PENSACOLA, Fla. — Florida Republicans have mixed feelings on whether marijuana should be legalized in the state. Right now, nearly half the states in the country have legalized recreational marijuana.
Amendment 3 on the ballot in November would allow adults over the age of 21 to purchase marijuana for recreational use. Medical marijuana has been legal in the state since 2016.
Former President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that he will vote in favor of Amendment 3. That announcement sparked other Republican groups in Florida to support it as well.
In November, voters will decide whether to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida. Amendment 3 would allow people 21 and older to use marijuana and legally carry up to 3 ounces at a time.
Escambia County Republican Party Chairman John Roberts says the party as a whole is against it. The party says there won’t be enough regulation.
“We want Florida to be a family-friendly state,” says Roberts. “We don’t want to be known for allowing dangerous drugs to be used out freely.”
“The reason why is because this not a question that should be resolved in the state constitution,” Gaetz says. “I wrote Florida’s first marijuana law, and second marijuana law, and fourth marijuana law. So, I am an advocate for cannabis reform. But, that needs to occur through the legislature. The first marijuana law I wrote for Florida was flawed. It had mistakes in it. Fortunately, the legislature subsequently had been able to fix those changes and improve our system. I worry if we ensconce this in the constitution, we will limit the ability for a more tailored appropriate cannabis policy.”
The Florida Young Republicans said in a statement, “legalizing marijuana would create significant revenue for the state and create new job opportunities.”
H/T: weartv.com
