The battle for the heart of Florida’s political landscape is taking an unexpected turn, with Governor Ron DeSantis (R) locked in a high-stakes fight against former ally Jeff Roe over the legalization of recreational marijuana. This political clash centers around Amendment 3, a ballot initiative poised to legalize cannabis in the Sunshine State and appear on the November 2024 election ballot.
Roe, a prominent GOP strategist who spearheaded the super PAC supporting DeSantis’ 2024 presidential bid, has now shifted his allegiances, championing the legalization of marijuana. This surprising move comes after former President Donald Trump, a key figure in DeSantis’ political ascent, advised Republican candidates to avoid working with Roe and his consulting firm, Axiom. The unexpected alliance of Roe and Trump against DeSantis adds a dramatic twist to this political drama.
DeSantis, a staunch conservative, has poured significant political resources into opposing Amendment 3, viewing it as a direct threat to his agenda. His opposition stems from a combination of ideological convictions and strategic calculations. The passage of Amendment 3 could potentially reshape Florida’s legal and cultural landscape, potentially eroding DeSantis’ conservative legislative achievements and challenging his political authority within the state.
The stakes are high, and the battle lines are clearly drawn. Despite DeSantis’ opposition, public support for Amendment 3 appears strong. A recent poll from the University of North Florida’s Public Opinion Research revealed that roughly two in three Florida voters intend to vote in favor of the marijuana legalization initiative. This level of support, coupled with the significant financial backing amassed by the pro-legalization campaign group Smart and Safe Florida (over $100 million, largely fueled by Trulieve Cannabis Corp.), suggests that Amendment 3 may be on a smooth path to passage.
To pass and become part of the state constitution, an amendment requires a 60% supermajority vote, as per Florida law. Even considering the poll’s margin of error, the numbers paint a clear picture – Amendment 3 has the potential to usher in a new era of cannabis legalization in Florida. Dr. Michael Binder, PORL faculty director at UNF, aptly summarizes the situation: “After years of polling on marijuana in Florida, both medical and recreational, it is clear that the majority is in favor of legalization.”
The outcome of this political showdown will have significant implications for Florida’s future. Whether DeSantis can effectively counter the growing public support for marijuana legalization, or if Amendment 3 will reshape the state’s political and social landscape, remains to be seen. The battle for Florida’s political heart continues, with the future of recreational marijuana hanging in the balance.