Malcolm Rivera
Florida Amendment 3, also known as the Marijuana Legalization Initiative, is a citizen-initiated ballot measure that seeks to legalise the adult use of marijuana for recreational purposes. The amendment will appear on the November 2024 ballot in Florida and, if passed, would allow adults aged 21 and over to possess, purchase, or use a limited amount of marijuana. This move towards legalisation has been supported by the ACLU of Florida and various editorial boards, who argue that the current system is ineffective, destructive, and racially biased. To pass, the amendment requires 60% of voters to vote 'yes'.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Florida Amendment 3, Marijuana Legalization Initiative |
| Year | 2024 |
| Sponsors | 1,033,770 valid signatures |
| Qualification for ballot | 6 June 2023 |
| Ballot designation | Assigned on 26 January 2024 |
| Qualification for state supreme court review | 25% of the total required signatures collected by 6 April 2023 |
| Supported by | ACLU of Florida |
| Purpose | To allow adults 21 years and older to possess, purchase, or use a limited amount of marijuana |
| Minimum approval required | 60% supermajority vote |
| Impact | The amendment is expected to generate at least $195.6 million annually in state and local sales tax revenues |
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What You'll Learn
Marijuana legalisation for adults over 21
Marijuana legalization has been a topic of debate in Florida for several years, with various ballot initiatives and amendments proposed to change the state's laws regarding the drug. In 2024, Florida Amendment 3, also known as the "Adult Personal Use of Marijuana" amendment, was put before voters as a citizen-initiated ballot measure.
This amendment sought to legalize the personal use of marijuana for adults aged 21 and older, allowing individuals to possess, purchase, or use a limited amount of marijuana for recreational purposes. Specifically, adults would be permitted to possess up to three ounces of marijuana, and the amendment would also allow Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers and other state-licensed entities to cultivate, process, and sell marijuana products and accessories.
The push for marijuana legalization in Florida was driven by several factors. One key argument was the racial bias in the enforcement of marijuana laws, with Black Americans being disproportionately arrested and charged for marijuana possession, which has had a negative impact on Black communities in the state. Additionally, there were economic and public safety arguments in favor of legalization, with the potential for tax revenue from marijuana sales and the argument that regulating the drug could make it safer for consumers.
The 2024 Florida Amendment 3 required a supermajority of 60% of voters to vote in favor for it to pass. This high threshold was a significant hurdle, and the amendment faced opposition from some quarters, including Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, who argued that the ballot summary was misleading and that the amendment failed to meet certain legal requirements. Despite these challenges, the amendment ultimately received enough signatures to qualify for the ballot, and voters had the final say on the matter in the 2024 election.
While the specific outcomes and impacts of Florida Amendment 3 are yet to be fully realized or analyzed, it represents a significant step in the ongoing effort to legalize marijuana for adults over 21 in the state. The amendment process showcases the power of citizen-led initiatives and the potential for direct democracy to shape state-level policies.
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ACLU of Florida's support for Amendment 3
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida has endorsed a 'yes' vote on Amendment 3, which will be on the November 2024 ballot. Amendment 3, titled "Adult Personal Use of Marijuana", is a citizen-initiated ballot initiative that would allow Floridians aged 21 and over to possess, purchase, or use small amounts of marijuana for recreational use.
The ACLU of Florida maintains that Amendment 3 will significantly impact the freedom and liberty of Floridians. The organization highlights the racial justice implications of the amendment, citing a 2020 ACLU report that found Black Americans are almost four times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than white Americans, despite equal reported use rates. The report also found that once arrested, Black Floridians are disproportionately impacted at every stage of the criminal legal system. The ACLU of Florida asserts that the passage of Amendment 3 would ensure that state resources and taxpayer dollars are spent on improving the lives of Floridians, rather than on the negative consequences of marijuana criminalization, such as incarceration.
Amendment 3 has gained broad support from various organizations and leaders across the state, including the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Florida, Broward County State Attorney Harold Pryor, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, and Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young, among others.
To pass, Amendment 3 requires 60% of voters to vote 'yes'.
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Florida Supreme Court's approval for the ballot
Florida Amendment 3, also known as the Marijuana Legalization Initiative, is a citizen-initiated ballot measure that will be voted on in the November 2024 elections. The amendment seeks to legalise the personal use of marijuana for adults 21 years and older, allowing them to possess, purchase, or use small amounts of marijuana for recreational purposes.
The process for getting an initiative on the ballot in Florida involves gathering a significant number of signatures. For a constitutional amendment, the number of signatures required is equal to 8% of the votes cast in the previous presidential election, with at least half of the signatures coming from 14 of the state's 28 congressional districts. In the case of Amendment 3, sponsors submitted 1,033,770 valid signatures, which qualified the measure for a state supreme court review.
