Florida’s debate over recreational cannabis is resurfacing after a failed ballot initiative and renewed public support, setting the stage for a possible return to voters in 2026.
During the 2024 election cycle, a proposed constitutional amendment to legalize adult-use marijuana earned backing from 56% of voters. While that represented a clear majority, it did not meet the state’s 60% threshold required to amend the constitution. As a result, recreational marijuana remained illegal despite growing public approval.
New polling suggests attitudes have continued to shift. A survey conducted by the University of North Florida in 2025 found that support for recreational cannabis had climbed to 66%, well above the level needed to pass if voters were asked again. Advocates argue that the earlier defeat reflected concerns about the details of the proposal rather than outright opposition to legalization.
Governor Ron DeSantis was a vocal critic of the 2024 measure and played a prominent role in the public debate. At the time, he warned that legalization would lead to widespread use and change the character of public spaces, arguing the amendment went far beyond easing penalties.
The earlier proposal allowed adults to purchase cannabis only from state-approved retailers and did not permit people to grow plants at home. Critics raised alarms about potential advertising aimed at minors, while some supporters felt the plan was too restrictive and favored personal cultivation rights.
The revised version explicitly allows limited home cultivation, prohibits smoking or vaping cannabis in public areas, and bans any form of marketing directed at children.
Florida’s GOP chair Joe Gruters, a supporter of legalization, said allowing residents to grow their own marijuana does not undermine the regulated market. He noted that in states where recreational use is legal, personal cultivation tends to exist alongside licensed dispensaries rather than replace them.
Throughout 2025, sponsors have focused on gathering signatures to move the proposal forward. To qualify for review, they must submit over 880,000 valid signatures by February 1. The campaign had turned in over 675,000 by December 2025. However, roughly 200,000 were rejected because they did not include the full text of the amendment, forcing organizers to continue collecting petitions.
If the campaign reaches the required number and the Florida Supreme Court signs off on the language, the measure could appear on the 2026 ballot. Voter approval would significantly reshape Florida’s marijuana laws, with implications for consumers, businesses, law enforcement, and the use of public spaces across the state.
The reform movement, as well as notable industry firms like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED), will be hoping that the outcome of the ballot measure reflects the true will of the state residents.
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