Florida (420CanNews) – Earlier this year, the Florida Supreme Court ruled to include the legalization of adult-use marijuana sales in the state ballot this coming November. While this decision has met mixed reactions from political figures and the Floridians themselves, two recent polls showed the people are more than ready to see some Florida marijuana law changes.
Florida’s Current Restrictions on Recreational Marijuana
Currently, the Sunshine State prohibits the use and possession of recreational marijuana. Individuals who are caught in possession of marijuana are usually punished based on the amount. Being caught-handed with a marijuana of less than 20 grams may be considered a misdemeanor, with a maximum penalty of a $1,000 fine. Even just a little over 20 grams is already a felony with a possibility of jail.
It is important to note that Florida already has a medical marijuana program in place. Patients with qualifying medical conditions can legally keep and use marijuana with a medical marijuana card. Last 2016, Floridians approved Amendment with an overwhelming 71.32%, permitting seriously ill patients access to medical marijuana.
Unpacking the Florida Marijuana Initiative
The Florida Marijuana Legalization Initiative or Florida Amendment 3 is a proposed constitutional amendment that aims to legalize the reactional use of these hemp leaves. Should this marijuana ballot win in November, individuals aged 21 and over will be allowed to purchase and possess cannabis of up to 3 ounces (about 85 grams) and up to five grams for concentrate, for personal consumption.
If approved, the amendment will open up new doors for the cannabis industry. Under the initiative, current Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers would be allowed to sell marijuana to adults for personal use. Additionally, the Florida State Legislature could enact laws to license other entities to cultivate and sell marijuana products. Businesses will now have more legality to enter the recreational marijuana market.
Mixed Reactions to Amendment 3 from Political Groups and General Public
Amendment 3 is already making waves across the coastal state, with various groups expressing their support of its passage. Trulieve, the company that is spreading the medical marijuana sector has provided financial support through its running campaign, Smart and Safe Florida. Kim Rivers, their CEO, believes that this initiative is all about access to safe and regulated products.
Smart and Safe Florida campaigns have launched various ads in support of the ballot measure, which appear to be resonating with the public. Recent polls indicate the initiative is poised to pass with a comfortable margin.
However, the proposed law change has also faced its fair share of pushback. In May, the Republican Party formally announced its opposition to the amendment, citing concerns about its potential negative impact on the family-friendly community, particularly affecting children and tourists.
The state’s Attorney General has initially challenged the proposition as the current discussion of the changes lacks clarity and the regulatory backbone of its distribution and consumption. Discussions behind its taxation, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content limits, and personal possession legal limits needs to be made to make for a strong proposal.
For more updates on cannabis culture and the community, subscribe to 420CanNews today. We are the best news aggregator that you can trust for anything cannabis-related.
— Story Filed By 420CanNews Staff
Here’s More Information on the Topic:
Florida Amendment 3, Marijuana Legalization Initiative (2024)
https://ballotpedia.org/Florida_Amendment_3,_Marijuana_Legalization_Initiative_(2024)
Florida Republicans Formally Oppose Marijuana Legalization Initiative
Florida Marijuana Legalization Campaign Releases New Statewide Ad Warning Of Dangers Of Unregulated Cannabis
House Republicans pass budget bill that would block marijuana rescheduling
https://mjbizdaily.com/house-republicans-pass-budget-bill-that-would-block-marijuana-rescheduling/
In 2018, Republicans accidentally legalized cannabis. Now 22 AGs want them to undo it
https://thehill.com/homenews/4564181-2018-farm-bill-hemp-cannabis-attorneys-general/
