Cannabis company Trulieve launched a new Yes On 3 line of marijuana products to support the ballot initiative to legalize adult recreational marijuana use in Florida.
The specialty products — pre-rolls, flower, gummies, and vape cartridges — feature one of two new cannabis strains, the company said: "Yo3," a collaboration between Trulieve and Sunshine Cannabis, and a Trulieve-specific strain, "Yon3," according to a release from the company.
The Yes on 3 products launched July 30, with more product releases and specials planned leading up to Election Day on Nov. 5. "Trulieve's proceeds from #YesOn3 specialty products may be used to support Amendment 3," the release said. Locations have also been handing out "Yes on 3" yard signs, while supplies last
"We are proud to launch this new product line in support of #YesOn3 and Smart & Safe Florida," said Trulieve's Chief Executive Officer Kim Rivers. "Florida adults deserve access to regulated and tested cannabis products, and the freedom to make their own choices about safe, responsible use."
What is Trulieve?
Florida-based Trulieve is by far the largest medical marijuana dispensary in the state with 142 locations as of Aug. 1. That's nearly twice as many as the next most common dispensary, MÜV, according to the State's Office of Medical Marijuana Use. In June, Trulieve celebrated the opening of its 200th store in Brooksville, Florida.
Trulive is also strongly behind the push to put Amendment 3 on the general election ballot in November. The marijuana retailer kicked in all but $124 of the $15 million initially raised in 2023 to back Smart & Safe Florida, the group responsible for the ballot initiative led by country rock star turned grower David Bellamy.
Since then the company has contributed at least $40 million more to the Smart & Safe Florida PAC, according to a state Division of Elections database.
If it passes, the amendment would authorize the use ofrecreational marijuanafor people 21 and older while also allowing individuals to possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana, although federal laws would still apply.
Will the recreational marijuana amendment pass in Florida?
The amendment requires 60% or more Florida voters to vote yes to pass. Recent polls have been mostly positive.
- In April, a USA TODAY/Ipsos poll of 1,000 Floridians found half in favor, and 16% who were unsure or not registered to vote.
- A FOX News poll in June found 66% in favor, including 57% of Republicans.
- A survey of likely Florida voters from the University of North Florida’s Public Opinion Research Lab released in July found 64%in favor.
Gov. Ron DeSantis, other GOP leaders, billionaire investor Ken Griffin andpolice groupsaround the state and the Florida Sheriffs Association strongly oppose it. DeSantislaunched Florida Freedom Fund,a group partly devoted to funding opposition to Amendment 3, chaired by the governor’s chief of staff, James Uthmeier.
However, Joe Gruters, a Trump ally and former state GOP chair, has endorsed the amendment.
What does Florida's recreational marijuana amendment do?
Under aproposed constitutional amendmenton the November general election ballot,anyone 21 years old and up could use and possess up to 3 ounces of marijuanawith not more than five grams in a concentrated form (with assorted restrictions) and it could be sold without the need for a medical marijuana card. but only through marijuana dispensaries.
Marijuana possession, sales, transportation and use would still be against federal law, however.
Recreational marijuana has been spreading across the country with 24 states and the District of Columbia passing laws to make it legal, according to Pew Research. Dispensaries in Ohio opened for the first time this week to long lines.
Medical marijuana extremely popular in Florida
As of Aug. 1, there are 884,941 people registered for a Medical Marijuana card in Florida, with 659 medical marijuana dispensaries in the state, according to the OMMU. Florida voters overwhelmingly approved an amendment making medical marijuana availablein 2016.
Trulieve could open more Florida locations if recreational marijuana use amendment passes
A Trulieve spokesperson, Steve Vancore, told the Pensacola News Journal through email that if the proposed amendment is approved by voters then they plan to adjust their statewide operations accordingly for demand.
“If the YesOn3 campaign to legalize adult use in Florida this November is successful our focus will be to maintain access to products and high service levels for medical patients while preparing our existing locations to serve adult use customers,” Vancor said. “We may choose to open additional locations depending on market conditions, implementing language by Florida lawmakers,expectations for demand, and other factors that are unknowable at this time.”
Contributing: Edward Bunch III, Pensacola News Journal
