TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (420CanNews)—This fall, Florida voters could have the chance to legalize recreational marijuana, with Gov. Ron DeSantis predicting that the state’s Supreme Court will rule favorably on the measure and place it on the ballot in November.
Attorney General Ashley Moody filed a lawsuit last year blocking an initiative, leaving the state Supreme Court to have its say. Judges have until April 1, 2024, to decide the matter, according to the Daytona Beach News Journal. If it chooses not to take up the case, the measure will go before Florida voters in the general election this November.
“I think the court is going to approve that,” DeSantis told Marijuana Moment in New Hampshire during his now defunct presidential bid, “so it’ll be on the ballot.”
Gov. DeSantis expressed his opinion on January 19, 2024, just days before announcing his departure from the Republican primary race.
While medical marijuana is legal in the state, the Florida Herald-Tribune said many laws prohibit the possession, sale, and transportation of marijuana and marijuana accessories. Possessing 20 grams or less is a misdemeanor charge that could mean one year in jail and a $1,000 maximum fine. More than 20 grams can lead to five years in prison and a $5,000 maximum fine.
Smart & Safe Florida filed the ballot measure that would allow adults 21 years or older to possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical personal consumption by smoking, ingestion, or otherwise. The measure would also allow medical marijuana treatment centers, and other state licensed entities, to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell, and distribute such products and accessories.
Attorney General Moody blocked the measure on technical grounds and the Supreme Court heard arguments last fall. Gov. DeSantis himself has had wavering opinions over the past few years, but during a campaign stop in Iowa recently, he said he would “respect the decisions that states make.”
Currently, 24 states have laws that regulate recreational marijuana among adult users, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
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— Story Filed By 420CanNews Staff
Here’s More Information on the Topic:
DeSantis Says Marijuana Legalization Will Be On Florida Ballot Following Court Review
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/desantis-says-marijuana-legalization-will-be-on-florida-ballot-following-court-review/
Florida To Vote On Marijuana Legalization On 2024 Ballot, DeSantis Suggests
https://www.forbes.com/sites/dariosabaghi/2024/01/23/florida-to-vote-on-marijuana-legalization-on-2024-ballot-desantis-suggests/?sh=73129311512c
Gov. DeSantis expects voters to decide on cannabis legalization
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/654367-gov-desantis-expects-voters-to-decide-on-cannabis-legalization/
Recreational marijuana in Florida: What to know as Florida Supreme Court hears arguments
https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/2023/11/10/florida-supreme-court-debate-recreational-marijuana-amendment/71511839007/
Is weed legal in Florida? In some cases, yes. Here’s what to know
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/2023/12/29/weed-legal-florida-medical-marijuana-recreational/72056343007/
Recreational marijuana in Florida: What to know as Florida Supreme Court hears arguments
https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/2023/11/10/florida-supreme-court-debate-recreational-marijuana-amendment/71511839007/
