A Fresh Start: An Update on the Legalization of Adult-Use Cannabis in Florida

It's time to get the ball rolling! The movement to legalize adult-use cannabis in Florida is underway.

On Monday, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody (R) formally submitted the proposal to the court, expressing her opinion that it does not meet legal requirements to land on next year’s ballot. The Supreme Court reviews initiatives, specifically ensuring that constitutional amendments are limited to single subjects and that they contain clear language. Moody argued that the initiative violates the state Constitution’s single subject rule, requiring ballot proposals to focus on one single issue only.

Activists countered with a statement shared Tuesday, thanking Moody for her transmittal to the Supreme Court while respectfully disagreeing with her statement. Trulieve spokesman Steve Vancore also shared his company’s belief that “the ballot language meets Florida’s single subject and related laws.”

The Safe & Smart committee needs both Supreme Court approval and at least 891,523 validated petition signatures for the measure to make the 2024 ballot. As of Tuesday, the committee had 786,747 signatures. If it makes it onto the ballot, it must receive approval from 60% of voters to be enacted, since it’s a constitutional amendment.

The University of North Florida’s Public Opinion Research Lab conducted a poll in February that found 70% of respondents supported the measure.

The legalization of recreational marijuana in Florida is still in its early stages, but with the Supreme Court's help and the continued efforts of activists and advocates, we could see a major shift in the state in the near future.