Celebrities Clash Over Florida’s Big Vote on Legal Weed—Who’s Saying Yes or No?

As Floridians prepare to vote on Amendment 3, the ballot measure aiming to legalize recreational marijuana, a surprising lineup of celebrities and political figures is publicly taking sides. From former President Donald Trump to boxing icon Mike Tyson and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, powerful voices are shaping this crucial decision on Florida's future cannabis laws.

Florida voters will consider six constitutional amendments on Nov. 5, 2024, with each needing 60% of the vote to pass. Amendment 3, dubbed the “recreational marijuana amendment,” would allow adults over 21 to possess, purchase, and use marijuana for personal use and create a regulated industry for cultivation, processing, and sale across the state.

The celebrity endorsements for and against the amendment highlight the contrasting visions for Florida’s future cannabis laws, providing a dramatic and highly publicized backdrop to the decision at hand.

The “Yes on 3” Camp: Pro-Legalization Influencers Step UpLeading the charge in favor of Amendment 3 is former President Donald Trump, who made a rare break from GOP norms by endorsing recreational cannabis. Trump stated, “As a Floridian, I will be voting YES on Amendment 3 this November,” adding that it’s time to end the criminal penalties surrounding small-scale cannabis use.

Trump has hinted at broader plans to support cannabis research and allow state banking systems to open up for marijuana-related businesses, suggesting a vision that aligns with Florida’s amendment if he’s re-elected.Joining Trump is Mike Tyson, the former heavyweight boxing champion and now cannabis entrepreneur, who threw his support behind the amendment in an August 2024 video.

Tyson’s cannabis product line has kept him close to the issue, and he believes that legal recreational use will reduce stigma and offer adults greater freedom. Attorney John Morgan, Florida’s high-profile “Pot Daddy,” has been a loud voice for Amendment 3 since May, saying he believes recreational marijuana will bring revenue and freedom to Floridians.

Former Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams also joined the campaign, drawing from his own experience with cannabis, which he says helped him navigate the NFL’s rigorous demands.Williams aims to end what he sees as the outdated criminalization of marijuana, which he says has harmed more lives than it’s helped.

The “No on 3” Camp: High-Profile Opponents of Recreational MarijuanaOn the opposite side, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has made his opposition to recreational marijuana a frequent talking point, often linking it to larger drug issues. “I think other states that legalized recreational marijuana have come to regret it,” DeSantis remarked, pointing to problems like the smell of public smoking and perceived increases in public drug use. His 2024 campaign has also emphasized a link between marijuana use and other drugs like fentanyl, which he argues could harm Floridians if the amendment passes.

First Lady Casey DeSantis has added her voice against Amendment 3, highlighting the risks of edibles designed to resemble treats like gummy bears, brownies, and other snacks that could appeal to children. She warned that legalization would increase the risk of accidental consumption by minors.

Joseph Ladapo, Florida’s Surgeon General, joined the conversation, claiming that Amendment 3 could lead to higher rates of addiction and mental health issues. At a recent event, he alleged that cannabis use correlates with higher schizophrenia rates and suggested the media fails to report these dangers, stating, “Our media wants people drugged out because they’re easier to control.”

Ken Griffin, CEO of the Citadel hedge fund and Miami resident, has made a significant financial commitment to oppose Amendment 3, donating $20 million to the “Vote No on 3” campaign. In an op-ed for the Miami Herald, Griffin argued that legalization would lead to “the nation’s most expansive and destructive marijuana laws,” signaling his deep concerns about potential negative impacts on the state.

The Influence Game: How Celebrity Endorsements Could Shape Florida’s DecisionWith just days until the election, the endorsements of prominent figures like Trump, Tyson, and DeSantis are increasingly framing the conversation around Amendment 3.

Celebrity endorsements are highly effective in influencing public opinion, especially on complex or contentious issues. Proponents see the amendment as a step toward personal freedom and economic opportunity, while opponents focus on the public health and safety risks they believe recreational legalization would bring.

In a state known for its divided politics, the celebrity endorsements have added intrigue and polarization to the debate over Amendment 3. With early voting available until Nov. 3 and polls open on Election Day, Floridians are facing a tough decision—one that could reshape the legal landscape of marijuana and impact future cannabis policies nationwide.

Can celebrity endorsements sway your vote on Florida’s recreational marijuana amendment?