Legalizing marijuana has become a popular thing in manystates. In this upcoming election, one of the main amendments being voted on is the legalization of marijuana in Florida.
On the ballot, Amendment 3, the Marijuana Legalization Initiative, is being voted on November 5.
In 2016 Florida voted to make medical marijuana legal. Only those coping with medical issues qualify to receive medicinal marijuana.
With the vote coming up in November for the legalization of marijuana, some people are opposed to the idea. They say it isn’t necessary and that marijuana should remain illegal in Florida.
On the other hand, some people are in favor of making marijuana legal, inserting specific stipulations with recreational marijuana. If Amendment 3 is passed, you would be able to possess up to three ounces of marijuana, and you will have to be 21 years old or older.
As of now, marijuana is still illegal in the state of Florida. For the possession of marijuana under Florida law, you could face up to a year in jail, including up to $1,000 in fines, if you don’t have a medical card.
Many residents have been sentenced to jail for possession of marijuana. But the central question is, would those who are serving time in jail for marijuana charges be cleared of all charges if this amendment were to pass? Could those who have had convictions have their records cleared?
Jacksonville attorney Andrew Bonar said in an interview with First Coast News that for those wondering if their past convictions would be cleared, there isn’t a transparent state as to whether it’s applicable.
Governor Ron DeSantis is on the team opposing making recreational marijuana legal. At a recent press conference, he shared his opinions about why he felt this wouldn’t be a great move. “I’m not for it; I don’t think it’s good to do. I don’t think we need to mess up the state,” DeSantis said, according to WFLA. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, 64% are in favor of passing this amendment, while GOP leaders, police groups and DeSantis were opposed to the amendment.
As of December 2022, there were 501 dispensaries in Florida. Due to these dispensaries being used for medicinal purposes, if the amendment is passed, everything could change. The new law would allow for medical dispensaries to sell to consumers without the need for medical cards.
In 54 days, everything could change once everyone has voted on what they feel should happen.