Why it matters: The Smart & Safe Florida committee’s “Adult Personal Use of Marijuana” proposal has been submitted to the Supreme Court of Florida for review as it seeks over 891,523 validated petition signatures for the measure to qualify for the 2024 ballot. Attorney General Ashley Moody has argued that the initiative violates the state Constitution’s single-subject rule, requiring ballot proposals to focus on a single, individual issue only.
What they are saying: The Safe & Smart campaign believes it meets the requirements of Section 101.161(1), Florida Stat., despite the Attorney General’s claims that it falls short of the single-subject requirement of Article XI, section 3, Florida Constitution. Trulieve, Florida’s largest cannabis producer, has also publicly disagreed with the Attorney General’s claims. The initiative would allow adults over the age of 21 to possess and use cannabis products for non-medical personal consumption by smoking, ingestion, or otherwise, but does not allow for residents to grow plants at home.
The big picture: A poll conducted by the University of North Florida in February found that 70% of respondents supported the use of recreational marijuana in some form, regardless of political affiliation.
What to watch: The Supreme Court of Florida will review the initiative to ensure that it meets constitutional requirements, and the Smart & Safe Florida committee will require over 891,523 validated petition signatures for the measure to qualify for the 2024 ballot.
My take: As more states legalize the recreational use of marijuana, the federal government should legalize cannabis across the United States.
