Florida Marijuana Legalization Faces New Challenges

A new initiative to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida has been launched by Smart & Safe Florida, following the failure of a previous measure in 2024. This revised proposal addresses concerns raised by Governor Ron DeSantis and others by prohibiting public smoking and vaping and restricting marketing appealing to children. Adults 21 and older would be allowed to possess up to two ounces of cannabis, with the proposal set to be on the 2026 ballot. Despite majority support for the earlier initiative, it fell short of Florida's 60% approval requirement due to significant opposition led by DeSantis. The new effort comes amid a backdrop of potential legislative changes proposed by DeSantis to tighten the citizen initiative process, which some argue could hinder direct democracy. Trulieve, a major medical marijuana company, continues to be a significant financial backer of the legalization campaign.