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A new poll released on Monday shows that a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida is supported by nearly two-thirds of the state’s voters, significantly higher than the 60% of votes needed to be passed into law. The poll from the University of North Florida’s Public Opinion Research Lab (PORL) indicates that 66% of voters support Amendment 3, a proposed constitutional amendment on the general election ballot that would legalize cannabis for all adults aged 21 and older and set the stage for regulated sales of recreational pot.
“After years of polling on marijuana in Florida, both medical and recreational, it is clear that the majority is in favor of legalization,” Dr. Michael Binder, PORL faculty director and UNF professor of political science, said in a statement on Monday. “Closing in on election day, despite some heavy campaigning, we’re seeing support for this amendment and is on track to exceed the 60% supermajority required to pass.”
The PORL poll surveyed 977 likely Florida voters about their election choices for president, U.S. senator and various policy issues including Amendment 3. Among the respondents, 66% indicated they would vote in favor of the marijuana legalization measure, 30% said they would vote against it and 4% said they did not know how they would vote.
Amendment 3 Legalizes Recreational Cannabis
If passed by Florida voters in next month’s election, Amendment 3 would legalize the possession and purchase of up to 3 ounces of marijuana and up to five grams of cannabis concentrates. The measure also allows the state’s current medical marijuana licensees to produce and sell cannabis products to adults aged 21 and up. The amendment is spearheaded by the group Smart & Safe Florida with major backing from Trulieve, the state’s largest medical marijuana provider, and other businesses in the cannabis industry.
The initiated constitutional amendment would also allow state lawmakers to approve regulations for new businesses to enter the newly legal recreational marijuana market, although the measure does not require the legislature to do so. If approved by voters, the recreational marijuana legalization amendment will take effect six months after election day.
The new poll is the latest in a series of surveys that have largely indicated increasing support for the ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida. In April, a USA Today/Ipsos poll found that 57% of voters supported Amendment 3, although a separate Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and Mainstreet Research poll released that month showed only 47% of voters backed the measure. In May, a survey conducted by Cherry Communications for the Florida Chamber of Commerce found that 58% of voters supported Amendment 3, slightly under the 60% support needed for the measure to become law. And in August, a Suffolk University/USA TODAY/WSVN-TV poll showed that the ballot measure would pass with 63% of the vote.
“This poll is another welcome reminder that Amendment 3 is expansively supported and widely seen as the best path forward for Florida,” Smart & Safe Florida spokesperson Morgan Hill said in a statement from the campaign. “Legalizing recreational adult use marijuana is good for the health, safety and individual freedom of Floridians, and we are energized to continue showing that to voters between now and Election Day.”
“}]] A University of North Florida poll released on Monday shows that 66% of the state’s voters support Amendment 3, a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana. Read More