In his quest as a foe of legal cannabis and for running a nanny state, will DeSantis allow Floridians to vote for marijuana? 

DeSantis is recovering from his failed presidential bid and is working to shore up his reputation in Florida. He is known for being tough, driven and getting things his way. His historic fight with Disney has drawn national attention, but hasn’t fully gone as DeSantis planned. His reputation is bruised and he is stepping up his tactics. He has opposed legal cannabis from the beginning, so will DeSantis let Floridians vote on marijuana?

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Currently, DeSantis is using state resources to try to block the Sunshine State citizens from voting on another issues, but what about marijuana? DeSantis, despite receiving campaign donations from a few large cannabis operators, has been adamantly opposed.

When medical marijuana was first put on the ballot, citizens were supportive. It was reasonable considering the amount of veterans and senior citizens in the state. PTSD and chronic pain are two of the ways the American Medical Association, Health and Human Services and science acknowledge cannabis has medical benefits. In general, Florida is in the top 3 states with retirees, a group the Governor thought he can rely on for support, but the state supported medical marijuana by 61%.  The governor said it wasn’t enough support, and made them vote again, clearly sharing he did not want it passed. It passed with 71%.  Now the state wants to pass recreational marijuana via a ballot initiative and the governor is unhappy.

The pro-marijuana group gained enough signatures and has out raised the opposition $75 million to $14 million. In different current ballot initiative, DeSantis has taken another tack.  The other group also gained enough signatures and traction. But in an unprecedented move, the Governor has used state resource to go door to door to ask people if they signed the petition. Also, the governor has also allowed a state agency’s seal to be used in ads against a ballot initiative, a highly usual move.

RELATED: Player Says 9 Out Of 10 NFL Athletes Use Marijuana

The GOP Presidential candidate has come out in support of recreational cannabis in Florida, but, so far, it has not swayed DeSantis in his stance.  The GOP leader and the governor have a fraught relationship, so it is unclear if it will make a difference in campaign.

Sometimes you want something light that tickles the taste buds but doesn’t weigh down your stomach….here are some refreshing cocktails.

Sometimes you just need to shake things up and get a fresh perspective. Whether a change of seasons, hard day, or just want need some cheer, you need a little fun boost.  Well here are the best refreshing cocktails to lighten your spirits!

RELATED: Beer Sales Flatten Thanks To Marijuana

Cucumber Martini

Spa water usually has cucumbers in it because it is so refreshing. They are healthy with a mild but distinctly crisp and exhilarating flavor. Why not treat yourself to a cucumber martini?

Ingredients

• 3 thick slices cucumber, plus thin slices for garnish
• 2 1/2 ounces vodka or gin
• 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
• 1 cup ice

Create

1. Put thick cucumber slices in a cocktail shaker. Use a muddler or a wooden spoon to muddle to bring out flavor
2. Add vodka and vermouth
3. Add ice
4. Put the top on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds
5. Strain the mixture into a martini glass
6. Garnish with a few thin slices cucumber

Brown Derby

Leaning into the great vintage cocktails, this 1930s drink will be a treat to your taste buds. The pairing of bourbon and grapefruit adds complexity and mellow undertones to the flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces bourbon
• 1 oz grapefruit juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Splash of honey

Create

1. Combine bourbon, grapefruit juice, honey and simply syrup to a cocktail shaker
2. Fill it with ice and then shake until very cold
3. Strain the drink into a cocktail glass
4. Garnish with grapefruit slice

Whiskey Sour

This historic drink has saved lives. While the recipe first popped up in 1862, believed to have been consumed much earlier.  Sea travel was difficult and like of fresh good and clean water lead to scurvy, a potentially fatal disease that was caused, in part, by a lack of vitamin C.  It was safe to drink whisky, rum and other spirits on trips and sailors would take vast amounts of citrus food.  Cominbing them was natural and a healthy option to avoid disease, now it is just a happy drink!

RELATED: Rainy Weather Cocktails

Tequila Smash

Smash drinks have been around for over a century and include the famed Mint Julep.  First noted in Jerry Thomas’s bar guide in the mid-19th century, these drinks are known to be perfect to provide good spirits and cooling atmospheres.

Ingredients

• 5 fl oz Sauza Gold Tequila
• 2 fl oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
  
• .5 fl oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• 3 fl oz honey simple syrupequal parts honey and water dissolved over medium heat- about 3 tablespoon honey and 3 tablespoon water
• 8-10 mint leaves torn into small pieces
• 2 cups crushed ice

Create

1. Make simple syrup by mixing 3 tablespoon honey and 3 tablespoon water in a small pan. Melt over medium heat until honey dissolves into water (about 1 minute), cool before adding to cocktail shaker
2. In a cocktail shaker add mint leaves, lime and lemon juice, tequila, and honey simple syrup
3. Shake for 30 seconds

4. Fill cocktail glasses with about 1 cup crushed ice and pour in the cocktail mixture

5. Garnish with fresh lime or lemon