What is Florida Amendment 3? What to know about recreational marijuana in Florida

Much to the common cannabis user’s dismay, recreational marijuana isn’t legal in the state of Florida … yet.

Florida voters will have a chance to vote for or against recreational marijuana legalization this November. And Smart & Safe Florida, the organization that’s backing the amendment, is busy campaigning to raise awareness.

This week, Smart & Safe Florida released four ads advocating for Amendment 3, which is the amendment that would legalize recreational marijuana in Florida, if passed.

“Vote yes on Amendment 3 and give Floridians access to regulated, safe marijuana,” one of the ads says. “Giving responsible adults the freedom to make their own choices in their own homes, all while generating billions for better schools and safer communities.”

Here’s what Florida’s Amendment 3 says, how many votes it will take to pass in November and a little bit about Smart & Safe Florida’s campaign.

Do you need a weed license in Florida?

Yes, you need a medical marijuana prescription to smoke weed in Florida, as it’s not recreationally legal in the Sunshine State.

Can I smoke weed in public in Florida?

You can’t smoke weed in public in Florida, even if you have a medical marijuana card.

Is Delta 9 legal in Florida?

Yes, Delta 9 THC and Delta 8 THC, which some refer to as “diet weed,” are legal in Florida.

Although you’re not legally allowed to buy and smoke real pot in Florida, you can buy low-level THC products from your local smoke shop.

What is Florida’s Amendment 3?

The amendment “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,” Smart & Safe Florida’s website says.

“It 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.”

The organization's newest ads (released this week) show a mix of people from different backgrounds, all advocating for legalizing recreational marijuana.

One ad has a U.S. Army veteran, who points out that he believes restricting marijuana to medical use only infringes on the freedoms he fought for. Another video, of a senior woman, points out that “marijuana is already in Florida, Amendment 3 just takes it off the streets.”

These and two other ads from Smart & Safe Florida are set to run throughout the state on cable and broadcast TV, streaming and other digital platforms and radio stations.

How many votes will it take to legalize weed in Florida?

Voting yes on Amendment 3 supports legalizing adult-use marijuana and permits possession of up to 3 ounces of flower and up to 5 grams of concentrate.

For this amendment to pass, it must receive supermajority support, meaning at least 60% of votes will have to be a "yes."

And even if the amendment is passed, it still could get batted down afterward in court, USA TODAY Network-Florida reports.

“Floridians Protecting Freedom and Smart & Safe Florida, the organizations promoting the proposed constitutional amendments, are already raising more money and positioning campaigns aimed at gaining needed support from at least 60% of state voters in November,” according to the news report. But even if the amendment passes, opposition groups to marijuana legalization expansion are expected to file lawsuits that could take months or years to resolve.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Amendment 3 in Florida TV ads. What to know about recreational weed