The Florida Young Republicans endorsed Amendment 3 on Tuesday, citing individual freedoms and potential economic benefits, further strengthening the growing bipartisan coalition backing the measure.
The Florida Young Republicans on Tuesday endorsed Amendment 3, a measure that would legalize adult-use recreational marijuana in the state and aligning with a growing coalition of GOP support.
In a prepared release, the group said its support for the measure is predicated on a belief in individual freedoms and the potential economic benefits of legalization. The political organization also contends that legalizing marijuana will reduce unnecessary arrests and incarceration for minor marijuana offenses, while ensuring that adults have access to regulated, lab-tested cannabis products.
“As champions of individual freedom, supporting Amendment 3 is the obvious choice for Florida Young Republicans. We’re ready to move past the outdated stigma surrounding marijuana consumption and give Floridians the same freedom to consume marijuana that more than half the country already enjoys,” said Megan Echtenkamp, Communications Director for the Florida Young Republicans. “By legalizing recreational marijuana for adults, we can empower Floridians with the freedom to make their own choices, while also generating significant revenue for essential public services and creating new job opportunities.
The Young Republicans’ endorsement adds to a growing coalition in favor of Amendment 3, which includes former President Donald Trump, Republican Florida Senator Joe Gruters, and the Senate Democratic Caucus.
Morgan Hill, a spokesperson for Smart & Safe Florida, the group leading the campaign for Amendment 3, welcomed the endorsement.
“We are honored to have the support of the Florida Young Republicans, yet another example of the expansive coalition behind legalizing recreational adult use marijuana,” said Hill. “When Floridians go to the voting booth to vote for Amendment 3, they’re voting to expand their individual freedoms and build a safer, healthier Florida.”
The ballot initiative, led by the group Smart & Safe Florida, has received significant financial backing from cannabis retailer Trulieve, which has contributed more than $75 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 also voiced opposition, warning that the amendment goes beyond merely 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.
If ratified with 60 percent voter support in November, the constitutional amendment would allow individuals aged 21 or older to “possess, use, purchase, display, and transport up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and marijuana accessories for personal use for any reason.”
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.