Marijuana legalization rejected in Florida

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri — A costly campaign to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida failed on Tuesday as voters in dozens of states weighed more than 140 measures appearing on the ballot alongside races for president and top state offices.

Florida was one of several states deciding high-profile marijuana measures and was among 10 states considering amendments related to abortion or reproductive rights. Voters in several states gave resounding approval to amendments specifically barring noncitizens from voting, and Arizona approved a measure authorizing local police to enforce immigration laws.

Many of the ballot measures were initiated by citizen petitions that sidestep state legislatures, though others were placed before voters by lawmakers.

The Florida marijuana amendment fell short of the 60 percent supermajority needed to approve constitutional amendments. It would have allowed recreational sales of marijuana to people over 21 from existing medical marijuana dispensaries, with the potential for the legislature to license additional retailers.

The campaign was funded predominantly by Florida's largest medical marijuana operator, Trulieve, which had provided almost $145 million of the $153 million campaign through the end of October. The measure was opposed by the Florida Republican Party and Governor Ron DeSantis, who said it would reduce the quality of life by leaving a marijuana stench in the air.

Measures to legalize recreational marijuana were also trailing in North Dakota and South Dakota. The election marks the third vote on the issue in both states.

Heading into the election, 24 states and the District of Columbia — representing 53 percent of the nation's population — had already legalized marijuana for adults. A total of 38 states and the DC had laws allowing the medical use of marijuana. Possessing or selling marijuana remains a crime under federal law, punishable by prison time and fines.

Constitutional amendments declaring only citizens can vote won approval in all eight states — Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Wisconsin. All the measures were referred to the ballot by Republican-led legislatures.

Arizona voters approved a measure making it a state crime to enter from a foreign country except through official ports of entry. It authorizes state and local law enforcement officers to arrest violators and state judges to order their deportations.

Agencies Via Xinhua