Hillsborough’s Black Chamber of Commerce hosts panel on Florida’s recreational pot amendment

Florida voters have a lot of power, and they could make history this fall if they approve Amendment 3, which would legalize the recreational use of cannabis for adults 21 and older.

“I believe Amendment 3 is a game-changer for our state, and its chances on the ballot are strong,” Krystal Rodriguez, told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay.

To talk about the ballot initiative, Rodriguez’s consulting company, Kreative Solutions, has come together with Hillsborough County’s Black Chamber of Commerce, and others, to organize a panel discussion in Riverview this month.

Rodriguez said the five-person panel will discuss Amendment 3’s impact on the economy, public health and the justice system. She thinks its passage could bring positive change, but added that “careful planning, oversight, and implementation” is needed.

Panelists at the talk happening Wednesday, Sept. 11 include attorneys, activists, and business owners.

Nicole Payne, the President of the Hillsborough Black Chamber of Commerce, supports the amendment, and noted polls showing over 60% support .
[content-1] “This growing trend indicates that voters are ready for common-sense reform that aligns with public sentiment,” Payne, a past candidate for Tampa City Council and Hillsborough County Commission, told CL.

The bill does have some opponents, including Gov. Ron DeSantis , who in July told the Republican National Convention that places like Denver smell like marijuana. Denver legalized recreational weed 10 years ago and has since collected $2.3 billion in related taxes since, according to Colorado Public Radio .

In June, DeSantis vetoed SB 1698, which would have regulated hemp-derived products in Florida, including strict limits on THC levels and a complete ban on the sale of delta-8 THC. This bill, its critics argued, would’ve posed a threat to the livelihoods of small businesses and the hemp community.

“I don't typically agree with Ron DeSantis on many things, but I am very thankful to the governor for seeing that there was a big corporate monopoly that was lobbying to get us well,” Carlos Hermida, founder of Tampa Bay’s Chillum Mushroom and Hemp Dispensary told WMNF over the summer.

But Hermida broke with the governor and supports Amendment 3, which has to earn 60% support to pass (see complete ballot language below):

Allows adults 21 years or older to possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical personal consumption by smoking, ingestion, or otherwise; allows Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers, and other state licensed entities, to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell, and distribute such products and accessories. Applies to Florida law; does not change, or immunize violations of, federal law. Establishes possession limits for personal use. Allows consistent legislation. Defines terms. Provides effective date.

Other politicians like the Bay area’s own State Sen. Darryl Rouson also oppose the amendment and would seek “guardrails” if the initiative passes.

“This is not your mother and father’s marijuana,” he told WMNF in April. “This is new stuff…it’s stronger I worry about the psychosis teens may suffer thinking that it’s not harmful.”

Even former president Trump claims he’ll vote yes on the amendment. Michael Minardi, a weed lawyer who’ll speak on the panel, told CL he thinks the initiative will pass with more than 65% support.

There’s no cover for the Hillsborough County Black Chamber of Commerce’s Amendment 3 discussion happening Wednesday, Sept. 11 at the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades union hall in Riverview.

Subscribe to Creative Loafing newsletters.

Follow us: Google News | NewsBreak | Reddit | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter