State Sen. Joe Gruters, a former chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, lent his support this week to Amendment 3, which if approved in November by 60 percent of voters would allow recreational use of marijuana.
“By legalizing recreational marijuana for adults, we can give Floridians access to safe products, generate significant revenue for critical public services and create new job opportunities for Floridians,” Gruters, R-Sarasota, said in a news release issued by the Smart & Safe Florida political committee, which is leading efforts to pass the initiative.
Gruters, who is running for state chief financial officer in 2026, was one of few lawmakers who backed former president Donald Trump when DeSantis unsuccessfully ran for president.
And Gruters’ endorsement of the marijuana initiative puts him directly at odds with the governor, who has harshly criticized the proposed amendment. It also came a day after the Florida Sheriffs Association and the Florida Police Chiefs Association voiced their opposition to the initiative.
“The well-being and health of the citizens of Florida are threatened through the legalization and normalization of recreational marijuana,” sheriffs association President Bill Prummell, the Charlotte County sheriff, said in a statement.
A University of North Florida Public Opinion Research Lab poll released Tuesday said 64 percent of voters support Amendment 3, while 31 percent oppose it. A similar poll conducted in fall 2023 had the yes vote at 67 percent.
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“By legalizing recreational marijuana for adults, we can give Floridians access to safe products, generate significant revenue for critical public services and create new job opportunities for Floridians,” Gruters, R-Sarasota, said in a news release issued by the Smart & Safe Florida political committee, which is leading efforts to pass the initiative.
Gruters, who is running for state chief financial officer in 2026, was one of few lawmakers who backed former president Donald Trump when DeSantis unsuccessfully ran for president.
And Gruters’ endorsement of the marijuana initiative puts him directly at odds with the governor, who has harshly criticized the proposed amendment. It also came a day after the Florida Sheriffs Association and the Florida Police Chiefs Association voiced their opposition to the initiative.
“The well-being and health of the citizens of Florida are threatened through the legalization and normalization of recreational marijuana,” sheriffs association President Bill Prummell, the Charlotte County sheriff, said in a statement.
A University of North Florida Public Opinion Research Lab poll released Tuesday said 64 percent of voters support Amendment 3, while 31 percent oppose it. A similar poll conducted in fall 2023 had the yes vote at 67 percent.
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