TAMPA, Fla. — The road to recreational marijuana in Florida has cleared a major hurdle after a petition that's been circulating around the state for months has surpassed the required number of signatures. Backers of a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow recreational use of marijuana have surpassed a required number of petition signatures, putting the measure one step closer to the ballot.
The amendment would legalize the possession, sale, and use of recreational marijuana for adults 21 and over. It would also allow for the cultivation of up to six plants per household.
Marijuana is a multibillion-dollar industry, and more states, such as Florida, Minnesota, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, could soon legalize weed. As of 2021, 15 states and the District of Columbia have legalize recreational marijuana.
However, the Florida attorney general's bid to halt a marijuana legalization campaign could be heard by the state Supreme Court as soon as June. Attorney General Ashley Moody says a recreational marijuana amendment should not appear on the ballot next year.
Moody argues that the amendment's language is misleading and that it would allow minors to "possess, purchase and use marijuana." She also contends that the amendment would "grant sweeping immunity" to marijuana businesses and their employees, regardless of any harm caused by their products.
Backers of a constitutional amendment to allow recreational use of marijuana have reached the required number of petition signatures. Florida voters could decide as soon as next year if they want to legalize marijuana for recreational use. But Florida's attorney general is attempting to block the measure from appearing on the ballot.
The Florida attorney general's office has asked the state Supreme Court to weigh in on the issue. The court will decide whether the proposed amendment's language is clear and whether it meets legal requirements.
Supporters of the amendment say that it would generate hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue for the state and create thousands of jobs. They also argue that it would end the criminalization of marijuana use and reduce the number of people who are incarcerated for nonviolent drug offenses.
Opponents of the amendment, including some law enforcement officials, argue that it would lead to an increase in crime and drug use. They also contend that it would make it easier for minors to access marijuana and would create a public health crisis.
Despite these concerns, polls show that a majority of Floridians support legal recreational marijuana. If the amendment passes, Florida would become the largest state in the South to legalize marijuana for recreational use.
In conclusion, the effort to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida crossed a major hurdle but still faces a likely challenge from the attorney general. Backers of the proposed constitutional amendment have reached the required number of petition signatures, and Florida voters could decide as soon as next year if they want to legalize marijuana for recreational use. The outcome of this decision will have far-reaching implications for the state and the country as a whole.
