Marijuana

This week, we draw from the "Our Changing State" podcast to prepare you for the November elections.

The cannabis company donated another $7.5 million to Smart and Safe Florida, while a Vote No on 3 commercial claims the measure was developed to benefit marijuana corporations.

Matthew Peddie, host of "Florida Matters" and the podcast "Our Changing State," speaks with WUSF reporter Sky Lebron about Amendment 3, which would legalize the use of recreational marijuana.

Ken Griffin, CEO of the firm Citadel, in an opinion piece in the Miami Herald, calls the proposed amendment “a terrible plan to create the nation’s most expansive and destructive marijuana laws.”

Jennifer Homendy's comments come after the NTSB determined a 2022 Oklahoma crash that killed six teens was caused by a driver who likely was impaired by recent marijuana use and distracted by passengers.

Rick Scott became wealthy as a lawyer and health care industry executive before entering politics. Now running for reelection, he lamented that his brother had a “tough life” and says it all began with marijuana.

John Morgan has already cut a series of commercials to support Amendment 3. But don’t expect him to pump millions of his own dollars into the campaign as he did for the medical marijuana amendment.

Alcohol is still more widely used, but 2022 was the first time this intensive level of marijuana use overtook high-frequency drinking, the study's lead author says.

Democrats believe young Florida voters will go to the polls in November because of the abortion and marijuana measures on the ballot. If they do, President Joe Biden will likely get their support even though many are lukewarm to a second term for him.

This week on The Florida Roundup, we discuss three decisions from the Florida Supreme Court on abortion access and recreational marijuana use, Colorado State releases its annual forecast for the 2024 hurricane season, Lee County prepares to sue FEMA over its loss of flood insurance discount, why home buyers are getting priced out in Tampa Bay, why online gambling could provide millions to save land and fight sea rise, and the rise in calls to the state's gambling hotline.

One of the ballot initiatives would enshrine abortion rights in the Constitution and the other would authorize recreational marijuana for people ages 21 and older.

This November, Floridians get to vote on abortion rights and recreational marijuana.