For Immediate Release: October 17, 2024
BREAKING: Florida House Democratic Caucus Endorses Amendment 3
Support from House Dems underscores bipartisan push behind legalizing recreational adult use marijuana
(Tallahassee, FL) – Today, Florida House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell (D-District 67) and the Florida House Democratic Caucus announced their support for Amendment 3 on the November ballot, providing another example of the bipartisan momentum behind legalizing recreational adult use marijuana in Florida.
Florida House Democrats join a large and growing coalition behind Amendment 3 – a group that includes former President Donald Trump, Republican State Sen. Joe Gruters, the Florida Senate Democrats and Democratic State Sen. Shev Jones, Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith, Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young, the Libertarian Party of Florida, ACLU of Florida, SEIU Florida, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, and the Editorial Boards for the Miami Herald, Tampa Bay Times, Orlando Sentinel, South Florida Sun Sentinel and Palm Beach Post, among many others. All agree that the legalization of recreational adult use marijuana is the best path forward for Florida as means to a safer, freer and more equitable state.
“The legalization of cannabis presents myriad social, public health and economic benefits,” said Rep. Driskell. “This amendment really presents a choice for voters between freedom and safety versus dangerous products and unnecessary arrests. You hear our caucus say often that our vision of Florida is one where every Floridian has the freedom to be healthy, prosperous and safe, and passing this ballot initiative will get us closer to making that vision a reality. That’s why I am proud to endorse Amendment 3 this fall.”
“Amendment 3 will bring an end to adults being arrested and criminally prosecuted for simple possession of marijuana in small quantities,” said Rep. Yvonne Hayes Hinson (D-District 21). “Voting yes will end the unjust prohibition of marijuana that disproportionately affects people of color. Black Americans are four times more likely than white Americans to be arrested for marijuana possession despite similar rates of consumption.”
“As a mental health therapist, I have seen how in Florida, for years, many individuals have turned to black market cannabis to self-medicate, often unknowingly using products laced with dangerous enhancers like fentanyl, ketamine and other harmful substances,” said Rep. Daryl Campbell (D-District-99). “Amendment 3 will reduce reliance on dangerous cartel funded black markets, which continue to put lives at risk. It’s not just about cannabis. It’s about creating a healthier, safer Florida for everyone.”
“The endorsement of the Florida House Democratic Caucus illustrates the sustained momentum on both sides of the aisle for Amendment 3,” said Morgan Hill, Smart & Safe Florida spokesperson. “Florida House Democrats understand that legalizing recreational marijuana for adults in Florida means reducing the burden of needless arrests on vulnerable communities and generating billions in revenue to be invested in schools and other essential public services.”
For more information about Smart & Safe Florida and the campaign to legalize adult use recreational marijuana in Florida, please visit www.smartandsafeflorida.com.
