The July 11, 2024 cover of Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. Credit: Design by Joe Frontel

This is the recreational weed amendment, but don’t be fooled by the “big weed” ads circulating online and on TV.

Despite the GOP’s efforts to snuff Amendment 3 out, even home growers and shops who would be excluded from selling marijuana recreationally—including Tampa legend Joe Redner—support this bill saying we need to open the door.

“It’s not the government’s business,” Redner told CL over the summer.

See all of CL’s ballot recommendations on our 2024 general election landing page.

Carlos Hermida—Founder of Chillum Mushroom and Hemp and the and the Florida Cannabis Coalition—said that complaining about the imperfections of the amendment takes away from the real issue of legislators actually being able to implement Amendment 3 should it pass. He believes the industry will be under attack since Gov. Ron DeSantis has urged lawmakers to revisit vetoed legislation that would’ve taken away his livelihood.

“As much as my financial interests might be to vote no on three. I am actually for Amendment 3… my business interests are my business interests, but I need to be able to sleep at the end of the day,” Hermida added.

While the potential tax windfall remains to be seen, more important is that way too many people have unnecessarily ended up in jail over pot. This bill allows for the possession of up to 3-oz. of flower and up to 5-grams of cannabis concentrate.

Light it up, read the full ballot language below, then vote “Yes” on Florida’a Amendment 3 about the adult use of marijuana.

No. 3 Constitutional Amendment Article X, Section 29

Adult Personal Use of Marijuana

Allows adults 21 years or older to possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical personal consumption by smoking, ingestion, or otherwise; allows Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers, and other state licensed entities, to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell, and distribute such products and accessories. Applies to Florida law; does not change, or immunize violations of, federal law. Establishes possession limits for personal use. Allows consistent legislation. Defines terms. Provides effective date.

The amendment’s financial impact primarily comes from expected sales tax collections. If legal today, sales of non-medical marijuana would be subject to sales tax and would remain so if voters approve this amendment. Based on other states’ experiences, expected retail sales of non-medical marijuana would generate at least $195.6 million annually in state and local sales tax revenues once the retail market is fully operational, although the timing of this occurring is unclear. Under current law, the existing statutory framework for medical marijuana is repealed six months after the effective date of this amendment which affects how this amendment will be implemented. A new regulatory structure for both medical and nonmedical use of marijuana will be needed. Its design cannot be fully known until the legislature acts; however, regulatory costs will probably be offset by regulatory fees. Other potential costs and savings cannot be predicted. THIS PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT IS ESTIMATED TO HAVE A NET POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE STATE BUDGET. THIS IMPACT MAY RESULT IN GENERATING ADDITIONAL REVENUE OR AN INCREASE IN GOVERNMENT SERVICES.

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This article appears in Oct 17-23, 2024.