TAMPA, Fla. — With less than one week until Election Day, Florida voters will have the chance to decide whether to legalize recreational marijuana.
Amendment 3 would allow for those 21 or older to possess or buy it without a medical reason required.
Gov. Ron DeSantis urged the public to vote against it during a visit to Temple Terrace; meanwhile, proponents held a panel in Tampa Thursday to answer questions and engage with the public.
"It's exciting, but it's been a lot of work and a lot of education, but so, so worth it," said Roz McCarthy, founder of Minorities for Medical Marijuana and Black Buddha Cannabis.
Proponents said it's about time to decriminalize recreational marijuana.
“I’m hoping to see less arrests, and law enforcement resources going toward fighting real crime like violence and shootings," said attorney Michael Minardi of NORML Florida, which advocates for the reformation of marijuana laws.
Proponents add it's also a chance for the state to cash in more green due to the potential for tax revenue.
However, they said it also comes down to freedom of choice.
"I want adults to be treated like adults, and I want adults to make adult decisions. It's not about the revenue. It's about the freedom," former Republican State Sen. Jeff Brandes said.
Brandes has previously attempted to legalize marijuana through legislation and believes regardless of the election outcome, it will happen at some point regardless.
The amendment would need 60% of votes to pass. If so, Florida would join at least 24 other states that have legalized recreational marijuana.
However, Gov. Ron DeSantis objects to seeing its passage, calling it a corporate scheme.
“This is one of the most egregious things I've ever seen attempted,” DeSantis said, saying the measure is not about personal freedom but making money for the company that bankrolled it.
DeSantis spoke alongside Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco to urge the public to vote no.
Previous concerns raised by critics include safety on roads and increased use of marijuana use in public spaces.
“I don’t think there’s a lot things you can justify with a lot of things that are in here," DeSantis said.
Some polls have suggested a tight race to legalize pot.
A Florida Atlantic University poll recently found 60% of voters to support it; meanwhile, other polls like from the Florida Chamber of Commerce have it falling just short at 57%.