As Florida gears up for a pivotal vote on recreational cannabis legalization this November, Governor Ron DeSantis is intensifying his campaign against Amendment 3. This time, he’s directly targeting Trulieve, the cannabis giant and the amendment’s primary financial supporter. DeSantis is attempting to counter the seemingly strong public support for recreational cannabis by introducing fresh arguments.
On Tuesday, the Anti-Amendment 3 Twitter account, which opposes the legalization of recreational cannabis, shared a video of DeSantis accusing Trulieve of seeking to establish a monopoly and benefit from a captive market. He argues that the amendment prioritizes corporate interests over individual freedom, claiming it only allows cannabis use if purchased from specific companies, preventing people from growing their own plants at home. This statement is surprising for several reasons: it misrepresents cannabis regulations in other states, many of which allow home cultivation, and it presents DeSantis as supportive of home growing – a stance that contradicts his previous positions.
While DeSantis opposes the legalization of recreational cannabis, supporting legislation that allows residents to grow their own plants could address concerns about access and the illegal market. Interestingly, DeSantis has received financial backing from hemp derivatives groups, who benefit from an unregulated environment that allows them to avoid the tax burdens and manufacturing controls imposed on the cannabis industry. This backing likely influenced his decision to veto a bill that would have outlawed hemp-based products earlier this year.
DeSantis’ comments highlight his complicated relationship with the cannabis industry. Trulieve, a major player in the Florida medical cannabis market, has invested heavily in the Smart & Safe campaign for Amendment 3. However, it is far from being a monopoly, as the governor implies. According to the most recent data from the Office of Medical Marijuana Use, Trulieve operates 22% of the state’s dispensaries, accounting for 30% of total medical marijuana sales and 10% of low-THC cannabis products. It is clear that Trulieve is not the sole cannabis business operating in Florida.
DeSantis also expressed concerns about marijuana use in public spaces, a typical regulatory concern for cannabis, similar to alcohol and tobacco. While his concerns about public use are valid, his overall approach to Amendment 3, particularly his attacks on Trulieve, seem to prioritize political strategy over a nuanced discussion about the potential benefits and risks of recreational cannabis legalization.
