Yesterday, in a 5-2 ruling, the Florida State Supreme Court advanced a proposed adult-use cannabis legalization initiative to the November 5, 2024, ballot.
While Attorney General Ashley Moody (R) asked the court to invalidate the ballot measure, the justices sided with advocates and affirmed its constitutionality on Monday, according to Marijuana Moment.
“This is one of the most important cannabis legalization campaigns in recent years,” said Matthew Schweich, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project, in a news release. “We have the opportunity to end the injustice of cannabis prohibition for over 22 million Americans.”
Legal Marijuana for Florida
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, according to MPP.
“The challenge in Florida is reaching the 60% mark,” added Schweich. “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.”
Marijuana Moment also stated that the campaign and supporters have maintained that the court needed to respect the intent of the citizen initiative process and allow voters the opportunity to decide on the issue after they turned in nearly one million signatures for ballot placement that have been certified by the state.
What Happens Next?
If passed, the initiative would take effect six months after Election Day, according to MPP. 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.
