Colorado Governor Jared Polis Pushes Back Against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' Anti-Marijuana Stance
In a heated exchange over marijuana legalization, Colorado Governor Jared Polis (D) responded to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's (R) opposition to cannabis reform, offering to explain the advantages of marijuana legalization and promote "economic and personal freedom."
DeSantis recently called out Colorado saying that the sate’s illicit marijuana market is larger today than it was before the state legalized adult-use cannabis in 2012. Using this claim to support his personal opposition to cannabis reform, DeSantis faced strong pushback from Polis's office.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Colorado Governor Jared Polis
A spokesperson for Governor Polis's office responded to DeSantis's claim, stating, "The facts are that Colorado voters approved the legalization of marijuana, which is curbing the illicit market, getting dealers off the streets, reducing youth use, funding school construction, supporting jobs, and Colorado's economy." The spokesperson further offered advice to DeSantis on how to increase economic and personal freedom, drawing on Colorado's experience as a "free state."
During an interview on a radio station last week, DeSantis challenged the idea that regulating marijuana sales eliminates illicit operators, claiming that Colorado has a bigger black market for marijuana since legalization.
Despite voting for some reform amendments while serving in Congress, DeSantis has maintained steadfast opposition to marijuana policy change since launching his presidential bid. He has expressed no intention to federally decriminalize cannabis if elected president.
Meanwhile, polling data reveals that nearly seven out of ten registered Florida voters support marijuana legalization, with majorities from every demographic surveyed favoring the reform. Economic analysts from the Florida legislature and the governor's office estimate that marijuana legalization would generate significant sales tax revenue annually.
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DeSantis has signed bills as governor imposing restrictions on medical marijuana advertising and manufacturing, adding stringent eligibility requirements for industry workers. He also approved legislation prohibiting residents of sober living facilities from possessing or using medical marijuana, even if certified by a doctor. Additionally, he banned the sale of consumable hemp products to individuals under 21.