Florida Funds Anti-Marijuana Ads Amid Amendment Vote

Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis is facing bipartisan criticism for using taxpayer dollars and opioid settlement funds to finance an anti-marijuana advertising campaign. The state Department of Children and Families recently allocated $4 million to a marketing agency for ads that warn about the dangers of marijuana, linking it to mental health issues, despite the ads not explicitly mentioning the upcoming Amendment 3 vote that seeks to legalize recreational cannabis. Senators from both parties have called this spending undemocratic and a misuse of public funds, arguing it aims to influence voters against the amendment. DeSantis has been publicly campaigning against both Amendment 3 and another measure related to abortion rights, with state health officials joining his efforts. Critics argue that the ads represent a politically motivated agenda, especially given the timing ahead of the election. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions in Florida regarding drug policy and the government’s role in using public funds for political messaging.