Desantis: Florida Marijuana Legalization Heading to November '24 Ballot
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Harnessing Momentum: Florida Governor Signals Groundbreaking Move Towards Marijuana Legalization Vote in November
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a vocal opponent of marijuana legalization, concedes that the matter will likely rest in the hands of the voters come the upcoming presidential election. This revelation surfaced during his campaign in New Hampshire, where he terminated his pursuit of the Republican nomination following a lackluster performance in the polls.
As reported by Marijuana Moment, DeSantis engaged with Don Murphy, a lobbyist for the Marijuana Policy Project, who inquired about the status of the Smart & Safe Florida initiative. This initiative aims to legalize marijuana for adults aged 21 and above in the state. DeSantis responded, saying, “I think the court is going to approve that, so it’ll be on the ballot.”
The initiative, having amassed over a million verified signatures, is currently entangled in a legal tussle with the DeSantis administration. They argue that it violates the single-subject rule and the ballot summary requirements outlined in the state constitution. The Florida Supreme Court heard oral arguments in May 2023, but a ruling is yet to be issued.
Should the court greenlight the initiative, Florida stands poised to become the 16th state in the nation to embrace recreational marijuana, joining the ranks of trailblazers like Colorado, California, and Illinois. The initiative outlines provisions allowing adults to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and cultivate up to six plants at home, subject to specific constraints. Additionally, it proposes the establishment of a regulated market for marijuana products, featuring a 15% excise tax on retail sales.
Trulieve Cannabis, a Florida-based company operating 131 medical marijuana dispensaries – the most in the state – spearheads the initiative. The company has poured over $39 million into the campaign, constituting a staggering 99% of its funding. Under the initiative, existing medical marijuana dispensaries would gain the ability to sell marijuana to adults without the need for a doctor’s recommendation, conferring a substantial advantage to Trulieve over potential rivals.
Despite these strides, the initiative faces an uphill battle, requiring at least 60% of the vote to amend the state constitution. A December 2023 poll by the University of North Florida indicated that 62% of likely voters supported the initiative, while 30% opposed it, with 8% undecided. The poll carried a margin of error of 3.4 percentage points.
DeSantis, a staunch critic of marijuana legalization, contends that the drug poses risks to the health and well-being of Floridians, potentially leading to heightened crime and addiction. His concerns extend to the potency and purity of marijuana products, including the possibility of contamination with substances like fentanyl. DeSantis has enacted legislation to curtail the advertising and promotion of marijuana and to limit the THC content in medical marijuana products.
Reflecting on medical marijuana, DeSantis expressed empathy in 2021, stating, “I look at someone who has Lou Gehrig’s disease or terminal cancer or multiple sclerosis… I want people to have their suffering relieved. I don’t think this law is up to snuff.” However, his stance on recreational marijuana diverges, branding it as a vice rather than a medicine. He raised issues about the pungent odor associated with recreational marijuana, asserting that identifying and addressing safety concerns is crucial in light of the evolving landscape of cannabis consumption.
DeSantis finds himself at a crossroads where the fate of marijuana legalization in Florida hangs in the balance, awaiting the verdict of the state's voters. The Smart & Safe Florida initiative, fueled by Trulieve Cannabis's substantial backing, could potentially usher in a new era, making Florida the 16th state to embrace recreational marijuana.
As the legal battles unfold and public opinion continues to shape the narrative, the upcoming election holds the key to determining the course of cannabis policy in the Sunshine State. Whether it's the lingering concerns voiced by DeSantis or the resounding support indicated by polls, the journey towards marijuana legalization in Florida embodies a dynamic interplay of political, social, and economic factors that will ultimately shape the state's cannabis landscape.