In anticipation of Florida’s 2024 vote to legalize recreational marijuana, The Sanctuary Wellness Institute surveyed to gauge the opinions of their medical marijuana patients. The survey revealed overwhelming support for the legalization initiative and insights into the potential impacts of this change, the Institute said in a press release.
- 90.88% of medical marijuana patients surveyed support the legalization of recreational marijuana in Florida.
- 9.12% of respondents oppose the initiative to legalize recreational marijuana.
- 65% of respondents do not foresee significant problems arising from legalizing recreational marijuana.
- 32% of patients expressed concerns about issues like increased abuse, over-regulation, and potential supply issues.
- 90% of surveyed patients intend to vote in favor of the 2024 Florida marijuana legalization initiative.
Support for Recreational Marijuana Legalization
A significant majority of respondents (90.88%) expressed support for the legalization of recreational marijuana. Only a small minority (9.12%) opposed the initiative, reflecting strong momentum behind the proposed Amendment 3, which will appear on the ballot on November 5, 2024.
Likelihood of Continuing to Obtain Medical Marijuana Cards
Even if recreational marijuana becomes legal, 79.55% of respondents indicated that they would continue to obtain a medical marijuana card. The primary reason cited was the perceived safety and benefits of receiving a prescription with proper dosage from a doctor. A smaller portion (20.45%) said they would not continue with the medical card.
Awareness of the Benefits of a Medical Marijuana Card
More than 66% of respondents acknowledged the advantages of maintaining a medical marijuana card over relying solely on recreational use. The benefits of a medical card, as highlighted by The Sanctuary Wellness Institute, include:
- No state taxes on medical marijuana
- Higher potency allowance
- Continuous support from a licensed medical marijuana doctor
Concerns About Recreational Marijuana Legalization
While the majority of patients (about 65%) do not foresee any significant problems arising from the legalization of recreational marijuana, 32% expressed concerns. Issues mentioned include:
- Increased abuse of marijuana
- Over-regulation and high taxation
- Potential supply issues or rising costs
However, 3% of respondents felt that while some problems might occur, the benefits would outweigh the risks.
Intentions to Vote in Favor of Legalization
A resounding 90% of the surveyed patients plan to vote in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana in Florida. This strong support underscores the anticipation and positive sentiment surrounding the 2024 Amendment 3 vote.
One enthusiastic respondent shared, “I’ve been waiting since the 70s for this!”
A spokesperson for The Sanctuary Wellness Institute comments the following on the topic. “The survey results highlight the overwhelming support among our medical marijuana patients for the upcoming vote to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida. With nearly 91% of our patients in favor of this initiative, it’s clear that there is a strong desire for change. This vote has the potential to significantly reshape the state’s cannabis laws and provide broader access to those who could benefit from it.”