Florida’s support of Donald Trump’s marijuana stance sparked anger among some Republicans in the Sunshine State

Florida: Some Republicans in Florida are upset over Donald Trump’s backing of an amendment that would allow marijuana use for recreational purposes for anyone 21 and older.

Voters in Florida are scheduled to cast ballots on Amendment 3, a proposal that would provide a constitutional right to abortion therapy up to fetal viability, in November.

Because of his disagreement with the concept, Trump lost to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in an often-acrimonious race for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024. Trump’s recent shift to more liberal stances on social issues like abortion has infuriated some members of his conservative constituency. The failure of the much anticipated “red wave” to materialize in the 2022 midterm elections was mostly ascribed to the Republicans’ underwhelming performance after the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade.

“As I have previously stated, I believe it is time to end needless arrests and incarcerations of adults for small amounts of marijuana for personal use,” Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social website. Along with implementing sensible restrictions, we also need to provide adults access to well-tested, safe products.

“This November, I will vote yes on Amendment 3 as a Floridian. As President, we will keep concentrating on research to make marijuana a Schedule 3 drug for medical purposes. We will also collaborate with Congress to enact sensible laws, such as safe banking for businesses with state authorization, and we will defend state autonomy to enact marijuana laws that benefit their citizens, as Florida has done.”

A self-described “pro-DeSantis” Republican posted a screenshot of Trump’s statement on X, previously Twitter, with the comment, “Trump supporting Amendment 3 in Florida is incredibly stupid.”

“Legalizing marijuana for recreational use will destroy Florida’s outdoor spaces. There will be beach stench. The majority of parks will smell. It will have a disastrous effect on the state.”

Stuart Stevens, the 2012 Mitt Romney presidential campaign top strategist, said in an MSNBC interview: “Donald Trump, he’s on both sides of so many of these issues.” I mean, he changed his mind about his stance on Florida’s abortion vote in less than one hour. He will say anything because all that’s inside of him is the need to be president and to be in charge.”

“Amendment 3 creates a permanent, constitutional right to possess over 100 joints at a time and smoke anywhere in Florida—even public places where it could more easily fall into the hands of children,” wrote Casey DeSantis, the first lady of Florida, in a statement against the marijuana legalization proposal posted on X.

Furthermore, it gives large marijuana companies, who spent more than $60 million to design and place Amendment 3 on the ballot, a monopoly and unrestricted legal protection. Vote NO on Amendment 3—this is the monopoly amendment, not the marijuana amendment.”

The first lady’s letter was provided by Jenna Ellis, a former Trump lawyer in Florida who, as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors, entered a guilty plea in October to a felony count in the former president’s Georgia election interference case.

“Trust Casey DeSantis over Trump on this one 100%,” Ellis tweeted. Without considering the implications for regular Floridians, Trump is caving in to what he perceives to be the wishes of his base.”

Newsweek contacted the Trump presidential campaign after normal business hours to get a statement.

The head of the Lake County Republican Party, Anthony Sabatini, said on X: “In Florida, vote HELL NO on Amendment 3.

“Every public space will be engulfed in a cloud of marijuana smoke if it passes, and the pungent smell of marijuana will follow you wherever you go. The issue will be too great for the Florida Legislature to handle.”

Trump has received praise on social media for his support of the legalization of marijuana for recreational use, particularly from Ja’mal Green, a former Chicago mayoral candidate. Green posted on X, saying, “You know, it’s amazing that Trump is endorsing marijuana legalization before the Democratic Party in power does. There’s no reason marijuana can’t be legalized and completely decriminalized, allowing many people to have their records cleared and those incarcerated for possession to return home.”

Joe Gruters, a Republican state senator in Florida, commented on X: “I am incredibly proud to have President Trump stand alongside us in our effort to end needless arrests and incarcerations of adults for simple possession of marijuana and to give Floridians the same individual freedom to choose safe, tested products that more than half the country already enjoys.”