Florida rejects amendment to legalize recreational marijuana

On November 5th, Florida voters rejected Amendment 3, a proposal that would have legalized recreational marijuana use for adults over the age of 21.

The amendment required a qualified majority of 60% of votes for approval, but it only received 56% support, falling short of the necessary threshold.

Had it been approved, Amendment 3 would have allowed adults to possess up to 3 ounces (approximately 85 grams) of marijuana for personal use and authorized medical sector companies to sell it for recreational purposes.

The amendment also included the possibility of granting licenses to non-medical entities to cultivate, transport, distribute, and sell marijuana in the state.

According to information provided by Local 10, in addition to the benefits for consumers, the proponents of the amendment highlighted the economic potential of the recreational marijuana industry, projecting annual revenues between $200 million and $400 million in sales taxes.

Although companies in the medicinal cannabis sector invested heavily in the campaign for legalization, the measure did not receive the necessary support for its approval, meaning recreational marijuana will remain illegal in Florida.