Donald Trump confirms he will vote to legalize marijuana in Florida in risky move that could anger Ron DeSantis and top billionaire donor
- Trump supports ballot measure allowing possession of 3 oz. of marijuana
- Governor Ron DeSantis has criticized the “pungent odor” and quality of life issues
Former President Donald Trump is backing a controversial proposal that would allow adults in his home state of Florida to possess up to three ounces of marijuana, defying powerful figures who want to ban it.
The measure comes despite Trump’s warnings about the risks of alcohol and drug use, and it puts him at odds with a powerful billionaire who is investing millions to block it, and with Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Trump made his position known on his website Truth Social, following the tumultuous announcement of his decision to oppose a separate and even more controversial abortion amendment going before Florida voters.
“As I have said before, I believe it is time to end the unnecessary arrest and imprisonment of adults for small amounts of marijuana for personal use. We must also implement smart regulations while providing adults with access to safe, tested products,” Trump posted on his Truth Social website.
“As a Floridian, I will vote YES on Amendment 3 in November. As President, we will continue to focus on research to unlock the medical uses of marijuana from a Schedule 3 drug, and work with Congress to pass common sense laws, including safe banking for state-licensed businesses, and supporting the rights of states to pass marijuana laws, like Florida’s, that work so well for their citizens.”
Former President Donald Trump said he will vote for an amendment in Florida that would allow people to possess small amounts of marijuana
Former Trump rival and now campaign sponsor Governor Ron DeSantis rejected the proposal earlier this summer, citing the “foul” smell of marijuana.
He said he couldn’t believe the “pungent smell” in places where it was legal, to argue“It has not been good for the quality of life.”
In April, DeSantis said New York City now reeked of marijuana after legalizations there and in other jurisdictions.
“Look what happened in Denver, Colorado. Look what happened in Los Angeles, New York City. You know, I’ve talked to people who moved out of New York and they’re like, they used to have, you know, an apartment somewhere and it used to smell (different). What does it smell like? It smells like marijuana. I don’t want the state to smell like marijuana.”
Governor Ron DeSantis has disagreed with Trump over the measure and has complained about the “pungent odor” in states where recreational possession of marijuana has been legalized
In late August, Trump announced he would oppose a Florida amendment that would expand abortion access in his adoptive state, despite Trump’s criticism of the six-week abortion ban signed into law by DeSantis.
The measure is opposed by hedge funder Ken Griffin, whose wealth has risen to 43 billion dollars via holdings in Citadel.
He is one of the biggest donors to Republicans and is seen as a major potential Trump supporter, though his donations so far have gone to other Republicans.
Griffin called it “a horrific plan to create the most expansive and destructive marijuana laws in the country” and vowed donate $12 million to finance the effort.
“The passage of Amendment 3 would create a monopoly for large marijuana dispensaries and allow pot use in public and private areas throughout Florida. That will help no one except special interest groups — and it will hurt us all, especially through more dangerous roads, a higher risk of addiction among our youth, and an increase in crime,” Griffin wrote in an opinion piece last month.
Griffin made no contributions to Trump’s campaign, his office confirmed.
Trump also said that if re-elected, he would work with Congress on “safe banking” laws for the marijuana industry