Today, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida endorsed a YES vote on Amendment 3, which will appear on the November ballot.
“We join a growing coalition that agrees passing Amendment 3 is the best path for Florida”, states an ACLU press release. “ACLU’s endorsement follows SEIU Florida, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young, Republican State Sen. Joe Gruters, Democratic State Sen. Shev Jones, the Libertarian Party of Florida, and more local leaders from around the state illustrating the broad support for legalizing recreational adult use marijuana.”
Bacardi L. Jackson, Executive Director for ACLU of Florida, said the group “is proud to join many other organizations to endorse Amendment 3 on the November ballot. Amendment 3 is a significant step forward in respecting the personal freedom of Floridians and is crucial in addressing the disproportionate impact that the criminalization of marijuana possession and use has had on Florida’s Black community and other communities targeted by the criminal legal system. By approving Amendment 3, Florida voters can create a future that is both more equitable and more respectful of the freedom of the people of our state.”
Morgan Hill, spokesperson for Smart & Safe Florida, said “This campaign has been steadfast in its belief that it’s unjust and needless to lock people up over petty marijuana possession charges. We are honored to have the support of the ACLU of Florida, a signal that a vote for Amendment 3 is a vote for protecting the individual liberties of everyone in the ‘Free State of Florida.’”
Amendment 3 would amend Florida’s constitution to allow for the possession and use up to three ounces of dried marijuana flower and up to five grams of marijuana concentrates. These products would be sold at licensed marijuana retail outlets and medical marijuana dispensaries with dual licenses.
Smart & Safe Florida has already raised over $66 million, more than any statewide marijuana initiative in US history.
According to a poll conducted by the Suffolk University Political Research Center, USA TODAY and WSVN-TV, and released last week, 63% of likely Florida voters say they support Amendment 3, more than the 60% threshold for passage.
