In 19 weeks, on November 5, Florida voters will have the opportunity to make legal recreational marijuana a constitutional right for everyone 21 and older.
Amendment 3, put forth by the nonprofit political committee Smart & Safe Florida, would allow those who are at least 21 years old to possess up to three ounces of dried marijuana flower, and up to five grams of marijuana concentrates. These products would be available through licensed marijuana retailers and medical dispensaries with a dual license. These outlets would be supplied by licensed growers and producers, with marijuana tested through licensed testing labs.
According to a University of North Florida poll released in November, 67% of likely voters support Amendment 3, with just 28% opposed. A Fox News poll released earlier this month showed support to be almost exactly the same, at 66%.
Since Amendment 3 is a constitutional amendment, it must garner support from 60% of voters to be enacted into law. This is a tall task, given that out of all the states that have legalized recreational marijuana via the initiative process (the majority of the 24), only three have passed with over 60% support. Still, polls have consistently shown support to be above this threshold among Florida voters.
Smart & Safe Florida also has substantial resources. By the end of May, they had raised over $60 million, the highest amount for any statewide marijuana initiative in U.S. history.
If Amendment 3 is approved by voters, it would take effect in early May.
For the full text of the bill, click here.
