Former President Donald Trump Announces Support for Florida Marijuana Legalization
In a recent post on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared that he will vote in favor of a Florida ballot measure seeking to legalize recreational marijuana in the state. This move puts the Republican presidential candidate at odds with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and other state GOP leaders.
Trump stated that he will vote “YES” on the ballot measure, known as Amendment 3, in November, citing the need to “end needless arrests and incarcerations of adults for small amounts of marijuana for personal use.” He also expressed his intention to focus on research to unlock the medical uses of marijuana if he wins the presidential election.
This is the first time Trump has explicitly stated his support for the measure, although he had hinted at it last month. At that time, he described recreational marijuana legalization in Florida as a fait accompli, stating that it would happen “whether people like it or not” and criticizing arrests for possession of marijuana as a “waste of taxpayer dollars.”
Trump’s stance on marijuana legalization is a significant departure from that of DeSantis and other GOP leaders in the state. DeSantis has attacked Amendment 3, claiming that it does not simply decriminalize marijuana but also allows for its use in public places, which he believes will lead to a “putrid” smell in cities and towns. Billionaire Ken Griffin, a key GOP donor and DeSantis supporter, has also poured $12 million into opposing the measure, arguing that it serves only “special interests” and will lead to an increase in crime.
The ballot measure requires 60% of the vote to pass. If it does, Florida will join a growing list of states that have legalized recreational marijuana.
