| We bring you this special edition of our eNewsletter to provide useful information about the constitutional amendments on the November 2024 ballot. We hope this helps as you consider the pros and cons of these amendments and how you choose to vote. There are four ways to amend the current Florida Constitution, which was ratified in 1968. These include: (1) joint resolution by the Florida Legislature; (2) proposal before the Florida Constitution Revision Commission; (3) citizens’ initiative; and (4) proposal before the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission. This year, there are six proposed amendments, including two by citizens’ initiative, and four by the Florida Legislature. The two amendments placed on the ballot through petitions (i.e., a citizens’ initiative) are Amendments 3 and 4. The four amendment resolutions introduced and passed by the Legislature include Amendments 1, 2, 5 and 6. Below is an outline of the proposals. To review the actual wording of each amendment, please click on the highlighted amendment number. |
| Amendment 3 – Adult Personal Use of Marijuana The amendment would legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 years old and older. Individuals would be allowed to possess up to three (3) ounces of marijuana (about 85 grams), with up to five (5) grams in the form of concentrate. Existing medical marijuana treatment centers would be authorized under the initiative to sell marijuana to adults for personal use. The State Legislature could modify state law to permit the licensing of entities other than existing medical marijuana treatment centers to cultivate and sell marijuana products. It would not allow citizens to cultivate their own plants. Supporters say is no evidence that legalizing marijuana for medical or recreational use at the state level, as 37 states have already done, has boosted underage consumption from the regulated marketplace. The federal and state tax revenue from the legal cannabis industry are forecasted to reach over $4 billion in 2025. Such revenues could be used to fund a variety of initiatives that benefit Floridians. Opponents contend that legalizing marijuana could lead to greater drug abuse in Florida, exacerbating the public costs of drug-related problems (such as automobile accidents, criminal activity, and fatalities). Opponents believe recreational marijuana will reduce overall productivity in the workplace. Also, Florida law would be at odds with federal law, which prohibits recreational marijuana. |