In a surprising turn of events, former President Donald Trump has endorsed Florida’s proposed constitutional amendment to legalize recreational marijuana. During an interview on the Lex Fridman Podcast, Trump discussed his rationale for this endorsement, focusing on the need for a controlled and safe system for cannabis use.
Trump began by praising the benefits of medical marijuana, which has been legal in Florida since 2016. “I’ve had friends and I’ve had others and doctors telling me that it’s been absolutely amazing, the medical marijuana,” he stated. He then outlined his vision for a legalized marijuana program, emphasizing the importance of age restrictions, a strong regulatory framework, and controlled public use.
Trump expressed concern over the current marijuana program in New York, citing excessive public marijuana odors as an example of what to avoid. “You gotta have a system where there’s control,” he said. His statement echoes the sentiment of Florida Republican state Sen. Joe Gruters, a Trump ally, who also advocates for regulating public marijuana use if the initiative passes.
While acknowledging the potential for public opposition, Trump expressed confidence in the initiative’s success, referencing positive polling numbers. “You take a look at the numbers, it’s been very hard to beat it,” he said, referring to the growing support for marijuana legalization among both Democrats and Republicans.
Trump’s endorsement, however, has come with conditions that could shape the future of cannabis regulation in Florida. His focus on a controlled and safe environment, combined with his opposition to public marijuana use, suggests a potential for a more restrictive approach to legalization than other states.
The impact of Trump’s endorsement on the outcome of the Florida marijuana initiative remains to be seen. However, it has undoubtedly sparked a new conversation on the future of cannabis policy, particularly in a state with a Republican-controlled legislature.
It’s important to note that the initiative is still subject to a public vote in the 2024 election, and its fate will ultimately depend on the opinions of Florida voters. The upcoming campaign will likely see vigorous debate about the best path forward for legalizing recreational marijuana in the state, with Trump’s endorsement adding another layer of complexity to the conversation.