On May 15, 2023, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody petitioned the Florida Supreme Court for an advisory opinion on several matters, including the measure's compliance with the single-subject rule, the appropriateness of the title and summary, and its validity under the United States Constitution. Moody expressed her belief that the amendment failed to meet the requirements and that the ballot summary was misleading.
Despite Moody's objections, the Florida Supreme Court approved Amendment 3 for the ballot on April 1, 2024. The court's decision was celebrated by Smart & Safe Florida, the group leading the campaign for the amendment. They applauded the ruling as a "big win for liberty and cannabis advocates," empowering adults to make their own choices regarding cannabis consumption.
To become law, Amendment 3 will require the approval of at least 60% of voters in the November 2024 election. This high threshold ensures that any approved amendments become a permanent part of Florida's constitution, unable to be superseded by legislative acts. The ACLU of Florida has endorsed Amendment 3, citing its potential to positively impact the freedom and liberty of Floridians, especially in the context of racial disparities in marijuana-related arrests.
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Expected sales tax collections
Florida Amendment 3, a proposed constitutional amendment to the Florida Constitution, would have legalised the possession, purchase, and recreational use of cannabis for adults 21 years or older. The amendment was subject to a direct voter referendum on November 5, 2024, and while it achieved a majority of 56% support among voters, it failed to reach the required 60% supermajority for adoption.
The financial impact of the amendment would have primarily come from expected sales tax collections on non-medical marijuana sales, which would be subject to sales tax if the amendment was approved. Based on the experiences of other states, the expected retail sales of non-medical marijuana were projected to generate at least $195.6 million annually in state and local sales tax revenues once the retail market is fully operational. However, the timing of this full operationality is uncertain.
The existing statutory framework for medical marijuana would be repealed six months after the effective date of the amendment, necessitating a new regulatory structure for both medical and non-medical marijuana use. While regulatory costs would likely be offset by regulatory fees, the overall impact on state and local government revenues is estimated to be a loss. For instance, the approval of Amendment 3 was projected to cost the state and local governments approximately $85.9 million in lost revenue for fiscal 2023-24, increasing to $96 million in fiscal 2026-27.
In summary, while the legalisation of recreational marijuana in Florida was expected to generate significant sales tax revenues, there were also projected to be regulatory costs and losses in revenue for state and local governments. The amendment's failure to pass means that these financial impacts will not be realised, at least in the short term.
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Reduced racial bias in the justice system
Florida Amendment 3, also known as the ""Adult Personal Use of Marijuana" amendment, is a citizen-initiated ballot initiative that aims to reduce racial bias in the state's justice system. The amendment, which will be on the ballot in November 2024, proposes to legalize the possession, purchase, and use of limited amounts of marijuana for adults 21 years or older.
The push for this amendment stems from the recognition that the current approach to marijuana possession in Florida is "ineffective, destructive, and racially biased." According to a 2020 ACLU report, Black Americans are almost four times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than white individuals, despite equal usage rates. This disparity has a significant impact on Black communities in Florida, as arrests and felony charges can lead to disenfranchisement and further negative consequences.
By legalizing marijuana for adult personal use, Amendment 3 has the potential to reduce racial bias in the justice system by decreasing the number of arrests and criminal charges related to marijuana possession. This would mean fewer people, especially from minority communities, entangled in the criminal justice system due to low-level marijuana possession.
Additionally, the economic impact of Amendment 3 is expected to be positive. The legalization of marijuana is anticipated to generate significant tax revenue for the state and local governments, which can be used to improve the lives of Floridians. The tax revenue generated from marijuana sales is estimated to be at least $195.6 million annually once the retail market is fully operational.
While the amendment focuses on adult personal use, it also addresses the medical use of marijuana. The amendment will allow Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers and other state-licensed entities to cultivate, process, manufacture, and distribute marijuana products and accessories. This aspect of the amendment ensures a consistent and regulated supply of marijuana for medical purposes.
In conclusion, Florida Amendment 3 has the potential to significantly reduce racial bias in the justice system by removing the criminal element associated with low-level marijuana possession, which has disproportionately affected Black communities. The amendment also carries economic benefits and ensures a regulated supply of marijuana for medical use.
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Frequently asked questions
Amendment 3, titled "Adult Personal Use of Marijuana", is a citizen-initiated ballot initiative that would legalise the use of marijuana for adults over the age of 21 for recreational purposes.
Amendment 3 will be on the ballot in Florida in November 2024.
Amendment 3 requires 60% of voters to vote 'yes' in order for it to pass.
The ACLU of Florida argues that Amendment 3 will positively impact the freedom and liberty of Floridians. They also argue that the current approach to low-level marijuana possession in Florida is ineffective, destructive, and racially biased.
