Florida is set to vote this coming Election Day on the Marijuana Legalization Initiative, also known as Amendment 3. Voters in the Sunshine State will have the chance to amend Article X, Section 29 of the Florida Constitution to allow the possession, purchase, and use of marijuana products and marijuana accessories. The proposed initiative would also allow Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers and other state licensed entities, to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell, and distribute marijuana products and accessories.
For the initiative to pass, a supermajority of 60% must vote in favor, and the vote is expected to be tight. The most recent published poll results indicate 64% support for Amendment 3, with 9% undecided (and a 3.4% margin of error). Other recent polls, however, suggest that the 60% threshold will not be reached.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the rest of the state’s governing establishment oppose the initiative and have established a curious alliance with the state’s hemp industry to stop the measure. For its part, the legalization camp has its own odd bedfellow in the form of Palm Beach resident Donald Trump, who has voiced his intention to vote in favor of Amendment 3 come November. Even during a year that has thrown up more than its fair share of surprises, it would be quite the story if by putting his finger on the scale Trump helps bring about a legalization victory the likes of which we have never seen.
It is far too early to call the race, but the impact of a favorable vote would be enormous. With more than 22 million people, Florida would become the second-largest regulated market for legal cannabis in the country. No wonder this has been by far the most expensive legalization campaign ever, by far, with most of the money going towards a yes vote.
Needless to say, cannabis businesses should be paying close attention on November 5. We will continue to follow this critical story and keep you posted from down here in the Sunshine State.
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