Mr.Tee
Former President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Florida’s Amendment 3, a ballot initiative that seeks to legalize recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and older. Trump’s support represents a significant shift from his previous stance and the more conservative view typically associated with many in the Republican Party, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Trump’s endorsement of Amendment 3, announced through Truth Social, emphasizes the need to end “needless arrests and incarcerations” for minor marijuana offenses. He expressed his intention to vote “yes” on the initiative, citing his status as a resident of Florida. Trump has also proposed rescheduling marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug, which would ease restrictions on medical research and benefit cannabis businesses by allowing them to deduct standard business expenses from their federal taxes, though it wouldn’t fully legalize these businesses under federal law.
Governor Ron DeSantis, however, has criticized Amendment 3, arguing it could lead to a decline in quality of life and the creation of a “drug cartel” backed by the state constitution. DeSantis contends that no one in Florida is currently imprisoned for simple marijuana possession and argues that legalization could lead to rampant public use, citing concerns about states like Colorado where marijuana consumption areas are not well-regulated.
Trump’s move aligns him closer with public sentiment on cannabis reform. Recent polls show that a significant portion of Americans, including a majority of Democrats, independents, and even some Republicans, support the legalization of marijuana either for recreational or medical use.
This stance also contrasts with his administration’s previous actions, such as appointing Jeff Sessions, a known opponent of cannabis legalization, as Attorney General and rescinding Obama-era policies that had allowed state-regulated cannabis markets to operate with minimal federal interference. Despite these past actions, Trump’s recent endorsement could be seen as an effort to appeal to more moderate and independent voters ahead of the 2024 election.
