Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s campaign against cannabis legalization in his state is already facing troubles because the political committee he created hasn’t raised much money.
DeSantis’ political committee, dubbed the Florida Freedom Fund, reportedly collected $10,000 in its first five weeks. According to campaign finance records, that money came from a single source: Former U.S. Rep. for Pennsylvania Keith Rothfus.
In comparison, Smart and Safe Florida, the committee pushing for marijuana legalization, has collected more than $60 million in donations from hundreds of individuals since it started campaigning — most of which were less than $100.
DeSantis made waves last month when he vetoed a bill that would have banned intoxicating hemp products in Florida. He recently signaled that he made the decision in order to gain favor with hemp companies and gain their support in fighting weed legalization.
“The marijuana industry wanted this hemp bill,” DeSantis said during a press conference in June. “They wanted to curtail [the hemp] industry.”
DeSantis said the biggest problem with cannabis legalization is that “the entire state will smell like marijuana.”
Florida voters will decide on the legalization initiative in November.
New Jersey AG sues company for marijuana discrimination
New Jersey’s attorney general has accused a company of discriminating against a job applicant for being enrolled in the state’s medical cannabis program.
A news release from New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the office’s Division on Civil Rights (DCR) announced a finding of probable cause against Prince Telecom. The finding alleges the company discriminated against an applicant who failed a marijuana drug test after informing the company that they were enrolled in the state’s medical marijuana program and used the drug to treat a disability.
The AG’s Office said Prince Telecom violated the state’s discrimination laws which require employers to accommodate applicants’ disabilities.
NY dispensary launches illicit weed buyback
A New York dispensary is looking to win over illicit marijuana consumers with a buyback program that offers discounts.
According to Marijuana Moment, from July 1 to Sept. 1, Housing Works Cannabis Co. is offering discounts to anyone who can prove that they have a membership at an illicit cannabis dispensary. The “co-conspirator program” will offer a 25% discount for the first purchase and a 10% discount on all other purchases made over the next year.
The dispensary says the program is meant to encourage consumers to move away from the illicit market. New York has had problems with fake dispensaries selling unregulated marijuana amid lax regulations.