Add former NFL star Ricky Williams to the list of celebrities supporting passage of Amendment 3, which would legalize adult recreational possession and use of cannabis in Florida. In order to win on Nov. 5, it needs 60% of the vote.
“I know firsthand the ostracizing and debilitating effects the criminalization of cannabis can have,” Williams stated in a press release issued by Safe & Smart Florida. “I want to pay my experiences forward, end the unjust criminalization and prejudice over cannabis, and bring Florida to the same level of freedom that over half of the country already enjoys. We can accomplish this by voting ‘Yes’ on 3 this November.”
Williams was suspended numerous times in his NFL career for failing drug tests for THC.
"We are grateful to have his support and look forward to continuing to grow this vast coalition behind legalizing adult use recreational marijuana for Florida," Safe & Smart's Morgan Hill explained.
More Amendment 3 Supporters
According Safe & Smart Florida, others who've backed Amendment 3 include:
• Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy
• boxing legend Mike Tyson
• Athletes for Care
• ACLU of Florida
• Florida Democratic Party
• former President Donald Trump
• SEIU Florida
• Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan
• Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young
• Republican State Sen. Joe Gruters
• Democratic State Sen. Shev Jones
• Tampa Bay Times’ Editorial Board
• Libertarian Party of Florida
Statements from Supporters
Sports maven Portnoy previously noted:
"I want to be able to watch football, eat pizza and smoke. We’re all adults here, 21-plus, make your own decisions. It’s on the ballot. Vote ‘yes’ on 3. Legalize recreational weed."
In August, Tyson said:
"I support the freedom to buy, possess and consume marijuana without the threat of being incarcerated. So yes, vote Amendment 3!"
In June, Khalifa commented:
"Let's get this Khalifa Kush legalized in Florida for all adults."
Tyson (Tyson 2.0), Khalifa (Khalifa Kush) and Williams (Highsman) all own cannabis brands.
Financial Support for Amendment 3
Amendment 3, which would alllow adults to possess three ounces of flower and five grams of concentrate, is the most expensive marijuana ballot initiative in history. Safe & Smart Florida has amassed $90.2 million in contributions, with $82.7 million coming from Trulieve, which has 155 dispensaries in the state. Under the new law, the current existing medical marijuana treatment centers would be permitted "to cultivate and sell marijuana products," significantly expanding thier customer bases beyond patients.
Other financial supporters include MSOs Verano Holding ($3.5 million), Green Thumb Industries ($2.25 million) and Curaleaf ($2 million).
The Opposition
Two opposition groups - Keep Florida Clean ($12 million) and Florida Freedom Fund ($2.5 million) – have donated $14.2 million to defeat Amemdment 3.
Most Florida Republicans are against the measure except for Trump, who has said:
"Personal amounts of marijuana will be legalized for adults with Amendment 3. Whether people like it or not, this will happen through the approval of the voters, so it should be done correctly... Someone should not be a criminal in Florida when this is legal in so many other states. We do not need to ruin lives and waste taxpayer dollars arresting adults with personal amounts of it on them, and no one should grieve a loved one because they died from Fentanyl laced marijuana."
Polling
Earlier this month, an Emerson College/The Hill poll showed a 64% lead for the Yes on 3 campaign.
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