As I walked through the vibrant streets of Miami weekend before last, rocking my “Yes on 3” T-shirt, I couldn’t help but notice the growing excitement around cannabis legalization. Everywhere I went, from an HBCU football game to the late-night pulse of urban nightclubs and an outdoor hip hop concert, one thing was clear: people wanted my shirt. But more than that, they wanted what it stood for—change.
The shift in attitude toward cannabis was palpable. No longer a taboo topic, cannabis legalization is now a conversation people are having openly and proudly. I heard it from all walks of life: college students, professionals, older generations, and even those who don’t consume cannabis but understand its broader social and legal implications.
Some wanted to show off their support with a “Yes on 3” shirt, while others were eager to learn how they could help push the cause forward. But regardless of whether they were young, old, Black, white, or somewhere in between, the message was the same: times are changing, and so are attitudes about cannabis.
At each event I attended, I saw more evidence of this cultural shift. The stigma that once surrounded cannabis has nearly vanished, replaced by excitement and a strong belief in the power of legalization. It’s no longer just a conversation about consumption; it’s about freedom, decriminalization, and equality. Here are some key takeaways from my time on the ground:
1. Many Are Ready to Vote YES
The overwhelming sentiment? “I can’t wait to vote yes!” It didn’t matter if I was talking to a young college student, a white-collar professional, or someone casually enjoying the festivities. Most people were already aware of the upcoming vote and were eager to cast their ballots in favor of legalizing cannabis.
2. “Wait, I Thought It Was Already Legal?”
Surprisingly, quite a few people were under the impression that cannabis was already legal in Florida. The fact that they hadn’t realized it wasn’t yet fully legalized just shows how normalized cannabis use has become. There’s a general assumption that the state should’ve already moved forward on this..
3. The Older Generation Is All In
An older white gentleman, perhaps in his late 60s, excitedly exclaimed, “Hell yes!” when I asked if he planned to vote for legalization. It wasn’t just him—older couples, some of whom didn’t even consume cannabis themselves, expressed their unwavering support. Whether it’s about personal liberty or the potential economic benefits, they’re all on board.
4. Women Love the Swag
The “Yes on 3” T-shirts were a big hit, especially with women who enthusiastically asked where they could get one. The message was clear: not only do they support the cause, but they’re proud to wear it on their sleeves—literally.
5. Mixed Reactions from the Black Community
Interestingly, the reactions within the Black community were more varied. An older Black woman I spoke to was indifferent about the vote. She didn’t oppose it, but she wasn’t particularly motivated either. On the flip side, young Black men at the football game were actively rolling up and smoking right there in the stadium. They were excited to see the outreach and passionately supported the legalization efforts.
6. College Students Are All About It
For the younger generation, especially college students, the consensus was: “About time!” They’re eager for change and are fully aware of the implications of cannabis legalization, particularly when it comes to criminal justice and decriminalization efforts.
7. Decriminalization Drives Support from Non-Users
One of the most insightful conversations I had was with a Black professional man who doesn’t consume cannabis himself, but is fully in support of “Yes on 3” because of its decriminalization aspect. He recognized the social justice component, particularly how cannabis laws have disproportionately impacted Black and minority communities.
8. Industry Veterans Understand the Struggle
A white man I met who works in the cannabis industry expressed deep sympathy for the challenges faced by the Black community when it comes to cannabis enforcement. “They go through it,” he said, acknowledging the racial disparities that persist within the industry and society.
9. Rastafarians and Daily Consumers
Interestingly, I also spoke with a Rastafarian who consumes cannabis daily but didn’t know much about the upcoming vote. He doesn’t participate in elections, but his daily consumption underscores how ingrained cannabis use is in the culture, even among those not engaged in the political process.
10. The Public Is Watching
At every event I attended, people were noticing our presence. Whether it was the street team in “Yes on 3” shirts at the stadium or conversations happening in nightclubs and concerts, the message was being received. People were staring, giving thumbs-up, and, more importantly, asking questions about what legalization would mean for them.
Reflecting on Miami: What Stood Out
After attending various events and engaging with people from all walks of life, here are 10 things that stood out to me from my time in Miami:
1. Weed is alive and well – People are openly consuming and supporting cannabis.
2. Cops are indifferent – Public smoking didn’t seem to raise alarms with law enforcement.
3. Older people are firmly supportive – No hesitation from the older generation.
4. Excitement is building – People are genuinely excited about the prospect of full legalization.
5. The stigma is fading – The old narrative of cannabis as a “gateway drug” is dying out.
6. Public support is visible – People aren’t afraid to express their support in public spaces.
7. The swag is a hit – Everyone loves the “Yes on 3” gear!
8. Business interest is low – Surprisingly, very few people asked how they could get into the cannabis business.
9. Women are inquisitive – Many women were asking about what legalization would mean for their medical cards.
10. A “Yes” vote seems likely – Based on what I saw, I believe Florida voters will say yes to Amendment 3 in November.
Miami is ready for cannabis reform, and the energy on the ground is palpable. If the weekend was any indication, the push for legalization is not only alive—it’s thriving.
Roz McCarthy
Founder/CEO
Minorities for Medical Marijuana
Black Buddha Cannabis
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