Effort to add abortion rights to Florida's Constitution fails
NBCNov 09
Florida Recreational Marijuana Legalization Amendment Fails
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Above: A polling place in West Palm Beach, Florida. Image copyright: Eva Marie Uzcategui/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Facts
Florida's Amendment 3 was defeated Tuesday, as it garnered just 55.9% support — roughly 4% short of the 60% supermajority required for it to pass as an amendment to that state's constitution.
The amendment, which would've permitted people over 21 to procure recreational marijuana at existing medical marijuana dispensaries, was the most expensive ballot measure in the country.
The Spin
Narrative A
Luckily, enough voters considered the harmful implications of legalizing recreational marijuana to prevent this amendment from being added to Florida's constitution. Family values and public safety are more important than encouraging an increase in drug use.
Narrative B
DeSantis and other opponents of this amendment proved how antiquated their worldview is. Hopefully, with Trump headed to the White House, there's a chance marijuana can still be taken off the federal controlled substances list — leading to greater business opportunities and fewer pitfalls for users of the drug.
