Eskamani Praises Crist’s Marijuana Stance

On the third day of Florida Rep. Charlie Crist’s (D) Choose Freedom Bus Tour, his supporters are touting his stance on marijuana. While issues such as the economy, abortion rights, and rising home insurance rates have dominated the gubernatorial race, marijuana is an issue that has been hotly debated for years. Florida Rep. Anna V. Eskamani (D) took to social media to tell voters that “Charlie’s running on a legalization platform.”

People Power of Florida, which was launched by the Florida Democrat, released a series of slides, offering a distinction between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) and Crist when it comes to the legalization of marijuana. Citing President Joe Biden’s (D) recent decision to pardon “thousands of people with federal convictions for simple possession of marijuana,” the group says that Florida still has a long way to go in order to address marijuana legalization in the state.

“In 2016, Florida voters legalized medical marijuana by voting for an amendment to the state constitution,” the group shared, updating that “as of 2022, marijuana for recreational use is still illegal in Florida.” Moreover, “you still cannot grow medical cannabis at home, either.”

Last year, while speaking at the Florida Capitol, Crist signaled his support for the legalization of marijuana, vowing to legalize it should he be elected governor.

During a press conference, Crist further commented that the criminalization of marijuana has had negative effects on the state, saying that he supports the “expungement of all existing charges and sentences for misdemeanors and third-degree felonies for marijuana possession.”

In contrast, DeSantis signed SB 182, the “Medical Use of Marijuana,” in 2019. However, People Power of Florida is questioning DeSantis’ response to the legalization issue, telling voters that “cannabis legalization is always on the ballot.”

Eskamani supports the legalization of marijuana, having co-introduced House Bill 467, which would legalize recreational marijuana.