Smart & Safe Florida has reignited its effort to legalize recreational marijuana, just one day after Governor Ron DeSantis convened a Special Session addressing petition fraud. The group filed a new ballot initiative aiming to secure a spot on the 2026 ballot.
Similar to the groups 2024 proposal, Amendment 3, the new initiative would legalize marijuana and marijuana products (edibles, concentrates, etc.) for those 21 and older, establishing possession limits while maintaining restrictions such as prohibiting public smoking (language was added to the new initiative to ensure that public consumption is explicitly prohibited), banning child-attractive marketing, and retaining penalties for driving under the influence. The amendment also grants Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers the authority to grow, sell, and distribute marijuana to adults and calls for licensing new non-medical marijuana businesses.
In the November election, Amendment 3 garnered nearly 56% of the vote, falling short of the 60% threshold required for passage (given it was a constitutional amendment). Despite this setback, it was the most expensive ballot initiative in the nation that year, with over 965,000 petition signatures collected to place it on the ballot.
Governor DeSantis has been a vocal opponent of marijuana legalization. During the previous campaign, state agencies under his direction issued warnings about the potential public health risks. His recent push to address petition fraud has drawn criticism from legislative leaders, who signaled they will resist any attempt by the Governor to dictate their agenda.
Smart & Safe Florida’s renewed efforts signal another high-stakes battle over marijuana legalization in the Sunshine State.
Can find the full text of the new initiative by clicking here.
