As the nation anticipates the November 5 presidential election, Florida is grappling with its own significant ballot measure regarding cannabis legalization. Governor Ron DeSantis has emerged as a prominent figure in the heated debate over marijuana in the state, particularly in opposition to the proposed Amendment 3 that seeks to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida.
Amidst this contentious issue, the Miami Herald/Times investigation shed light on a strategic alliance between DeSantis, the Republican Party of Florida, and hemp companies. These businesses, which already offer high-potency cannabis products to Floridians, have backed the governor's stance against Amendment 3 following his veto of a bill that aimed to restrict certain intoxicating hemp-derived items. This move not only garnered support from the hemp industry but also led to substantial political contributions to the Republican Party, marking a notable convergence of interests against marijuana legalization within the state.
The investigation further revealed concerning aspects related to the hemp products provided by these companies. Some products had THC levels exceeding the legal limit and contained unauthorized pesticides, raising questions about the quality and safety of these offerings. Despite these findings, donations from these hemp businesses, totaling over $500,000, continued to flow into political committees connected to Governor DeSantis, intensifying the battle against Amendment 3.