Could Florida Be Next To Legalize Recreational Cannabis?

MIAMI–In a pivotal legal confrontation within Florida’s capital, advocates and critics of recreational cannabis found themselves before the Florida Supreme Court in Tallahassee on Wednesday. Tasked with evaluating a proposal to include the legalization of recreational cannabis on the 2024 ballot, the court discussed a measure that seeks to grant citizens the option to authorize recreational cannabis use for individuals aged 21 and older.

Facing formidable opposition, Florida’s Attorney General, Ashley Moody, a vocal detractor of the initiative, presented concerns about the bill’s language during the hearing. Jeffrey DeSousa, representing the Attorney General’s Office, articulated reservations about potential misrepresentation in the ballot summary. He underscored the contentious point that the use of recreational cannabis remains federally illegal, notwithstanding its legal status in certain states.

“There is at least ambiguity in this ballot summary that a reasonable voter could look to and at least think this could not be criminal under federal law,” DeSousa argued.

A moment of perplexity ensued when a judge expressed confusion, countering, “When it says it does not immunize under federal law, I don’t see how a voter could be confused. I’m baffled.”

The legal proceedings unfolded over an hour of intense arguments, with Moody’s office yet to offer additional commentary when approached by News4JAX.

On the opposing front, John Bash, representing the group advocating for the inclusion of recreational cannabis on the 2024 ballot, emphasized the citizens’ right to amend their constitution as a fundamental responsibility.

“It’s a solemn responsibility of citizens and a solid right to amend their constitution,” said Bash, the attorney for Smart & Safe Florida.

Florida, having previously embraced medical cannabis in 2016, now stands at a crossroads as it contemplates the expansion of its cannabis legislation. Steve Vancore, a spokesperson for dispensary company Trulieve, conveyed optimism, stating, “We believe that the campaign’s lawyer properly conveyed their case to the Court and remain hopeful that the justices will ignore the political rhetoric, stick to the law and give Floridians the opportunity to vote on this important initiative.”

Against the backdrop of a national trend toward cannabis legalization, with Ohio recently becoming the 24th state to legalize medical cannabis, public sentiment in Florida remains divided. Viewers, expressing varying opinions in an informal poll on News4JAX.com, showcased the spectrum of perspectives on the matter.

As the Florida Supreme Court deliberates, the fate of recreational cannabis in the Sunshine State hangs in the balance. Should the initiative proceed to the ballot, it would require a resounding 60% approval from voters to amend the state constitution. The outcome remains uncertain, leaving Floridians and stakeholders in suspense regarding the future of recreational cannabis in the state.