Florida Voters Divided on Marijuana and Abortion Amendments
A recent poll by Florida Atlantic University (FAU) revealed a close race for two proposed amendments to the Florida Constitution, one dealing with recreational marijuana legalization and the other with abortion rights.
The poll found that 60% of voters favor the marijuana initiative, Amendment 3. Amendment 4, which would enshrine abortion rights in the state Constitution, has the support of 58% of Florida voters.
However, both amendments are facing strong opposition from Governor Ron DeSantis, who has launched a series of campaign ads and speeches against them. DeSantis has even directed state agencies to spend money on advertising opposing the amendments.
Some critics view DeSantis' actions as an attempt to regain national attention following his withdrawal from the presidential primary against former President Donald Trump. Recent anti-cannabis ads have gone so far as to connect legal marijuana with domestic violence.
"We have never seen a governor direct state agencies to aggressively oppose a ballot measure that has qualified for the ballot," said Daniel Smith, a University of Florida political scientist who studies ballot initiatives.
The state has reportedly spent an estimated $19.3 million on anti-amendment campaigns, dipping into the budgets of state agencies to spread the message.
DeSantis' tactics have also raised concerns among abortion rights advocates. Individuals who signed petitions for Amendment 4 have been questioned by law enforcement, and some have even been visited by plainclothes officers.
"I'm not a person who is going out there protesting for abortion," said one petition signer who was questioned by law enforcement. "I just felt strongly and I took the opportunity when the person asked me, to say yeah, I'll sign that petition."
Despite the opposition, supporters of both amendments remain optimistic. Kim Rivers, CEO of Trulieve Cannabis Corp., believes that the tide of sentiment has shifted in favor of marijuana legalization in Florida.
"I think the tide of sentiment has shifted," Rivers said. "And I think that, candidly, Florida is ready for it.