Florida cannabis legalization initiative falls short of required votes

Florida's cannabis legalization initiative, Amendment 3, was defeated on Tuesday, receiving 55.8% of the vote. A constitutional amendment requires at least 60% support to pass. The initiative faced strong opposition from Governor Ron DeSantis and other groups. Despite the setback, supporters like Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers expressed determination to continue advocating for cannabis access and decriminalization in Florida. Former NFL player Ricky Williams also voiced disappointment but emphasized the ongoing push for cannabis reform. Industry members shared their frustrations but reaffirmed their commitment to educating the public about cannabis benefits. They noted that the cultural presence of cannabis in Florida remains strong despite the amendment's failure.