The approval of Amendment 3 in Florida, which aims to legalize the use of marijuana for recreational purposes, has the potential to greatly alleviate the state’s criminal justice system by putting an end to more than 60,000 arrests linked to marijuana each year.
Led by the non-profit political organization Smart & Safe Florida, this proposal, up for voting on November 5th, seeks to authorize the ownership, acquisition, and consumption of cannabis items for individuals who are 21 years old and above.
Amendment 3 permits individuals to have a maximum of three ounces of dehydrated cannabis buds and up to five grams of concentrated marijuana products.
Amendment 3 also allows for the creation of authorized retail stores, where these items will be available for purchase by customers.
In Florida, medical cannabis shops could choose to acquire a double permit, enabling them to engage in the leisure market as well.
The amendment has the power to greatly change how Florida deals with marijuana. According to information from the state, in 2023, legal authorities in Florida brought charges in a total of 66,734 cases related to marijuana.
During the years 2021 and 2022, a total of 124,000 charges related to marijuana were brought across the state.
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Supporters of Amendment 3 claim that these detentions place a considerable burden on the resources of law enforcement and the judicial system, frequently disproportionately impacting communities of color.
If Amendment 3 is approved, Florida would join the ranks of the 24 states that have already given the green light to the use of recreational marijuana.
According to surveys, there is robust backing for the proposal, with 67% of potential voters supporting it, exceeding the 60% minimum needed for the amendment to be enacted.
