Florida's Cannabis Amendment: Record Spending, Unlikely Alliances, And Criticism From The Catholic Church

Florida is running the two most expensive ballot initiatives in the United States, actually in the history of political amendments. Campaigns to legalize recreational marijuana and expand abortion access have collectively raised more than $178 million since mid-2022.  

This record-breaking sum far outpaces the opposition, which has raised over $25 million. For every dollar contributed against these measures, seven dollars have flowed in from supporters, according to OpenSecrets.

Amendment 3, the cannabis legalization initiative, is at the forefront in terms of spending—having reported more than $90 million as of late September, with medical marijuana giant Trulieve Cannabis Corp. TCNNF contributing the bulk of it. The measure needs 60% of the vote to pass, and a new poll from Mason-Dixon for NBC6 and Telemundo 51 shows it stands to do that.

Strange Bedfellows

Florida's marijuana legalization campaign has also created unexpected political divides, mostly between Governor Ron DeSantis, who is leading efforts to defeat the measure, and former President Donald Trump, who came out in support of the measure in late August. He even appeared recently in a "yes to Amendment 3 ad."

Despite the Florida Democratic Party's official support for the legalization amendment, prominent Democrat Donna Shalala, former Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Bill Clinton, opposes it, citing high potency and addiction fears in a recent Miami Herald opinion piece.

Read Also: Donald Trump Appears In Florida Cannabis Legalization Campaign Ad, Discussing His Support For Legal Marijuana

Catholic Bishops Speak

Meanwhile, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB), has been vocal in urging voters to reject the amendment. In a public statement, the FCCB warned of the potential dangers of legalizing marijuana.

"Legalizing marijuana makes it more accessible, removes the criminal penalties and stigma attributable to it, and creates the impression that it is safe to use," the bishops argued. They also expressed concern over today’s marijuana products, which contain higher levels of THC than in the past, potentially leading to greater impairment.

The Catholic leaders referenced Pope Francis' opposition to drug use, quoting him as calling drugs "evil" and advocating "no to every type of drug use." Despite their opposition, the bishops have not financially contributed to the anti-legalization campaign.

Now Read:

• Florida Sheriff Backs Cannabis Legalization Amendment: ‘I’m A Conservative With Strong Faith And Family Values‘

Photo: Shutterstock