Ballot initiatives to legalize recreational marijuana and expand so-called "abortion rights" in Florida have failed.
Florida's Amendment Three and Amendment Four both failed to pass by narrow margins on Election Day. Constitutional amendments in Florida require approval from 60 percent of voters for them to pass. Amendment Three only received 5.8 million "yes" votes amounting to 55.7 percent, while Amendment Four received 5.92 million "yes" votes amounting to 57 percent.
Had it passed, Amendment Three would have legalized recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and older and decriminalized possession of up to three ounces (about 85 grams) of marijuana. Existing medical marijuana treatment centers would be authorized under Amendment Three to sell marijuana to adults for personal use. (Related: Florida medical marijuana dispensary operations 'green lighted.')
Meanwhile, had Amendment Four passed, it would have enshrined the right to abortion before fetal viability in the Florida Constitution.
"Except as provided in Article X, Section 22, no law shall prohibit, penalize, delay or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient's health, as determined by the patient's healthcare provider," the proposed language states.
The initiative wouldn't have hindered the Florida Legislature's authority to enact a law requiring the parents of a minor to be notified if their child is seeking an abortion, with exceptions that can be attained through a judicial waiver.
"With polls now closed in Florida, Amendment Three has failed, Amendment Four has failed," Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis wrote on X.
According to the Associated Press (AP), the defeat of Amendment Four was "a political win" for DeSantis. His moves against the pro-abortion initiative paid off, to the delight of pro-life pundits.
Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser lauded the defeat of Amendment Four, describing the result as "a momentous victory for life in Florida and for our entire country," and praised DeSantis for leading the charge against the initiative.
Recreational weed still illegal in the Sunshine State
Meanwhile, NBC News reported on Wednesday, Nov. 6, that Amendment Three's failure came amid high-profile endorsements. Some of the initiative's major backers include the Florida Democratic Party and even President-elect Donald Trump, who earlier announced his plans to vote for the measure.
But given the outcome of Tuesday's election, recreational marijuana in the Sunshine State "will remain illegal … for the foreseeable future."
Just like AP, NBC News described the defeat of Amendment Three as a "success" for DeSantis. The outlet pointed out how the governor was "a vocal opponent of the measure," warning voters against it in press conferences and media interviews.
In one Fox News appearance in May, DeSantis cautioned Floridians against supporting the pro-recreational marijuana initiative. He told the network's Sean Hannity at the time that legalization would come with a high potential for public nuisance.
"It would be everywhere. The state would smell like it," DeSantis remarked. "We don't need that in Florida."
In contrast, Trump – a Florida voter – openly supported Amendment Three despite DeSantis' opposition. During Tuesday's election, the real estate mogul won the support of Floridians over outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris.
"As a Floridian, I will be voting yes on Amendment Three this November," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. However, he added the caveat that the recreational marijuana industry must have "smart regulations."
Head over to DeSantisObserver.com for more stories about the governor of the Sunshine State.
Watch Liberty Counsel founder Mat Staver explaining the now-defeated Amendment Four that would have enshrined abortion rights in Florida.
This video is from the SecureLife channel on Brighteon.com.
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Arkansas pro-lifers mobilize to defeat radical pro-abortion constitutional amendment.
Trump says he'll VOTE NO on Florida’s pro-abortion amendment.
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