Miami Herald Endorses Florida Cannabis Legalization, Highlights Failed Drug War, Revenue Potential

The Miami Herald, one of Florida’s oldest newspapers and recipient of 24 Pulitzer Prizes endorsed the state's cannabis legalization initiative, known as Amendment 3, which will go before voters on Nov. 5.

"For more than half a century, America has been fighting a war on drugs that most people agree has failed. It focused too often on street arrests of young people of color who spent years in prison for small amounts of marijuana while violent cartels bringing in opioids, cocaine and fentanyl – among the most dangerous drugs – continued doing business," wrote the newspaper's editorial board on Tuesday.

"Now Floridians have a chance to help police direct their resources to where they will matter more – to combat killer drugs – and allow the legal use of marijuana products for adults 21 and older. This can be done with proper monitoring, just as the state oversees the sale of alcohol and tobacco products."

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Founded in 1903 by Frank B. Stoneman, the father of journalist and women’s suffrage advocate Marjory Stoneman Douglas, the newspaper pointed to the economic potential of legalization, citing the Florida Financial Impact Estimating Conference, which predicts the state could generate $200 million in sales tax revenue in the first year rising to $431 million annually.

"That money could be used for whatever the Florida legislature determines is appropriate. One priority, though, must be an education campaign to ensure that minors do not use marijuana."

The Legislature, notes the endorsement, should consider excise taxes on marijuana, similar to those imposed on alcohol and tobacco, to further regulate the industry.

The Miami Herald acknowledged concerns that have been raised by opponents. For instance, critics says the amendment gives existing medical marijuana companies such as Trulieve Cannabis Corp. TCNNF significant control over the market. Critics also note that the amendment does not explicitly allow home-growing, though the Miami Herald points out that “constitutional scholars counter that the legislature can allow people to grow their own plants and the state can set limits."

On other fronts, Amendment 3 offers legal protections for recreational users similar to those for medical marijuana users and state laws would continue to address driving under the influence and public consumption.

In the end, "The Miami Herald Editorial Board recommends voting YES on Amendment 3 for the safe and regulated use of recreational marijuana for adults."

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