Florida's Amendment 3 on recreational marijuana is rejected by voters in 2024 election, CBS News projects
Amendment 3 will be rejected by Florida voters, CBS News projects, blocking the way for recreational marijuana use in the state after voters weighed in on the high-interest ballot measure in the 2024 election.
Amendment 3, which proposed the legalization of recreational marijuana use in Florida, did not receive at least 60% approval from voters and will not be added to Florida's constitution.
What is Amendment 3?
Amendment 3 was one of six proposed amendments Florida voters were weighing on the 2024 ballot. The amendment to Florida's constitution would allow adults aged 21 or older to possess, purchase and use marijuana for personal, nonmedical reasons. It would also set limits on how much individuals can legally carry: up to 85 grams of marijuana or 5 grams of marijuana concentrate.
Voter approval of the measure would mean existing medical marijuana dispensaries could sell marijuana to recreational users, and state-licensed businesses could be authorized to cultivate, process and distribute the product.
Voter rejection blocks the way for recreational marijuana use in Florida.
Floridians have butted heads about whether recreational marijuana should be allowed in the state.
Supporters of Amendment 3 argued that legalizing recreational marijuana would curb the black market and ensure that marijuana products sold are safe and regulated. They also suggested that decriminalizing it could free up law enforcement resources and reduce nonviolent drug offenses.
As of about 9 p.m., the state Division of Elections website showed that nearly 56% of Florida voters supported the proposal — not enough to meet the 60% approval threshold.
"Tonight, a strong majority of Floridians voted in support of legalizing recreational marijuana for adults. While the results of Amendment 3 did not clear the 60 percent threshold, we are eager to work with the governor and legislative leaders who agree with us on decriminalizing recreational marijuana for adults, addressing public consumption, continuing our focus on child safety, and expanding access to safe marijuana through home grow," the Smart & Safe Florida committee said in a statement.
Opponents warned that legalizing marijuana could lead to an increase in unregulated drug use, making roads less safe and negatively impacting Florida's youth. Some also raised concerns that crime rates could rise as a result of wider marijuana availability.
Gov. Ron DeSantis blitzed the state and the airwaves blasting the pot and abortion amendments. His chief of staff, James Uthmeier, chaired two committees that raised more than $30 million to fight the two proposals.
"We fought the good fight, we kept the faith, and we finished the race. Thanks to @GovRonDeSantis and our great team for everything they sacrificed over the past months to protect our great state from amendments that sought to attack our families and way of life. To other states facing these challenges — you can win, but you must fight!" Uthmeier posted on the social media platform X around 8:30 p.m.
"Even after spending over $150 million – the most in any drug legalization effort in American history – the people of Florida saw through Amendment 3's web of deception and defeated this corporate power grab," Jessica Spencer, director of advocacy for the Vote No on 3 Campaign, said in a statement.
Mark Wilson, president and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, called the proposal "bad for Florida and even worse for Floridians."
"This pro-drug amendment was bad for our kids, bad for our communities, bad for our local business, and ultimately bad for Florida. The Florida Chamber was proud to stand with Governor DeSantis to unite community and business leaders across Florida to help ensure this amendment's defeat," Wilson said in a statement.
Even if Florida legalized recreational marijuana use, it remains illegal at the federal level, which could create ongoing legal complexities.