In an unexpected twist this past weekend, former President Donald Trump has broken his silence on marijuana legislation during this election season. Through a recent Truth Social post, Trump signaled tentative support for Amendment 3, a ballot measure that aims to legalize marijuana for adults 21 and up in Florida.
This is the first time Trump has spoken publicly about marijuana legislation this election cycle, creating a buzz among both supporters and critics. However, his comments reveal a mix of support and misunderstanding about marijuana legalization.
Amendment 3 Florida Adult-Use Marijuana
Amendment 3 is an adult-use marijuana initiative from Smart & Safe Florida, with Trulieve—the largest medical marijuana company in Florida—as the primary donor, contributing well over $50 million.
If passed, this amendment would permit adults aged 21 and older to possess, purchase, and use marijuana and related accessories for personal, non-medical purposes. The state Supreme Court authorized the measure to appear on the 2024 ballot after much debate.
Public opinion polls indicate strong support for Amendment 3 among Florida voters, even those who may not support Trump. This bipartisan support underscores the shifting attitudes toward marijuana legalization across the United States.
The Benefits of Legalization
Legalizing marijuana can provide significant economic benefits. States that have already legalized marijuana have seen substantial revenue increases from taxes on marijuana sales. Florida could potentially follow suit if passed in November, using the extra income to fund public services like education and healthcare.
Decriminalizing marijuana would lead to fewer arrests for possession, thereby reducing the strain on the criminal justice system. Trump touched on this point, stating that criminalizing marijuana wastes taxpayer dollars and ruins lives. Fewer arrests mean less money spent on incarceration and court proceedings, freeing up resources for more pressing issues.
Legal marijuana could also mean a more controlled and safer product. The move could reduce the risks associated with unregulated marijuana, which goes through no testing—leaving many questioning what’s actually in their cannabis.
Trump Endorsement of Florida Adult-Use Marijuana?
For years, Trump has avoided taking a definitive stance on marijuana. Yet, he now acknowledges the inevitability of Amendment 3 passing, reflecting growing public support for marijuana legalization nationwide. “Whether people like it or not, this will happen through the approval of the Voters, so it should be done correctly,” Trump stated.
Although Trump didn’t explicitly endorse full legalization, his message suggests he supports decriminalizing the substance. This position puts him at odds with prominent Republicans like Governor Ron DeSantis and the rest of the GOP in Florida, who have been vocal in their opposition. It’s a nuanced stance designed to appeal to a broader base without fully committing to the legalization movement.
While some Republicans, like Governor DeSantis, are staunchly opposed to Amendment 3 and billionaire Ken Griffin has donated $12 million to oppose it, others within the party have shown support. State Senator Joe Gruters, for instance, has voiced his backing for the measure, emphasizing individual freedom and economic growth.
Trump’s Misunderstandings of Marijuana Legalization
Despite Trump’s tentative support of Florida’s adult-use marijuana intitative, his message revealed some misunderstandings. He cited concerns about the smell of marijuana permeating public spaces and linked legalization to the reduction of fentanyl-laced marijuana—a connection that experts say lacks substantial evidence.
Trump urged state legislators to create laws preventing public use of marijuana to avoid “so we do not smell marijuana everywhere we go, like we do in many of the Democrat-run cities.” While some might not like the smell of marijuana, there are far worse and more harmful odors people encounter. Plus, the cannabis industry has made waves in air filtration innovation, and in many cases, the scent is now hard to detect outside of indoor grows.
The former president’s concerns about fentanyl-laced marijuana are largely unfounded. There is little evidence to support the notion that marijuana is commonly laced with fentanyl.
A Potential Game Changer?
Trump’s nuanced stance on marijuana could influence the broader political landscape. His position might encourage other Republicans to reconsider their opposition to marijuana legalization, particularly as public support continues to grow.
With a majority of Americans supporting marijuana legalization, politicians who align their policies with public sentiment may gain an edge in future elections. Trump’s statement could serve as a catalyst for more Republicans to back marijuana reform, aligning their platforms with the views of their constituents.
Last week, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced the postponement of the upcoming rescheduling process to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III until after the presidential election. This decision raised questions about the potential implications if Donald Trump were to secure a second term, suggesting that the rescheduling could face further delays.
Given the recent support for Florida’s Amendment 3, Trump may choose to let the people decide, reflecting his previously stated approach for the state. This raises speculation regarding whether his stance reflects genuine support for marijuana reform or merely a strategic move to attract votes from a growing base of pro-legalization advocates. Only time will tell how these dynamics will unfold as the election approaches.
Donald Trump’s unexpected support for Amendment 3 marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over marijuana legalization in Florida. While his comments reveal some misunderstandings, they also highlight the growing acceptance of marijuana reform among politicians and the public alike. Whether Amendment 3 passes or not, its presence on the ballot reflects changing attitudes toward marijuana and the growing recognition of its potential benefits.
