Weed Wins Votes: Trump Backs Florida’s Push for Legalization
Marijuana legalization is something on everyone’s mind, though Florida may be the most focused on the issue with the upcoming vote to legalize it in November. The funny thing is that former President Donald Trump is now officially supporting Amendment 3 in Florida, the measure that could make recreational cannabis legal for adults in the Sunshine State.
The Road So Far
In a now-deleted Truth Social post, Trump didn’t mince words, predicting Amendment 3’s success at the polls this November and stating that “someone should not be a criminal in Florida, when this is legal in so many other States.” During a recent podcast, he doubled down, calling medical marijuana “amazing” and emphasizing the need for smart, responsible recreational cannabis laws.
Trump, now a Florida resident, is positioning himself as a proponent of cannabis reform but also subtly calling out current Governor Ron DeSantis, who has been notably quieter on the issue lately. While DeSantis has supported the state’s medical marijuana program, he’s previously been against legalizing cannabis for recreational use, mainly over concerns about the smell and the potential impact it would have on public safety in a place that already feels like the Wild West.
Trump, however, is making it clear that the tides are shifting, saying recreational weed will happen “whether people like it or not.”
This is an interesting move, especially considering Trump’s 2024 presidential opponent, Kamala Harris, is also on board with cannabis reform. Harris has supported the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act and championed efforts to reclassify cannabis at the federal level. Though neither candidate was really on board with weed until the states started working for it.
However, it positions both major 2024 presidential candidates as proponents of cannabis reform. With both candidates backing marijuana legalization in some capacity, it’s clear this is becoming a hot-button issue, as it always does during presidential campaigns. Weed seems to get everyone talking when votes are on the line, especially in swing states like Florida, where every vote counts.
With Trump and Harris both showing support for reform, the debate is shifting from whether cannabis should be legalized to how best to regulate it. This is partly why Trump also made sure to call for legislation to prevent public use, pointing to issues seen in “many of the Democrat-run cities” and stressing that Florida needs to “do it right.”
State Senator Joe Gruters, a backer of Amendment 3, echoed Trump’s call for responsible laws. Gruters has already introduced a bill to restrict public consumption, aligning with Trump’s vision of keeping marijuana use primarily at home. With both Trump and Gruters on board, the campaign for recreational cannabis in Florida is gaining momentum, for obvious reasons.
But here’s the thing—while the candidates might be saying what they think will win them votes, Florida voters need to stay sharp. Both major presidential hopefuls are eyeing cannabis reform, but when it comes down to it, ask yourself what’s truly best for the state. Keep your eyes open as the election approaches, because in a swing state like Florida, promises and policies can quickly shift gears.
With Trump’s backing and strong public support, Amendment 3 could pass, but the real question is: what happens next?
