Florida never told its opioid advisory council $4 million was spent on anti-marijuana ads

OG article by Jeffrey Schweers

February 9, 2026

Florida's Statewide Council on Opioid Abatement was not informed that about $4 million in opioid settlement funds was used for a media campaign against 2024's Amendment 3, which sought marijuana legalization but failed at 56% approval (short of 60%). The Republican-aligned Strategic Digital Services received $4.49 million from the Department of Children and Families (DCF) for ads warning of marijuana, opioid, and drug dangers, part of over $35 million total spent to defeat the measure. Other agencies like Health Care Administration, Education, and Health contributed similarly. Council member Lee Constantine learned via news reports and questioned chair Sheriff Dennis Lemma at an October 2024 meeting, expressing opposition to diverting funds from opioid treatment. Settlements allow broader substance abuse prevention, with $18 million earmarked that year for campaigns. Constantine noted no council discussion over 16 months and seeks legislative investigation into DCF's use, akin to prior scandals. DCF did not respond; inquiries were redirected. The issue raises concerns about transparency in allocating billions for opioid crisis efforts versus other drug prevention.