A campaign to legalize marijuana in Florida has raised over $80 million, according to the state’s Division of Elections.
Smart & Safe Florida, the political committee behind Amendment 3 to legalize recreational marijuana, has raised $82.6 million as of the end of August. This includes $11 million raised in the middle of August, $10 million from Trulieve and $1 million from Verano Holdings.
The $82 million raised is significantly higher than any previous marijuana legalization initiative in other states. For context, California’s Proposition 64 campaign raised $25 million in 2016, and Ohio’s Issue 2 raised $7 million last year; both initiatives were successfully passed into law.
As of August 31, Smart & Safe had spent approximately $56.9 million, leaving them with around $25 million on hand.
Beyond Trulieve and Veranos Holdings, other major contributors include Curaleaf Inc., AYR Wellness Inc., and Green Thumb Industries.
Amendment 3 proposes to amend Florida’s constitution to allow individuals aged 21 and older to possess and use up to three ounces of dried marijuana flower and up to five grams of marijuana concentrates. These products would be available for purchase at licensed marijuana retail outlets and medical marijuana dispensaries with dual licenses.
According to a poll released earlier this month by the Suffolk University Political Research Center, USA TODAY, and WSVN-TV, 63% of likely Florida voters support Amendment 3, surpassing the 60% threshold required for passage.
