ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Election Day is just around the corner and Florida voters will have many choices on their ballots, including whether to vote yes or no on six amendments.
Those amendments cover a wide range of topics, from partisan school boards to hunting to homestead exemptions to campaign financing. Two amendments in Florida have gotten the most attention leading up to Nov. 5, 2024 — Amendments 3 and 4, which would legalize recreational marijuana use and protect the right to abortion in Florida, respectively.
Here's what you need to know about Florida Amendment 3.
What is Amendment 3?
Amendment 3 on Florida's 2024 ballot centers around the legalization of recreational marijuana for people ages 21 and up.
The text that will appear on Floridians' ballots says the amendment "allows adults 21 years or older to possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical personal consumption by smoking, ingestion, or otherwise; allows Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers, and other state licensed entities, to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell, and distribute such products and accessories. Applies to Florida law; does not change, or immunize violations of, federal law. Establishes possession limits for personal use. Allows consistent legislation. Defines terms. Provides effective date."
How much marijuana can you have?
If Amendment 3 passes here in Florida, it would allow Floridians ages 21 and up to individually possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana and up to 5 grams of marijuana in concentrate form for recreational use.
When would it take effect?
If approved by at least 60 percent of Florida voters, Amendment 3 would take effect six months after it's passed. That would put it taking effect sometime in May 2025.
Who is sponsoring Amendment 3?
Smart & Safe Florida, a state-registered political committee, is the sponsor for Amendment 3.
According to its website, Amendment 3 has "guardrails" to keep public spaces smoke-free, following the same restrictions as tobacco; laws to keep people from smoking in undesignated areas; and allow "no smoking" rules to be established and enforced following legalization.
If passed, can I start growing marijuana?
No, if Amendment 3 is passed, not just anyone can grow marijuana. You must become a state-licensed entity approved to "acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell, and distribute" recreational marijuana products and accessories.
