Survey: Medical Marijuana Patients’ Thoughts on Florida’s 2024 Legalization Vote
In light of Florida’s upcoming vote to legalize recreational marijuana, we at The Sanctuary Wellness Institute canvassed thousands of our medical marijuana patients and asked for their opinions.
The results might surprise you.
Read more to find out what our patients had to say, as well as useful information about Florida Amendment 3, the Marijuana Legalization Initiative, which will be on the ballot on November 5, 2024.
What Our Clients Say About Florida’s Upcoming Initiative to Legalize Marijuana
With the upcoming initiative to legalize marijuana in the state of Florida, we wanted to reach out to our clients to provide feedback on this potential change. We asked them a series of questions to gauge where they stood on the issue and how they were likely to vote in November.
In 2016, Florida voters adopted medical marijuana with a resounding 71% to 29% vote. Medical use of cannabis has provided relief for millions of individuals around the country who suffer from a variety of health conditions. As of November of last year, 24 states (including Washington D.C.) have legalized use of marijuana for recreational purposes.
Here’s what we asked our patients about Florida’s upcoming vote and how they responded:
Do you support marijuana becoming recreational?
Result: Mostly Yes
The large majority of our medical marijuana patients we surveyed showed support for legalizing recreational marijuana, with 90.88% of patients in favor. A minority of 9.12% oppose the initiative.
Would you still obtain a medical marijuana card if marijuana becomes recreational?
Result: Mostly Yes
79.55% of our respondents said they would still obtain a medical marijuana card even if it becomes legal for recreational use, while 20.45% said they would not.
One of our patients said, “I feel safer with a card,” stating that getting a marijuana prescription with proper dosage from a doctor is a safer approach than recreational consumption.
Do you know the benefits of having a medical card compared to recreational marijuana?
Result: Mostly Yes
More than 66% of patients recognized the advantage of having a medical marijuana card over recreational usage alone.
At the Sanctuary, we feel it is important that the public is informed of the benefits of having a medical marijuana card. Even if Amendment 3 is passed, only card holders will enjoy benefits such as:
- No state taxes on medical marijuana
- Higher potency allowance
- Ongoing support from a licensed medical marijuana doctor
- And more
Do you see any problems arising if marijuana becomes recreational?
Despite some concerns about potential problems arising from recreational marijuana use, the majority of our respondents believe the benefits outweigh the risks. The responses were split as follows:
- No Problems: ~65%
- Yes, some problems: ~32%
- Yes, some problems, but benefits outweigh risks: ~3%
Most of our patients view legalizing cannabis as a positive development, hoping it will reduce the negative stigma perpetuated by outdated think-pieces. One respondent stated, “…after the rollout, it [the conflict about marijuana legalization] will calm down. Many other states can attest.”
Other patients shared that decriminalization and community support through tax revenue are other potential positive outcomes of legalizing marijuana.
However, among the 32% who have concerns about legalization, we heard several concerns about the following potential problems:
- Increased abuse of marijuana
- Over-regulation and high taxation by the government
- Potential supply issues or increased costs
Do you plan to vote “Yes” in support of making marijuana become recreational in November?
Result: Mostly Yes
An overwhelming 90% of surveyed patients intend to vote in favor of Florida’s marijuana legalization initiative. This strong support reflects the growing momentum behind Amendment 3, which could significantly impact the November election results.
One enthusiastic patient expressed, “I’ve been waiting since the 70’s for this!”
Conclusion
Our survey reveals strong support among medical marijuana patients for Florida Amendment 3, with nearly 91% in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana. Regardless of what happens in November and how that impacts society, we at The Sanctuary remain passionate about connecting people with the care they need to live a healthier, happier life.
If you are interested in receiving the many benefits of medical cannabis, you can get in touch with us to schedule an initial appointment with one of our licensed medical marijuana doctors to see if you qualify for a medical card. We will guide you through the entire process of applying for an MMJ card in Florida or your home state.
Methodology
In July 2025, we surveyed 4,167 of our medical marijuana patients who live in the state of Florida for their opinion on potential marijuana laws.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Florida’s Amendment 3?
Florida’s Amendment 3 will be on the ballot in Florida on November 5, 2024 as an initiated constitutional amendment to legalize recreational marijuana. The initiative would do the following:
- Legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 years and older
- Allow individuals to possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana (~85 grams) with up to 5 grams in the form of concentrate
- Allow existing medical marijuana treatment centers to sell marijuana products to adults for personal use
- Allow the state to grant licenses to organizations other than existing Medical Marijauna Treatment Centers to cultivate and sell marijuana products
The initiative amends Florida’s Constitution Article X, Section 29 by adding the following statement, among others: “The non-medical personal use of marijuana products and marijuana accessories by an adult, as defined below, in compliance with this section is not subject to any criminal or civil liability or sanctions under Florida Law.”
What do the Florida polls say regarding marijuana legalization?
Although early polls indicated that the measure to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida lacked the necessary backing with only 49% support, a more recent poll by Florida Politics revealed 64% support among 1,065 likely voters.
In fact, Florida’s current support levels are similar to or higher than what many other states saw before legalizing. For example, when California legalized in 2016, the measure passed with about 57% support. Additionally, according to Smart & Safe Florida, the committee behind the push to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida has broken new fundraising records.
What is required to change the Florida constitution?
The upcoming vote to legalize recreational marijuana will require an amendment to the Florida constitution. The Florida constitution can be changed in one of the following ways:
- Initiative: This is a citizen-initiated constitutional amendment that allows citizens to change the constitution through a ballot measure (like Amendment 3 to legalize recreational marijuana). To propose such an amendment, supporters must gather signatures equal to 8% of the votes cast in the last presidential election. These signatures must come from at least 14 of the state’s 27 congressional districts. For the amendment to pass, 60% of voters must approve it. As of August 2024, polls indicate more than enough voter approval to carry the amendment forward.
- Legislature: For the Florida State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot, a 60% vote is required in one legislative session. This means at least 72 votes in the Florida House of Representatives and 24 votes in the Florida State Senate, assuming there are no vacancies. Once on the ballot, amendments must receive 60% voter approval to pass.
- Convention: A constitutional convention can be called if 15% of the electorate signs a petition requesting it, with the same distribution requirements as a citizen initiative. Any amendments proposed by the convention must be approved by 60% of voters in a general election.
- Commission-referred constitutional amendments: The Florida Revision Constitution Commision and the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission can propose constitutional amendments to the ballot. But it might take a while as both convene every 20 years. Florida is the only state that allows commissions to do this.
Will Florida’s Amendment 3 pass?
The final decision rests with Florida voters on November 5, but current support for recreational marijuana legalization appears strong with polls indicating that at least 64% of likely voters support the measure. The outcome of this vote could mark a pivotal moment in Florida’s approach to cannabis regulation and use. If passed, the amendment will become effective 6 months after the vote.
Will I need a medical marijuana card if marijuana is legalized?
If cannabis is legalized in Florida, you will no longer need a medical marijuana card to purchase marijuana products. However, having a medical card will most likely remain advantageous. Those with a medical marijuana card benefit from cost savings and tax exemptions, lower age limits, higher potency allowance, home delivery, and more.
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How we reviewed this article:
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Wafa Azeem holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a master’s degree from California State University, Northridge. With over 10 years of copywriting experience, she has been contributing to the Sanctuary Wellness Institute since 2024.
