The battle over cannabis legalization in Florida has taken an unexpected turn, with a significant financial injection from an organization reportedly linked to Elon Musk. A political committee, Keep Florida Clean, dedicated to defeating Amendment 3, the cannabis legalization measure set to be voted on by Florida residents in the upcoming November election, has received a $500,000 donation from Faithful & Strong Policies, Inc.
This group, led by Florida attorney Scott Wagner, has been previously reported to have received a $10 million contribution from Musk, with half of that sum reportedly supporting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s presidential campaign. Keep Florida Clean, along with the Florida Freedom Fund, is chaired by James Uthmeier, DeSantis’ chief of staff and former campaign manager. The half-million dollar contribution comes just three weeks before the election, adding fuel to the already heated debate.
This move comes at a time when polls show majority support for Amendment 3, although not quite enough to meet the 60% threshold required for passing a constitutional amendment. A recent NBC 6 poll conducted from October 1-4 showed 58% voter support for the measure, falling just two points short.
While the $500,000 donation pales in comparison to the over $100 million raised by Smart & Safe Florida, the committee behind the cannabis legalization amendment, it highlights the growing financial power being wielded in the fight for and against legalization.
The vast majority of funding for Smart & Safe Florida came from Trulieve Cannabis Corp, the state’s largest medical marijuana operator. The influx of funding from Musk’s linked organization raises concerns about the potential influence of corporate interests in shaping the outcome of the vote.
DeSantis, who has been actively rallying opposition to Amendment 3, has faced criticism for his administration’s use of taxpayer funds for a public service announcement warning of impaired driving in states with legalized cannabis. In response, Trulieve filed a defamation lawsuit against the Florida Republican Party, accusing it of misleading voters about the implications of Amendment 3.
The battle over cannabis legalization in Florida is entering its final stages. With a close race and a growing number of voices weighing in on both sides, the impact of Musk’s financial involvement remains to be seen. This development adds another layer of complexity to the already multifaceted debate surrounding cannabis legalization in the state.