For Immediate Release: October 15, 2024
ICYMI: Support Continues to Pour in for Amendment 3
Endorsements from Miami-Dade Mayor, Palm Beach Post Editorial Board, others underscore massive support behind legalizing adult use recreational marijuana
(Orlando, FL) – In case you missed it over the weekend, support continued to pour in for Amendment 3 on the November ballot, legalizing adult use recreational marijuana in Florida. Endorsements from Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, the Palm Beach Post Editorial Board, former U.S. Congressman Joe Garcia and former Jacksonville Sheriff Nat Glover further highlighted that Amendment 3 is universally backed and widely seen as the best path forward for the state.
Mayor Levine Cava outlined her support for Amendment 3 in an op-ed for the Miami Herald, noting she agrees with the Governor on one key policy point: “Nobody should go to jail for smoking a joint.” In a time of division, she is encouraging voters to band together behind a policy that is widely supported by voices across the political spectrum.
“Amendment 3 has truly brought political forces together as both presidential candidates have said the measure should pass. I trust voters will make an informed decision about a key policy. I felt it was vital to speak out because of the efforts to mislead the public,” wrote Mayor Levine Cava. “I ask that each of you ignore extremist propaganda and the misuse of tax dollars to misinform voters, and join sheriffs, leaders from both political parties and most importantly, the hundreds of thousands of voters who signed a petition to place this on the ballot, and support the passage of Amendment 3.”
You can read the entirety of Mayor Levine Cava’s endorsement in the Miami Herald HERE.
The Palm Beach Post Editorial board became the fifth major editorial board from across the state to endorse a yes vote on Amendment 3, joining the Editorial Boards for the Miami Herald, Orlando Sentinel, South Florida Sun Sentinel and the Tampa Bay Times. They are endorsing Amendment 3 as a means to free up resources and garner untapped tax dollars for Florida’s schools, police and public services.
“The typical tough-on-crime mantra has only made matters worse, when it comes to cannabis.” wrote the Palm Beach Post Editorial Board.
You can read the entirety of the Palm Beach Post Editorial Board’s endorsement HERE.
Rep. Garcia, former U.S. Representative for Florida’s 26th Congressional District, is advocating for Amendment 3 because he knows that antiquated marijuana laws are leading to the detriment of Floridians, holding the state back while 24 states and Washington, D.C., already enjoy the freedom to access safe, tested marijuana.
“I believe this measure is not just a step forward but a necessary one for the well-being of our communities,” wrote Rep. Garcia. “… Amendment 3 is not just about legalizing marijuana; it’s about adopting a sensible, evidence-based approach to drug policy. It’s about reducing harm, supporting public health and ensuring that our laws reflect the realities of modern science and society. I urge my fellow Floridians to vote in favor of Amendment 3 this November.”
You can read the entirety of Former Rep. Garcia’s endorsement in the Miami Herald HERE.
Sheriff Glover, who served as a pioneering Jacksonville Sheriff from 1995 to 2003, knows first-hand that legalizing adult use recreational marijuana will end the cycle of needless arrests and free up more time and resources for Florida police to focus on violent crime.
“If Amendment 3 passes, it will make sure people are not jailed for small amounts of marijuana. I also believe that if Amendment 3 becomes law, we have the real possibility of clearing the criminal records of those previously convicted of small possession of marijuana,” said Sheriff Glover. “As a former sheriff, I have seen too many lives ruined by arrests and incarceration for small amounts of marijuana. If Amendment 3 were to pass, it will allow law enforcement to focus more on violent crime and those areas truly dangerous to our communities.”
You can read more about Sheriff Glover’s endorsement HERE.
These endorsements add to a growing coalition behind passing Amendment 3, including local leaders and advocates from across the state and political spectrum. The endorsements join that of the Editorial Boards for the Miami Herald, Orlando Sentinel, South Florida Sun Sentinel and the Tampa Bay Times, ACLU of Florida, SEIU Florida, Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, the Florida Democratic Party, former President Donald Trump, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, Democratic Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young, Republican Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith, Republican State Sen. Joe Gruters, Democratic State Sen. Shev Jones, the Libertarian Party of Florida and many more.
“We are incredibly honored to have the support of Mayor Levine Cava, the Palm Beach Post Editorial Board, Rep. Garcia and Sheriff Glover – all continued signs that passing Amendment 3 is the best path forward for Florida,” said Morgan Hill, spokesperson for Smart & Safe Florida. “We’re all saying the same thing: It’s time for Florida to move forward, not remain stuck in the past, and create a safer, freer state for all.”
For more information about Smart & Safe Florida and the campaign to legalize adult use marijuana in Florida, please visit www.smartandsafeflorida.com
