After a near miss in 2024, Florida’s cannabis legalization advocates are regrouping with renewed vigor, aiming to place a revised initiative on the 2026 ballot.
The campaign, spearheaded by Smart & Safe Florida, has already raised over $20 million and collected nearly a quarter of a million signatures, signaling strong momentum despite new legislative hurdles.
A Second Attempt with Strategic Adjustments
In the 2024 election, Amendment 3 sought to legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older, including establishing a licensed system of cannabis businesses. Despite garnering 56% of the vote, it fell short of the 60% supermajority required for constitutional amendments in Florida—a threshold established by voters in 2006 to ensure broad consensus for such changes.
Learning from this outcome, Smart & Safe Florida has introduced a revised initiative for 2026. The new proposal addresses concerns raised during the previous campaign, including clarifying regulations around public consumption and licensing. These adjustments aim to broaden appeal and address voter apprehensions that may have contributed to the 2024 shortfall.
Robust Funding and Signature Collection Efforts
A significant factor in the campaign’s resurgence is the substantial financial backing from Trulieve, Florida’s largest medical marijuana operator. The company contributed nearly $20 million in the first quarter of 2025 alone, underscoring its commitment to expanding the state’s cannabis market.
This funding has facilitated an aggressive signature collection drive. As of early May 2025, Smart & Safe Florida has submitted over 218,000 valid signatures, nearly 25% of the 880,062 required by February 2026 to qualify for the ballot. The campaign’s early progress suggests a strong organizational infrastructure and widespread support.
Navigating New Legislative Challenges
The path to the ballot is not without obstacles. This month, Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation imposing stricter requirements on citizen-led ballot initiatives. These changes include tighter deadlines for submitting signed petitions and restrictions on out-of-state signature gatherers.
Smart & Safe Florida has joined a federal lawsuit challenging these new laws, arguing that they infringe upon citizens’ rights to propose constitutional amendments. The outcome of this legal battle could significantly impact the campaign’s ability to meet signature requirements and maintain its momentum.
Potential Shifts in Opposition Dynamics
In the 2024 campaign, Governor DeSantis and his allies actively opposed the legalization initiative, with reports indicating the use of state funds to finance anti-marijuana advertisements. This approach has drawn scrutiny, leading to calls from members of Congress for a federal investigation into the alleged misuse of Medicaid funds for political purposes.
The controversy surrounding these tactics may lead to a more cautious approach from state officials in the 2026 campaign, potentially reducing the intensity of organized opposition. This shift could create a more favorable environment for the legalization initiative to gain the necessary support.
The Road Ahead: Achieving the 60% Threshold
While the campaign’s early fundraising and signature collection efforts are promising, the ultimate challenge remains: securing at least 60% voter approval in the 2026 election. Achieving this supermajority will require not only mobilizing supporters but also persuading undecided voters and addressing concerns from opponents.
The revised initiative’s success will hinge on effective communication of its benefits, including potential economic growth, criminal justice reform, and alignment with public opinion trends favoring cannabis legalization. As the campaign progresses, its ability to adapt to the evolving political landscape and maintain public engagement will be critical determinants of its outcome.
In summary, Florida’s renewed cannabis legalization effort demonstrates significant progress and strategic refinement, putting enactment absolutely within reach. However, overcoming the 60% threshold will require a sustained effort, broad coalition-building, and adept navigation of the state’s complex political terrain.
