marijuana Legalization Initiative Gains Majority Support, But One Poll Projects Passage
A pair of recent polls has shown that a majority of Floridians support a marijuana legalization initiative that will be on the November ballot, but only one of the polls projects that the measure will pass. According to a Suffolk University/USA TODAY/WSVN-TV poll, 63% of likely voters back the cannabis measure, with majority support across party lines and age demographics.
The poll found that 73% of Democrats, 69% of independents, and 51% of Republicans support the proposed reform. The survey involved interviews with 500 likely voters and had a margin of error of 4.4 percentage points.
In contrast, a poll from Florida Atlantic University and Mainstreet Research USA put support for the initiative at 56%, which falls short of the 60% threshold required for passage under state law. This poll surveyed 1,055 registered voters and had a margin of error of 3 percentage points.
Experts note that polls that target likely voters tend to be more accurate in predicting election outcomes, as not all registered voters will ultimately cast ballots. The Suffolk University poll’s findings are consistent with other recent surveys, which have shown majority support for the marijuana legalization initiative.
The initiative, known as Amendment 3, would allow adults 21 and older to possess, purchase, and use up to three ounces of cannabis for personal use. It would also permit medical cannabis dispensaries to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell, and distribute marijuana products and accessories to adults for personal use.
The governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, has been a vocal opponent of the initiative, claiming that it would lead to an increase in crime and a decrease in quality of life for Floridians. However, many experts and advocates argue that the reform would bring significant economic benefits to the state, including an estimated $195.6 million to $431.3 million in new sales tax revenue annually.
The outcome of the election is likely to have significant implications for the cannabis industry in Florida, which is currently one of the largest and most lucrative markets in the country.
