Florida’s Supreme Court rendered a ruling on April 1, 2024, permitting an initiative aiming to legalize recreational cannabis to be included on the state’s November ballot. Two justices dissented from the measure, while five justices were in support of it.
The proposed measure would allow anybody who is 21 years of age or older to own, purchase or use cannabis products and accessories for their own personal use, including smoking, ingesting or using in other ways. It also authorizes medical-marijuana treatment facilities and other licensed businesses to carry out operations such as purchasing, growing, processing, producing, selling and distributing accessories and products.
The legislation faces opposition from a large number of Republicans, including the office of the state attorney general, necessitating 60% approval from voters to pass. Justice Jamie R. Grosshans explained the court’s position, reiterating that the amendment complies with constitutional criteria and is presented in an understandable manner.
Grosshans, appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis, emphasized the court’s limited role, confined to assessing single-subject conformity, clarity of the ballot summary and facial validity under the federal constitution. Consequently, he noted that the court approved the proposed amendment for inclusion on the ballot based on these limitations.
The legality of cannabis varies by state, with more than 40 states allowing its usage for either medical or recreational purposes.
One of the initiative’s supporters, Smart and Safe Florida, expressed satisfaction with the court’s ruling, emphasizing how pleased it was with the ballot’s lucid language and the chance it gave voters to weigh in on this important issue.
While the offices of the governor and the state attorney general did not immediately comment on the ruling, it’s notable that the attorney general had previously opposed the initiative, arguing that it was misleading.
In addition to the cannabis legalization initiative, the court also addressed abortion-related matters. It upheld a 15-week abortion ban, meaning a previously signed six-week ban by Governor DeSantis will now be enforced. However, the court ruled in favor of including a proposed amendment aimed at safeguarding abortion rights in the state constitution on the ballot.
During his reelection campaign, President Joe Biden criticized Florida’s abortion prohibition in a memo, suggesting that his administration will bring abortion rights to the forefront of the political agenda in November. This move was seen as potentially advantageous for Biden, with the state, previously won by former President Donald Trump, now considered within Biden’s reach.
If the voters in Florida approve the legalization of recreational cannabis, the launch of that market could open opportunities for not just cannabis companies but ancillary ones as well operating akin to companies such as Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR).
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