Cannabis reform is a big issue on the national and individual state levels. Advocates on both sides of the debate are awaiting a federal hearing in December on the subject of rescheduling. Meanwhile, North Dakota and Florida voters will tackle the topic in the November election. And when it comes to his home state, former President Donald Trump believes adult-use cannabis is coming soon.
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Writing on his Truth Social page, Trump declared, “…personal amounts of marijuana will be legalized for adults with Amendment 3.” The Republican presidential nominee added that whether people like it or not, cannabis reform is spreading across the nation, but it needs to happen “correctly.” He suggested Florida lawmakers enact laws banning public consumption “so we do not smell marijuana everywhere we go.”
Trump’s opinions on pot were seemingly mixed until recent weeks, saying at different points it’s a state’s rights issue but that “genetically engineered” weed could lead to violence. However, at a recent press conference, the former president admitted that he agrees with decriminalizing simple possession—a sentiment he echoed in his Truth post.
“Someone should not be a criminal in Florida, when this is legal in so many other States. We do not need to ruin lives & waste Taxpayer Dollars arresting adults with personal amounts of it on them,” Trump wrote. He also suggested legalization could protect consumers from “fentanyl laced marijuana.”
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The perceived support for Amendment 3 by Trump is a clear departure from the opinions of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who vehemently opposes the measure. The pair previously traded jabs during the hotly-contested Republican primary contest but were thought to have mended fences. It’s unclear how or if Trump’s stance on legal cannabis could jeopardize the relationship—or impact the result of Amendment 3.
Roger Stone, a close ally of Trump, previously said if the former president were to endorse Amendment 3 publicly, it would “guarantee victory.” But with DeSantis actively campaigning against the ballot measure, the measure faces an uphill battle. Poll results have been mixed, but it will be interesting to see if Trump’s declaration will carry any weight on the subject amongst his fellow Floridians.
