Bovo Opposes Amendment 3 Legalizing Marijuana

On November 5th, 2024, Floridians will head to the polls to vote on two Amendments that Republicans have been critical of. One of those amendments is Amendment 3, which would legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 years old and older. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has spoken out against Amendment 3, and now Hialeah Mayor Esteban Bovo is sharing his concerns over the vote.

If Amendment 3 passes in November, it would allow individuals to possess up to three ounces of marijuana, which is about 85 grams. Existing medical Marijuana Treatment Centers would be allowed to sell marijuana to adults for recreational use. In addition, the Florida State Legislature could provide by state law the licensure of entities aside from Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers to cultivate and sell marijuana products.

In 2016, medical marijuana was adopted after a vote of 71% in favor to 29% against.

In a statement, Mayor Bovo shared his thoughts on the amendment, urging the residents of Hialeah to vote against it.

"I urge our residents to vote against this amendment that prioritizes the profits of the marijuana industry over the well-being of our community in November."

"In 2018 an ordinance was passed to prohibit medical marijuana dispensing facilities from being located within the boundaries of the City of Hialeah, including marijuana treatment centers," Mayor Bovo added before stating that "this amendment threatens to undermine the laws we've upheld and the safety of our residents."

Earlier this month, Governor DeSantis commented on Amendment 3 and Amendment 4, a constitutional amendment that would protect abortion rights. Calling the amendments "radical," the Florida governor commented that Amendment 3 is "basically a license to have it anywhere you want. So no time, place, and manner restrictions. This state will start to smell like marijuana in our cities and towns."

The Florida Supreme Court cleared the way for both amendments to appear in the November ballot, and  Florida Democrats have urged voters to vote yes on both.