Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-Orlando) introduced legislation today that would legalize and regulate adult-use marijuana statewide.
This legislation would establish a comprehensive framework overseeing the cultivation, processing, and retail distribution of marijuana to individuals aged 21 and older.
Key provisions of SB 1390 include the implementation of a licensing system for Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs), mandating separate licenses for cultivation, processing, and retail operations. The bill also proposes that sales tax exemptions for marijuana and related devices be limited exclusively to purchases by qualified medical patients and their caregivers.
Senator Smith, a longstanding advocate for cannabis reform, has previously introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at legalizing cannabis for adult use in Florida. He emphasizes that the current prohibition has disproportionately affected communities of color and has been a financial burden on taxpayers. “Prohibition never works, and the marijuana prohibition has incarcerated generations of Black and brown people and cost taxpayers billions,” Smith stated.
The proposed legislation outlines stringent operational guidelines for MMTCs, including background screening requirements for caregivers and standards for facility permitting processes. Additionally, the bill prohibits onsite consumption at dispensing facilities and sets forth specific dispensing requirements for retail licensees.
According to polling released earlier this month, 67% of voters in Florida support legalizing cannabis. Smart & Safe Florida, the group behind 2024’s Amendment 3, is working to place a similar marijuana legalization initiative on the November 2026 ballot.
