Trulieve CEO Urges Florida To Vote Yes On Amendment 3
Happy election day, and if you missed it yesterday, be sure to catch up on our Monday podcast with Truelieve CEO Kim Rivers to hear the latest news on Amendment 3 and why Floridians should vote in favor of the initiative. Plus, US Cannabis Council SVP David Kulver will join us to provide the latest updates from Washington and discuss what the cannabis and hemp industry could look like once election results are finalized later this week.
On Election Night, Floridians will head to the ballot box to cast their votes on the Amendment 3, which requires a 60% threshold or higher to pass. If successful, Florida would become one of the largest legal cannabis markets in the world, estimated at around $4 billion.
Kim Rivers breaks down the stakes for our listeners, explaining the impact legalized adult use cannabis in Florida would have not only on the state, but on the larger discussion about Federal legalization. And we’ll explore some of the economic impact that a large legal cannabis market could have for Floridians.
She will also address misinformation being promoted by the Florida GOP, led by Governor DeSantis, who argued that passing the amendment would lead to increased crime and youth access to drugs. The Florida GOP have been increasingly attacking Amendment 3’s lack of home grow provisions, but Kim points out that the amendment doesn’t ban home grow, and the state legislature could easily address it with future legislation.
David Culver comes from the US Cannabis Council, and he joins us to discuss federal cannabis policy, especially in light of potential rescheduling to Schedule III. Culver explains the bipartisan support for cannabis reform and the differences in approach between Republicans and Democrats. Both parties now have presidential candidates who are open to cannabis reform, which could shape federal policy.
With the rise of low-dose hemp beverages and other cannabinoid products, the hemp industry begins to intersect with cannabis and the regulatory framework needed for these products. Culver stresses the need for federal standards that ensure product safety without stifling market growth. He notes the ongoing legislative efforts around the Farm Bill and hemp-derived THC products, indicating that this could be a turning point for greater integration between the hemp and cannabis industries.
Is there much to be optimistic for in the near future? Hear our thoughts on this episode.
