Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy voiced his support for Florida’s Amendment 3 on Sunday, advocating for the legalization of recreational marijuana in Florida.
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy voiced his support for Florida’s Amendment 3 on Sunday, advocating for the legalization of recreational marijuana in the state.
In a video posted on X, Portnoy criticized Florida’s current marijuana laws, contrasting them with states where recreational use is already legal and noting that more than half of U.S. states have already legalized recreational marijuana and pointed to the inconsistency in Florida’s stance.
“Wake up, Florida. Don’t tell other people what to do in their own house. It’s about freedom,” Portnoy said. “We’re all adults here … It’s on the ballot. Vote yes on three, legalize recreational weed.”
Portnoy, a Florida resident, joins public figures such as Orlando attorney John Morgan, lawmakers including former President Donald Trump and Republican Florida Senator Joe Gruters, and political advocacy groups like the Florida Young Republicans in advocating for the measure, arguing that legalizing recreational marijuana would enhance individual freedoms while promoting public health and safety.
“It’s safe. It’s legal. Over half the states in the country have it. Why don’t we in Florida? I’m a Florida resident. I want to be able to smoke in my house, watch football, eat pizza, and smoke, like a human,” Portnoy added.
A poll released last month found that 64 percent of likely voters favor Amendment 3, while 27 percent oppose it and 12 percent remain undecided. Support is particularly strong among Democrats, with 74 percent in favor, compared to 54 percent of Republicans and 61 percent of Independents. The measure requires 60 percent voter support to pass.
The ballot initiative, led by the group Smart & Safe Florida, has received significant financial backing from cannabis retailer Trulieve, which has contributed more than $80 million to the effort. If passed, state economists estimate the measure could generate between $195.6 million and $431.3 million annually in sales tax revenue, with an additional $43.6 million projected from new tourists drawn to the state by legalized marijuana.
In May, the Republican Party of Florida formally opposed the legalization of recreational marijuana during its Executive Board meeting. Gov. Ron DeSantis has also expressed opposition to the measure, claiming that the amendment goes beyond legalizing recreational marijuana. He argued that it would eliminate all penalties—civil and criminal—for marijuana possession and use, which he believes would lead to negative consequences for the state.
“This has been put in by basically one big weed company,” DeSantis said on Monday, referencing Trulieve. “They’re creating, in our Constitution, a big weed cartel. And not only that, they’re giving themselves protection from any civil liability at all at any point in the distribution or cultivation process. That’s not in the ballot summary. So when you as a voter go read the ballot summary, it does not tell you that they’re giving themselves total immunity from liability. They’re doing it because they’re locking in a captive market for their corporate interest.”