Florida’s path to legal weed: FAU community members discuss the stakes of Amendment 3

At Florida Atlantic University, students and faculty are debating on Amendment 3, which could legalize recreational marijuana in Florida for adults 21 and older. Discussions center on public health, economic impact, and Florida’s cultural identity as the November election approaches.

With the upcoming 2024 election, Florida voters are preparing to decide on Amendment 3, a measure that, if passed, would legalize recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and older in the state. This amendment would allow individuals to purchase and use marijuana for nonmedical reasons.

A “yes” vote supports legalization, while a “no” vote opposes it. The amendment requires 60% voter approval to pass. As a result, Florida could become the 25th state to legalize recreational marijuana.

According to Forbes, a poll conducted in mid October from the University of North Florida’s Public Opinion Research Lab (PORL) shows strong support for Florida’s marijuana legalization measure, with nearly two-thirds (66%) of voters in favor. This level of backing significantly exceeds the 60% threshold required for Amendment 3 to pass. 

Understanding the Amendment

Amendment 3 proposes significant shifts in Florida’s marijuana laws. If approved, it would authorize existing medical dispensaries to sell marijuana for recreational use. 

Currently, marijuana use is only legal for medical purposes in Florida, meaning you must have a medical card to legally buy it.

Proponents argue that legalizing marijuana could suppress the black market, reduce drug-related arrests, and create a new revenue source for the state. Meanwhile, opponents express concerns about potential health risks, a negative impact on Florida’s tourism image, and insufficient regulation. Both sides remain sharply divided over the amendment’s potential consequences.

Supporters of Amendment 3

Alexander Lambridis, a member of the FAU College Democrats, is in support of Amendment 3, arguing both economic and social benefits. For him, marijuana legalization could be a win-win: bringing in tax revenue, much like alcohol and cigarettes, and opening up new jobs in dispensaries. “It would provide jobs for people who want to work in dispensaries,” he explained, adding that the marijuana market “is doing better than the chocolate market right now,” a sign of its potential to boost Florida’s economy.

Additionally, Lambridis worries that without legalization people without medical cards often turn to black-market sources, where marijuana can be laced with dangerous substances like fentanyl or opioids. “Right now, if you want to get marijuana, you’re probably going to have to get it from a guy that can dress it up as marihuana and that can be related to fentanyl, opioids, heroin, even,” he said.

Kris Barrios, a history major at FAU, also voiced his support, saying that decriminalizing marijuana could reduce nonviolent arrests and allow law enforcement to prioritize more serious crimes.

“Criminalization of weed has hurt a lot of people. When people are arrested for having recreational weed on them, the police are distracted from much more heinous crimes and more dangerous drugs that are out there. Besides, decriminalizing weed would decrease stigma around its use and abuse, which would allow more people to get help if they need it,” he said. 

Lenny Chiang-Hanisko, an FAU professor from the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, said that there is research indicating that the marijuana market could produce at least $200 million in annual revenue for Florida. “This revenue could support job creation and even positively impact the housing market,” she said 

Lotta Moberg, a cannabis industry expert and co-Founder and co-CIO of ViviFi Ventures, not only pointed to the potential economic benefits legalization could bring to the state, but she also argued that cannabis consumption is becoming more common, especially among younger generations, and that prohibition has been largely ineffective.

 “I think that we’re all in agreement here that the prohibition route would never work for cannabis,” Moberg said. She also highlighted that “states with legalized marijuana have seen improvements in public health markers, including higher credit scores and fewer traffic violations,” she said. 

Opponents of Amendment 3: social implications and public health concerns

Opponents of Amendment 3 argue that legalizing marijuana would create public health and safety issues. 

Gov. Ron DeSantis has voiced his opposition multiple times arguing that allowing unrestricted marijuana use could flood cities with smoke, make roads riskier, and expose more people to potential addiction.

A recent investigation by The New York Times shows that as more Americans increasingly consume more potent forms of marijuana, frequent users are facing unexpected and sometimes more serious health risks.

According to the investigation, a growing industry worth $33 billion now offers a range of potent products far stronger than those from a generation ago, and a lot is due to misconceptions. 

Many still believe cannabis isn’t addictive, though studies show otherwise. In fact, The New York Times found that nearly 18 million Americans have symptoms of cannabis use disorder, meaning they continue to use despite negative impacts on their lives, with about 3 million considered addicted. Among 18- to 25-year-olds, more than 4.5 million use marijuana daily, with 81 percent showing signs of dependency.

Dr. Chiang-Hanisko also expressed some concern, particularly regarding younger users. “THC, the psychoactive component, can have long-term impacts on brain function, especially when used by younger people. We’re seeing issues with memory, decision-making, and driving ability,” she said, stressing the need for education on marijuana’s potential risks if Amendment 3 is approved.

Chiang-Hanisko also pointed out that research shows “30% of people who start using marijuana within three years will become addicted to another substance.” This potential gateway effect, she argued, remains a central concern among critics of the amendment.

The economic, cultural, and public health implications of Amendment 3 continue to fuel debate as Floridians prepare to vote. As Election Day approaches, the future of Amendment 3 will be decided by voters in just a few days.