Conservative Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is pulling out all the stops to oppose ballot measures to restore abortion access and legalize cannabis in the state — spending millions in taxpayer dollars on TV ad campaigns designed to undercut both measures. “DUI crashes increase in states with legalized marijuana — putting everyone at risk,” says a TV ad run by the Florida Department of Transportation, which adds that a DUI “can more than double your car insurance.
” The ad suggests, in a backhanded way, that alcohol is better than weed: “Unlike alcohol, there’s no easy way for law enforcement to detect how high you are when driving.” The intent of the ad is rather obvious, given DeSantis’ public opposition to Amendment 3, the measure to legalize marijuana. The amendment’s supporters are calling on TV stations to stop running the ad, describing it as taxpayer-funded, political “propaganda.
” Several Florida health care agencies have joined forces to run an ad about how the state’s six-week abortion ban is not a big deal. “No woman can go to jail for having an abortion — and abortions are available before a child’s heartbeat is detected, and in cases of rape or anxiety, incest, and to save the life and health of the mother,” says the ad. In reality, doctors say Florida’s abortion ban is putting their patients’ health and lives at risk , as providers are delaying or refusing to provide necessary medical care out of fear they could lose their medic.