Gruters Backs Amendment 3, Calls it 'Common-Sense Decision'

Former Republican Party of Florida Chairman Joe Gruters (R) has broken with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) in support Amendment 3, the recreational cannabis measure. The Florida governor has campaigned against the measure, but the state senator calls his support of the amendment "a common-sense decision."

State Senator Gruters, who formerly chaired Florida's GOP from 2018 to 2022, penned an article this week for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, outlining why he's supporting Amendment 3. The state senator is not shy about voicing his differing opinion from the governor, but his latest position on marijuana also takes a differing stance from the Republican Party of Florida.

In the article, he notes that the sunshine state is called the "Free State of Florida" - a term coined by Florida's governor - "because we don't want overreaching government mandates impeding upon our individual rights." That being said, state Senator Gruter calls supporting the measure "a common-sense decision that prioritizes individual freedom, health, safety and economic growth."  "By legalizing recreational marijuana for adults, we can give Floridians access to safe products, generate significant revenue for critical public services and create job opportunities."

The Florida lawmaker highlights that recreational marijuana being legalized in the state would generate almost $500 million a year in tax revenue. This revenue could then "be reinvested into our communities, particularly in supporting our law enforcement agencies." "By directing this revenue toward our police officers, we can enhance public safety and provide better training and resources – and we can ensure our law enforcement personnel are well-equipped to serve and protect communities."

He further writes that the economic impact of legalizing recreation marijuana would also extend beyond the benefits of tax revenue." The legal marijuana industry has the potential to create thousands of jobs for Floridians, from cultivation and distribution to retail and ancillary services. This means more employment opportunities and economic growth for our state."

Urging Floridians to vote yes on Amendment 3, it's likely that the measure will pass with significant Republican support. To pass, the amendment would need 60% of the vote. In a recent poll conducted by the University of North Florida's Public Opinion Research Lab, which polled 774 Floridians, found that Amendment 3 has 64% support, 31% opposing, and 5% undecided or refusing to answer the question.