about marijuana legalization.)
The ballot measure, on the eve of the vote, appears closer than legalization’s broad popularity suggests. A new poll from Florida Atlantic University puts support at exactly 60 percent. Reluctance among some voters in the state may owe to controversy over whether the amendment is too friendly to Trulieve and other big companies in how it would shape the state’s market. Leading the opposition to the “big weed cartel” that Amendment 3 would create is Florida’s Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. Despite making his name as one of America’s staunchest conservatives, DeSantis picking this fight is unusual for several reasons. First, politicians don’t normally volunteer to oppose things that are as broadly popular as legal weed, especially when it requires going against a good portion of their voters, allies, and donors.Now, due largely to DeSantis’ opposition, Amendment 3 has split Florida Republicans. Longtime legalization supporter Rep. Matt Gaetz has sided with DeSantis—he says it shouldn’t be resolved in the state constitution