Trump says he will vote to legalize marijuana in Florida: ‘It’s time to end needless arrests’

Donald Trump has vowed to vote “yes” on legislation that would legalize marijuana for personal use in Florida, saying that the move would “end needless arrests and incarcerations”.

The former president doubled down on his position on Florida’s Marijuana Legalization Initiative, Amendment 3, set to appear on the November ballot which would grant adults of 21 years old and over to possess, purchase, or use marijuana products.

While medical marijuana is already legal in the Sunshine State, a “yes” vote for Florida Amendment 3 would legalize the Schedule I drug for recreational purposes, allowing for the possession of up to three grams. Growing the plant would still be illegal even if the amendment was passed.

Under current legislation, possession of up to 20 grams of the drug is considered a misdemeanor offense, and is punishable by up to a year in prison. Prosecutors filed more than 16,000 charges against people for possession of small amounts of marijuana in Florida last year.

Trump, who is a resident Floridian which allows him to cast a vote, has declared he will be voting “yes” come 5 November. Amendment 3 will have to garner 60 per cent of the vote for changes to legislation to be made.

“As I have previously stated, I believe it is time to end needless arrests and incarcerations of adults for small amounts of marijuana for personal use,” Trump wrote on Truth Social late on Sunday evening.

“We must also implement smart regulations, while providing access for adults, to safe, tested product. As a Floridian, I will be voting YES on Amendment 3 this November.”

The former president’s stance on the drug’s legalization differs from many other state Republicans.

In May, the Republican Party of Florida unanimously passed a