John Morgan, Florida's 'Pot Daddy,' now the voice of recreational marijuana ad campaign

The marijuana measure, Amendment 3, allows non-medical marijuana possession of up to 3 ounces, with no more than 5 grams in concentrated form, for those 21 years old and up.

USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida

The group behind the proposed recreational marijuana state constitutional amendment appearing on Florida's 2024 ballot announced that it has launched a $1.1 million radio advertising campaign.

And 'Pot Daddy' John Morgan is the voice behind it.

“Throughout the month of July, our campaign will remind voters that freedom means individual rights and an end to arrests and incarceration for simple marijuana possession charges,” said Morgan Hill, spokesperson for Smart & Safe Florida, in a Wednesday statement.

“We know that thousands of people are arrested every year in Florida for marijuana. When Americans across the country have the right to choose to consume marijuana, it’s a disgrace that Floridians’ individual freedoms are still restricted.”

The advertisements feature Florida attorney and entrepreneur John Morgan, who played a critical role in legalizing medical marijuana in Florida and already has endorsed the recreational campaign.

The marijuana measure, Amendment 3, allows non-medical marijuana possession of up to 3 ounces, with no more than 5 grams in concentrated form, for those 21 years old and up.

"Nearly 250 years ago, our nation declared our independence," Morgan, who has jokingly referred to himself as the state's 'Pot Daddy,' said in one of the ads. "Now it's time for us to declare our independence from laws that demand jail time for simply having or consuming marijuana."

(Morgan, by the way, even has his own 'Pot Daddy' merch.)

Smart & Safe Florida has received more than $60 million in contributions. Most of that comes from Trulieve, Florida's largest medical marijuana operator, but other cannabis companies have donated, too. As of its end-of-June campaign finance report, the group still has around $13 million to spend — without considering more funds it may receive.

But recreational marijuana supporters face opposition from the state's GOP leadership, including Gov. Ron DeSantis. DeSantis has said the amendment, which he calls "very broad," would fill Florida with marijuana odors and "reduce the quality of life."

The governor recently opened a new Florida Freedom Fund political spending committee aimed at boosting his preferred candidates and opposing the marijuana amendment, as well as one that would ensure abortion access.

The other amendments on the ballot:Florida's 2024 constitutional amendments: What voters need to know

DEA on marijuana:Ahead of Florida amendment vote, DEA reportedly moves to reclassify marijuana as less harmful

This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. USA Today Network-Florida First Amendment reporter Douglas Soule can be reached at DSoule@gannett.com.