DeSantis uses hurricane to damage marijuana initiative

A second hurricane hits Florida in less than two weeks – the governor sees this as an opportunity to harm the marijuana initiative

Hurricane Helene hit the Florida Big Bend and caused devastating damage as far away as North Carolina, leaving over 200 people dead and thousands homeless. Now Hurricane Milton has set its sights on the Tampa area, growing from a tropical storm to a Category 5 storm in just a few days. While people prepare and worry, DeSantis is using the hurricane to damage the marijuana initiative.

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Hurricane Milton became a massive powerhouse on Monday, packing sustained winds of 180 miles per hour as it made its way to the Sunshine State. Tampa, Orlando and St. Petersburg are three of the five largest population centers and will be targeted by the storm. As people either plan to evacuate or prepare their homes for the massive storm, DeSantis sees an advantage. The governor has decided not to extend the voter registration deadline. He has stated that there is “nothing preventing unregistered voters from registering before the deadline.” At the same time, he is urging residents of the populated West Coast to follow evacuation orders before Hurricane Milton makes landfall on Wednesday.

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DeSantis was concerned about the recreational marijuana initiative because public support and support was tremendous. The governor has made it clear that voters are “confused” and “should leave the decisions on marijuana to him.” He worked hard to block medical marijuana, but 71% of the state's voters voted for it. He worked hard to stop this too, but with limited success. The PAC he encouraged to fight it has raised less than $20 million, while the pro group has raised over $100 million. Even AARP has joined the fight with research. Seniors (a significant constituency in Florida) have embraced and begun using not only for fun but also for chronic pain, inflammation, insomnia and more.

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In back-to-back storms, voting rights groups said the current situation was having the greatest impact on residents who had just moved to Florida or voters who just turned 18 and likely hadn't registered yet. To reflect concern over Hurricane Milton, Disney is considering a shutdown, something that has only happened eight times in its history. Six times for a hurricane, 9/11 and Covid… and possibly a ninth time for Milton.