Florida’s Weed Wars: Big Money Battles Against DeSantis and Anti-Cannabis Campaign

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Florida’s Weed Wars: Big Money Battles Against DeSantis and Anti-Cannabis Campaign

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As Florida voters prepare to decide on recreational marijuana legalization, the financial tug-of-war surrounding Amendment 3 has drawn national attention. Governor Ron DeSantis, backed by billionaire Citadel founder Ken Griffin, has positioned himself as a leading opponent of the amendment, which could turn Florida into one of the largest cannabis markets in the U.S. The opposition, however, is significantly outmatched financially by the cannabis industry, which has poured $153 million into securing the measure’s passage.

Financial Imbalance in Campaign Funding

The financial disparity between the pro- and anti-legalization camps is substantial. Griffin’s $12 million donation to Keep Florida Clean accounts for roughly 50% of the anti-legalization campaign’s total funds. With additional contributions from the Florida Chamber of Commerce and advocacy group Save Our Society from Drugs, the opposition has raised approximately $24 million. However, they have been heavily outspent, with the pro-legalization side amassing more than nine times this amount.

The bulk of the pro-legalization funds come from Trulieve Cannabis Corp., which alone has contributed around $145 million, or 94% of all money raised in favor of Amendment 3. Trulieve’s CEO Kim Rivers has emphasized that passing this measure is crucial for the company’s growth, with Florida accounting for two-thirds of its medical marijuana dispensaries and multiple cultivation sites.

The Economic Stakes: A Look at the Florida Cannabis Market

The economic potential of Florida’s cannabis market is a key driver for the industry’s investment in Amendment 3. According to cannabis market intelligence firm BDSA, annual weed sales in Florida could increase by 60% by 2028, reaching an estimated $4.5 billion. This growth would be fueled by Florida’s population of 23 million, plus the influx of tourists, especially in hotspots like Miami and Orlando, where demand for recreational marijuana is expected to be high.

Nationally, the U.S. cannabis industry is valued at approximately $32 billion, with projections for continued growth as more states move to legalize. If Amendment 3 passes, around 60% of the U.S. population would live in states with legal recreational marijuana, which could exert additional pressure on federal lawmakers to reevaluate marijuana’s classification as a Schedule I drug. This designation restricts access to banking and investment services, creating financial challenges for cannabis companies operating in legal states.

For companies like Trulieve, a win in Florida means not only a lucrative market expansion but also increased pressure on federal authorities to support the industry. Legal access to banking and financial services would enable companies to streamline operations, expand product lines, and attract new investors.

Polls Show Narrow Support for Amendment 3

Florida’s stringent requirement that ballot initiatives secure 60% support to pass adds pressure to the campaign. As of the latest polling from Florida Atlantic University and Mainstreet Research USA, 60% of voters support legalization, with 34% opposed and 6% undecided. This slim majority gives the pro-legalization camp reason for cautious optimism, but the final outcome remains uncertain, especially as anti-cannabis advocates continue to push for support.

High-Profile Endorsements and Celebrity Backing

In addition to financial backing, the pro-legalization campaign has secured high-profile endorsements. Donald Trump, a Florida resident, has publicly supported the amendment, signaling to conservative Floridians that recreational marijuana is in line with a pro-freedom stance. Similarly, Vice President Kamala Harris has pledged to legalize marijuana nationwide if elected, giving the pro-legalization camp a bipartisan boost.

The South Florida Teamsters union has endorsed the measure, aligning with labor’s stance on cannabis as a job creator. John Morgan, a well-known attorney who spearheaded Florida’s 2016 medical marijuana legalization campaign, has also thrown his support behind the amendment. Morgan, who refers to himself as “Pot Daddy,” has committed millions to the pro-weed campaign and continues to push the message of personal freedom and economic opportunity.

John Morgan, aka Pot DaddyPhotographer: Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP Photo

Anti-Cannabis Campaign Faces Funding Challenges

On the opposition side, efforts to generate private donations have faced obstacles. A planned fundraiser in Miami, featuring DeSantis, was scrapped due to lack of interest. As a result, DeSantis has leaned on state resources, with agencies like the Department of Transportation and the Department of Children and Families funding public service announcements highlighting the risks associated with marijuana. One ad, featuring three Florida sheriffs, warned of marijuana’s potential impact on public safety.

Even Casey DeSantis has joined the campaign, focusing on the outsized financial influence of Trulieve and other cannabis companies. She has argued that the push for legalization is not about personal freedom but rather “corporate greed.”

Social and Public Safety Concerns from the Opposition

The anti-legalization camp argues that recreational marijuana will harm Florida’s reputation and quality of life. Ken Griffin has been vocal about these concerns, emphasizing the potential impact on public safety, tourism, and youth. In an op-ed for the Miami Herald, Griffin argued that legal weed could increase violent crime and discourage family tourism due to the potential for open marijuana use in public spaces. A recent study from Maryland, where voters approved recreational marijuana in 2022, found residents divided over the social and public safety impacts of legalization, a point Griffin emphasized.

Yet, recent studies have challenged the anti-cannabis narrative. A review by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, conducted at the request of President Joe Biden, concluded that “the vast majority of individuals who use marijuana are doing so in a manner that does not lead to dangerous outcomes to themselves or others.” The agency has recommended reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III drug, akin to certain prescription drugs, a move that could enable greater research and medical applications.

What’s Next? Florida’s Decision and National Implications

If passed, Amendment 3 would mark a significant shift not only for Florida but also for the national cannabis landscape. Florida’s population, combined with the annual tourism influx, could add substantial momentum to legalization efforts across other states. For Trulieve and the broader cannabis industry, success in Florida represents a strategic foothold in one of the nation’s most populous states.

Ultimately, Florida’s decision on Tuesday could set a new benchmark in the ongoing legalization debate, determining whether the financial might of “Big Weed” can overcome conservative opposition. The stakes are high, and with millions of dollars invested on both sides, the result will be closely watched as a potential tipping point in America’s cannabis future.

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