Donald Trump Gives Legal Weed Update Ahead of Presidential Debate

Former President Donald Trump has confirmed he will vote for the legalization of recreational marijuana in Florida, ahead of his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday.

"As I have previously stated, I believe it is time to end needless arrests and incarcerations of adults for small amounts of marijuana for personal use," Trump posted to his social media platform Truth Social late Sunday.

"We must also implement smart regulations, while providing access for adults, to safe, tested product. As a Floridian, I will be voting YES on Amendment 3 this November."

Florida Amendment 3 is a ballot measure that would allow people 21 years or older to purchase and possess recreational marijuana.

"As President, we will continue to focus on research to unlock the medical uses of marijuana to a Schedule 3 drug, and work with Congress to pass common sense laws, including safe banking for state authorized companies, and supporting states rights to pass marijuana laws, like in Florida, that work so well for their citizens," Trump added.

A spokesperson for the Harris campaign told Newsweek: "Despite his blatant pandering, Donald Trump cannot paper over his extensive record of dragging marijuana reform backward.

"As president, Trump cracked down on nonviolent marijuana offenses – undermining state legalization laws, opposed safe banking legislation, and even tried to remove protections for medical marijuana. Donald Trump does not actually believe in marijuana reform, but the American people are smart enough to see through his campaign lies."

Newsweek has also contacted the Trump campaign for comment via email outside of standard working hours.

Trump has previously aired his support for loosening cannabis regulations, which was met with mixed reactions from conservative figures.

Florida's Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, previously referred to the amendment as "very, very extreme."

In August, Trump wrote on Truth Social: "As everyone knows, I was, and will be again, the most respected LAW & ORDER President in U.S. History. We will take our streets back by being tough & smart on violent, & all other types, of Crime."

"In Florida, like so many other States that have already given their approval, personal amounts of marijuana will be legalized for adults with Amendment 3. Whether people like it or not, this will happen through the approval of the Voters, so it should be done correctly."

Floridians authorized the use of medical marijuana in 2016, and there are now over 600 medical marijuana dispensaries in the state, according to CBS News.

Recreational marijuana is currently legal in almost half (24) of the U.S. states, and 38 states permit use of the drug in medical contexts.

Trump and his Democratic rival Harris are set to go head-to-head in a televised presidential debate on Tuesday, as polls suggest a tight race between the two.

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