Florida voters failed late Tuesday to pass a ballot measure that would have legalized recreational use of marijuana.

A majority of voters supported the measure, known as Amendment 3, but it failed to attract the 60% support needed to take effect.

It was a rare defeat for marijuana legalization. The trend had been heading in the opposite direction, with 24 states and the District of Columbia legalizing use among adults.

The issue split major Florida politicians. Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, opposed the measure, saying the smell of pot would be everywhere and the measure was designed to benefit a major cannabis company.

Yet former President Donald Trump, a Florida resident and the GOP presidential nominee, favored it, saying it was time to take a lighter approach to marijuana use.

 <p style="font-size: 18px; color: #3e3e3e;"><em>• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at <a href="mailto:thowell@washingtontimes.com">thowell@washingtontimes.com</a>.</em></p> 

Florida voters rejected a ballot measure that would have legalized recreational marijuana for adults at least 21 years old and allowed them to possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana.{ai:summary}<p>Florida voters rejected Amendment 3, a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana, failing to meet the required 60% support despite a majority in favor. This marks a notable defeat in a trend where 24 states and D.C. have legalized marijuana for adults.</p><p>The issue divided Florida's political landscape, with Governor Ron DeSantis opposing the measure, citing concerns over its implications, while former President Donald Trump supported it, advocating for a more lenient approach to marijuana use. #politics</p>

Florida votes reject recreational pot measure

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