Citadel CEO Ken Griffin donated $12 million to the “Keep Florida Clean” initiative as part of his $20 million commitment to defeating Amendment 3.
Citadel CEO Ken Griffin announced on Friday that he made a $12 million contribution to the “Keep Florida Clean” initiative as part of his broader $20 million commitment to defeating Amendment 3, which proposes the legalization of recreational marijuana in the state.
In an op-ed for the Miami Herald, Griffin described Amendment 3 as “a terrible plan to create the nation’s most expansive and destructive marijuana laws,” and argued that the amendment would create monopolies for large marijuana dispensaries and permit marijuana use in public and private spaces, leading to increased road dangers, higher youth addiction rates, and more crime. Griffin also pointed to negative outcomes in other states with legalized marijuana to support his stance, a viewpoint shared and expressed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
I have donated $20 million in support of candidates and to oppose Amendment 3, a terrible plan to create the nation’s most expansive and destructive marijuana laws,” Griffin wrote. “These investments reflect my commitment to the policies and principles that have made Florida so successful—equal opportunity, high-quality education, efficient and effective government and safe and strong communities.”
Sarah Bascom, spokeswoman for the “Vote No on 3 Campaign,” expressed gratitude for Griffin’s donation, noting it would significantly aid their efforts to inform Floridians about the risks associated with the amendment.
“These valuable resources will help us as we continue to ramp up what will be a vigorous and full-throated campaign to warn Floridians about this deceptive amendment that would make Florida the California of the east,” said Bascom in a prepared statement. “Ken Griffin knows full-well how failed policies can cripple an economy and drive away businesses and we thank him for supporting our campaign so we can ensure that never happens in Florida and it remains a model for the rest of the nation.”
Smart & Safe Florida — the campaign in support of Amendment 3 — disagreed with Griffin’s sentiment, in a statement given to The Capitolsit, suggesting that its passage would lead to a freer, safer, and healthier Florida by legalizing recreational marijuana.
“A government that works for the people means a freer, safer, and healthier Florida. Amendment 3 would do just that,” said Morgan Hill, spokesperson for the campaign. “More than 1 million Floridians signed a petition to put Amendment 3 on the ballot so that no adult will go to jail for possessing small amounts of marijuana, and Floridians will no longer have to turn to street products laced with dangerous substances like fentanyl. We remain focused on communicating the public health benefits and expanded individual freedom of legalizing recreational marijuana for adults and creating a better Florida for all.”
A University of North (UNF) Florida Public Opinion Research Lab poll issued on Tuesday gave Amendment 3, which would legalize adult personal use of marijuana, strong support, with 64 percent of likely voters in favor and 31 percent opposed. The amendment is particularly popular among Democrats (79 percent) and younger voters aged 18-24 (76 percent), though experts believe that poll numbers could start to shift as campaign activity ramps up.
“It’s not too clear yet how much money will be injected into the campaign against this amendment,” noted UNF Public Opinion Research Lab faculty director and professor of political science Dr. Michael Binder. “If the opposing organizations ramp up their campaigns, we may see this number come down, depending how much cash is spent in opposition.”
Amendment 3 requires 60 percent voter support in November to be enshrined in the Florida Constitution and has been formally opposed by the Republican Party of Florida, with Sen. Joe Gruters being the only GOP lawmaker to publicly back the measure.
The amendment has been heavily funded by Trulieve, with more than $55 million in contributions. If ratified, state economists estimate the initiative could generate between $195.6 million and $431.3 million in annual sales tax revenue. When revenue associated with new tourists drawn to the state by legalized marijuana is taken into account, state economists forecast an additional $43.6 million per year.
Griffin relocated Citadel, valued at $22 billion, from Chicago to Miami in 2022, citing Florida’s business-friendly climate, favorable tax structure, and lower crime rates.