Cannabis reform is on the ballot in multiple states this November, but all eyes are seemingly on Florida as voters mull Amendment 3. Stakes are high (no pun intended) since the state’s market is easily among the most valuable in the country. Millions of dollars have gone into both sides of the debate, including $60 million from multi-state pot company Trulieve alone. Two new polls have revealed just where residents stand on the issue—but that’s not the only thing that may determine the outcome.
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One poll of 500 likely voters showed that 63 percent are in favor of the adult-use legalization measure. According to Florida law, Amendment 3 needs at least 60 percent of voters checking “yes” to pass. The Suffolk University survey is in line with similar polls, indicating adult use may be coming soon to the Sunshine State.
A separate poll from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) paints a less rosy picture. The survey of 1,055 registered voters revealed roughly 53 percent supported Amendment 3. As noted by Marijuana Moment, the FAU may be a less accurate representation since it’s registered voters as opposed to likely voters, giving pro-pot advocates room to breathe.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is vehemently opposed to the legalization measure. Many believe this is partly due to dealings with local hemp operators, who see adult-use cannabis as a potential threat to their businesses. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump recently teased that he would be making a statement about his home state’s cannabis campaign, something that could play a huge role in the amendment’s outcome.
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Trump ally Roger Stone recently told Marijuana Moment that an endorsement for Amendment 3 by the former president “would guarantee victory,” pointing to Trump’s previous assertion that legalization is a states’ rights issue. At a recent press conference from Mar-a-Lago, Trump agreed with the notion that cannabis possession should not result in jail time.
While there’s still a way to go before election day, cannabis advocates in Florida and beyond are waiting with bated breath to see if reform comes to fruition.
