Florida Rejects Marijuana Legalization as Voters Approve Voting Rights

Florida voters on Tuesday rejected proposals to enshrine abortion rights and legalize recreational marijuana, marking a conservative victory for Gov. Ron DeSantis.

These rejections, despite majority support for each measure, underscore Florida's transformation into a conservative stronghold.

DeSantis's opposition campaign emphasized that the ballot initiatives, if passed, would embed abortion rights and marijuana legalization into the state constitution—an action he argued was deeply flawed and nearly irreversible.

The measures required at least 60 percent approval to pass, thanks to a constitutional threshold pushed by former Gov. Jeb Bush two decades ago. "We fought the good fight, we kept the faith, and we finished the race," said DeSantis' chief of staff, James Uthmeier, on X, acknowledging the contributions of DeSantis and the team.

DeSantis simply posted on social media that the initiatives had been defeated.

Belkis Gonzalez poses with a "I Voted!" sticker after her casting her vote during the General Election in Miami-Dade County at the Pelican Harbor Marina on, Nov. 5, 2024, in Miami. On Tuesday, Florida voters... David Santiago/AP Photo

State Resources Fuel DeSantis' Campaign

Gov. DeSantis deployed state resources in his campaign against both the abortion and marijuana measures, drawing criticism from amendment supporters who say he used taxpayer-funded media campaigns and advertisements to sway voters.

Anna Hochkammer, executive director of the Florida Women's Freedom Coalition, denounced the campaign, saying, "This is no longer the 'Free State of Florida.' This is a state that strips humans of their freedoms and dignity ... using government resources to intimidate voters, silence women, and undermine democracy."

DeSantis campaigned heavily, portraying both proposals as harmful to Florida's values and way of life. While a simple majority of voters supported each measure, the stringent 60 percent threshold kept them from passing.

Abortion Rights Measure Defeated

The abortion rights amendment would have prevented laws restricting abortion until fetal viability, which doctors estimate occurs after 21 weeks. Without this amendment, Florida's strict six-week abortion law remains in place.

The rejection makes Florida one of the first states to decline abortion rights through a ballot initiative since the overturn of Roe v. Wade.

Democratic groups supported the amendment, seeing it as a way to rally their base and uphold reproductive rights in a state with a substantial Republican registration advantage.

While former President Donald Trump ultimately opposed the abortion rights initiative, he initially wavered on his position. His influence and that of other prominent conservatives played into the strong resistance that the measure encountered.

Supporters of Florida's Amendment 4, which would have enshrined abortion rights in the state, react after the amendment's defeat, during a watch party for the Yes On 4 campaign, on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5,... Rebecca Blackwell/AP Photo

Legal Marijuana Measure Fails

The recreational marijuana initiative also fell short of the necessary 60 percent approval.

This measure would have allowed residents over 21 to possess up to three ounces of marijuana and permitted businesses with medical marijuana licenses to sell recreationally. The vote comes as federal authorities are reevaluating marijuana's classification, suggesting a shift in its legal status on a national scale.

DeSantis argued against legalization, claiming it would tarnish Florida's tourism industry with a weed stench in the air.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press