Former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis are at odds again, this time over a proposed ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana in their home state. As Florida voters prepare to decide on Amendment 3 in November 2024, Trump has voiced strong support for the measure, contrasting sharply with DeSantis’ opposition.
Trump’s endorsement came through a post on Truth Social, where he announced he would vote “yes” on the amendment, which would legalize the possession and use of marijuana for adults aged 21 and older. Trump argued that “needless arrests and incarcerations” over small amounts of marijuana should end, and emphasized the need for smart regulations to ensure safe access to cannabis products.
It’s a FACT: Marijuana is safer than alcohol.
Let’s end the prohibition this November #YesOn3 pic.twitter.com/MEy3tYuU4m— Smart & Safe Florida (@SmartandSafeFl) September 18, 2024
Amendment 3, if passed, would allow adults to possess up to three ounces of marijuana and permit state-licensed companies to grow and sell cannabis. The measure has gained traction, with polls showing it on track to surpass the 60% voter approval required for it to become law. In a state where Republicans outnumber Democrats by 1 million registered voters, Trump’s backing could sway conservative voters who have historically opposed legalization.
DeSantis, however, has positioned himself as a staunch opponent of the initiative. He argues that the measure is designed to benefit what he calls a “weed cartel,” referring to large companies like Trulieve, the state's biggest medical marijuana operator, which has been a significant financial backer of the campaign. DeSantis has raised concerns about public safety, claiming the amendment would lead to widespread public marijuana use and diminish the state’s ability to regulate the industry.
Florida will legalize cannabis aka marijuana, by voting yes on amendment 3. A rejection of unfounded smears, and a return to policies that are consistent with 161 years of U.S. history. pic.twitter.com/0gWWgP16Xh
— EightOne Nine1 (@EightOne91) September 20, 2024
The battle over marijuana legalization has further deepened the political rift between Trump and DeSantis, who were already at odds during the 2024 Republican presidential primaries. While DeSantis has the backing of most state Republicans, Trump’s support for Amendment 3 has left some conservative lawmakers and voters in a difficult position. State Sen. Joe Gruters, a former chair of the Florida Republican Party and a Trump ally, is one of the few GOP legislators openly backing the measure.
The marijuana debate in Florida is part of a broader national conversation, as cannabis legalization continues to gain popularity across the U.S. A recent Gallup poll found that 70% of Americans support legalization, reflecting the shifting views on the issue. Trump’s endorsement of the Florida measure is also consistent with his federal stance, where he has called for marijuana to be reclassified from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug, easing restrictions on medical research without fully legalizing it nationwide.
For DeSantis, the stakes are high. His opposition to Amendment 3 aligns with his broader political strategy of maintaining a tough stance on law and order, which he believes resonates with his base. DeSantis has repeatedly warned that legalizing marijuana would harm Florida’s communities, comparing the potential outcomes to what he describes as the failed policies of states like California and Colorado.
Ultimately, Amendment 3 will be decided by Florida voters in November. With Trump’s endorsement providing a significant boost to the pro-legalization campaign, and DeSantis doubling down on his opposition, the marijuana measure has become a key battleground in Florida politics. Whether Trump’s influence can shift enough conservative voters remains to be seen, but the outcome could have national implications, further shaping the future of marijuana policy in the U.S.
