Trulieve Sues Florida GOP Over Ads Opposing Marijuana Legalization
10/11/2024
The battle over legalizing recreational marijuana in Florida has escalated, with the state's largest marijuana distributor, Trulieve, filing a defamation lawsuit against the Florida Republican Party. The suit targets ads urging voters to reject Amendment 3, the ballot initiative that would legalize recreational marijuana for individuals aged 21 and older. Trulieve, which has invested nearly $100 million in support of the amendment, claims the ads are misleading.
The lawsuit, a 13-page filing, asserts that the Florida GOP’s ads, funded by the "No On 3" campaign, misinform voters by suggesting that the amendment would block ordinary Floridians from growing their own marijuana for personal use. While Amendment 3 would allow for the purchase, possession, and use of marijuana, it does not alter existing laws that prohibit homegrown cannabis in Florida.
Opponents of Amendment 3, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, argue that the initiative disproportionately benefits large marijuana corporations like Trulieve. At a recent GOP convention, DeSantis criticized the measure, stating, "They are basically putting corporate protectionism in the constitution to protect them, so they get to sell it all.” He emphasized that under the proposed amendment, individuals would not be able to grow marijuana themselves, leaving control of the supply in the hands of companies.
Despite Trulieve's significant financial backing, a recent Florida Atlantic University poll shows that only 56% of voters currently support Amendment 3, a narrow margin given President Donald Trump’s support and the need for 60% approval for the amendment to pass.
Florida GOP chairman Evan Power responded to the lawsuit by stating, “They are using lawfare to try to silence us, but we will not be deterred in our efforts.” With polls showing a close race, Trulieve's legal action underscores the high stakes of this campaign, as both sides vie to sway public opinion ahead of the 2024 vote.
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The lawsuit, a 13-page filing, asserts that the Florida GOP’s ads, funded by the "No On 3" campaign, misinform voters by suggesting that the amendment would block ordinary Floridians from growing their own marijuana for personal use. While Amendment 3 would allow for the purchase, possession, and use of marijuana, it does not alter existing laws that prohibit homegrown cannabis in Florida.
Opponents of Amendment 3, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, argue that the initiative disproportionately benefits large marijuana corporations like Trulieve. At a recent GOP convention, DeSantis criticized the measure, stating, "They are basically putting corporate protectionism in the constitution to protect them, so they get to sell it all.” He emphasized that under the proposed amendment, individuals would not be able to grow marijuana themselves, leaving control of the supply in the hands of companies.
Despite Trulieve's significant financial backing, a recent Florida Atlantic University poll shows that only 56% of voters currently support Amendment 3, a narrow margin given President Donald Trump’s support and the need for 60% approval for the amendment to pass.
Florida GOP chairman Evan Power responded to the lawsuit by stating, “They are using lawfare to try to silence us, but we will not be deterred in our efforts.” With polls showing a close race, Trulieve's legal action underscores the high stakes of this campaign, as both sides vie to sway public opinion ahead of the 2024 vote.
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