This weekend, via his social media platform Truth Social, Trump declared that he will vote YES on Amendment 3 in Florida on the upcoming ballot, which aims to legalize recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and over.
Additionally, he expressed his intention to continue the current process of rescheduling marijuana under federal law if re-elected as President. Is this just pandering for votes as the election approaches, or is this a sincere effort to further marijuana reform?
What is Amendment 3?
Amendment 3 is a ballot measure that, if passed, will allow residents of Florida aged 21 and over to possess, buy, and consume marijuana recreationally. While medical marijuana is already legal in the state, this amendment seeks to extend that legality to recreational use. The amendment has garnered substantial support, particularly from large medical marijuana companies like Trulieve, which stands to benefit significantly if the measure passes.
Why Trump Says He Supports Florida’s Amendment 3
In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasized the need to end unnecessary arrests and incarcerations for small amounts of marijuana, noting that this stems from his previous post last month where he stated he would back Amendment 3 if “done correctly.”
He pointed out that the current legal framework wastes taxpayer dollars and ruins lives over something that is becoming increasingly accepted across the country. Trump stated, “We must also implement smart regulations, while providing access for adults to safe, tested products.”
By supporting Amendment 3, Trump aligns himself with the growing public sentiment for marijuana reform. He believes that this measure will provide Floridians with the freedom to make their own choices while ensuring that the products they consume are regulated and safe.
Possible Benefits of Amendment 3 If Passed
Legalizing recreational marijuana can lead to significant economic benefits. Obviously, besides legally allowing adult use for those 21 and older, advancing cannabis reform. It will likely result in increased tax revenue, job creation, and business opportunities. States that have already legalized recreational marijuana have seen substantial financial gains, and Florida could experience similar benefits.
Passing Amendment 3 in Florida will reduce the burden on law enforcement agencies. Fewer arrests for minor marijuana offenses will allow police to focus on more serious crimes, ultimately leading to a more efficient use of resources.
By regulating the marijuana market, Amendment 3 ensures that consumers receive safe and tested products. Buying cannabis from unregulated sources leaves you unsure of what it may have been sprayed or mixed with before reaching you.
Where Amendment 3 Falls Short
While Amendment 3 offers potential benefits, it also has its limitations. It’s important to recognize that Florida’s single-subject rule for legislative amendments requires each proposed measure to focus on just one subject at a time. This restriction excludes many significant elements present in cannabis reform measures seen from other states.
There are no current provisions in Florida for cannabis social equity, such as expunging past cannabis-related convictions. This means that individuals who were previously convicted for actions that will become legal under the amendment will still carry the burden of their criminal records.
Additionally, cultivating your own cannabis at home will still be deemed illegal even though passing Amendment 3 will make cannabis possession legal. This restriction limits the ability of Floridians to grow their own plants, a common provision included in several other states’ adult-use legalization measures.
Furthermore, due to the single-subject rule, the amendment does not permit new licenses for marijuana businesses. Instead, it only allows existing medical marijuana companies to transition into the recreational market. This lack of new licenses could stifle competition and maintain the dominance of large corporations like Trulieve.
The support of large medical marijuana companies, particularly Trulieve, has been instrumental in pushing Amendment 3 forward in Florida. Trulieve has contributed significant funds to the campaign, recognizing the potential for substantial financial gains in their favor if the measure passes.
Trump Says He’ll Continue Federal Rescheduling
Trump’s support for rescheduling marijuana under federal law adds another layer to the discussion, which is still in the works. Many have wondered what Trump’s position on this process would be, especially after the DEA announced it would continue until after the election.
“As President, we will continue to focus on research to unlock the medical uses of marijuana as a Schedule 3 drug, and work with Congress to pass common-sense laws, including safe banking for state-authorized companies and supporting states’ rights to pass marijuana laws, like in Florida, that work so well for their citizens.” said via Truth Social.
It’s kind of ironic that Trump claims Amendment 3 works for the citizens of Florida, but as we mentioned earlier, aside from allowing anyone 21+ to purchase cannabis, the amendment does little more than benefit large MSOs without genuinely helping the citizens.
The current classification of marijuana as a Schedule I drug places it alongside substances like heroin and LSD, which have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III would acknowledge its medical benefits and reduce some of the legal barriers surrounding its use and research.
One of the significant challenges facing the cannabis industry is the lack of access to banking services. Federal rescheduling could pave the way for new regulations that allow state-authorized cannabis businesses to access banking services safely. This would alleviate the current reliance on cash transactions and improve financial security for these businesses.
Rescheduling marijuana will also facilitate further research into its medical uses. By reducing the restrictions on studying marijuana, researchers can explore its potential benefits and develop new treatments for various medical conditions.
Pandering? Or Effort To Advance Cannabis Reform?
Trump’s support for Amendment 3 and federal rescheduling puts him at odds with some fellow Republicans, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the GOP in Florida, who have come out against Amendment 3. This divergence highlights the evolving nature of marijuana policy within the Republican Party.
While some Republicans continue to oppose legalization, others, including Trump, appear to acknowledge the changing public sentiment and the potential advantages of reform. However, as is often the case with politicians during election season, one must ask: is this merely a strategy to attract undecided voters, or is it a genuine attempt to promote sensible cannabis reform?
I guess we’ll have to see how the election plays out. If Harris wins, will she continue to advance the scheduling process that Biden initiated under his administration? If Trump is reelected, will he follow through on his promises?
