Florida to Vote on Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization in November

Floridians will get to vote on adult-use cannabis legalization this November. The Florida State Supreme Court ruled 5-2 to advance the legalization initiative to the November ballot.

If passed, the initiative would take effect six months after Election Day. The initiative would allow adults 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of cannabis flower and five grams of concentrate. Medical cannabis dispensaries would be permitted to sell cannabis to adults over the age of 21. The legislature would retain the ability to issue more licenses in the future. The initiative does not include expungement or home grow, which most likely would have caused it to be rejected by the Florida Supreme Court based on the state’s “single-subject” rule for initiatives.

“This is one of the most important cannabis legalization campaigns in recent years,” said Matthew Schweich, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project. “We have the opportunity to end the injustice of cannabis prohibition for over 22 million Americans.”

The ballot initiative, which is being spearheaded by Smart and Safe Florida, would legalize cannabis for adults 21 and over and allow legal sales through licensed businesses. In order to pass, the initiative must be approved by 60% of voters. Of the 24 states with an initiative process, Florida is the only state that requires 60% to pass an initiative.

“The challenge in Florida is reaching the 60% mark,” added Schweich, who has served as campaign director for six successful cannabis reform ballot initiative campaigns since 2016. “We need a well-funded campaign but just as importantly we need a strong grassroots operation that can mobilize support and turn out pro-legalization voters.”