On April 1, 2024, the Florida Supreme Court made a historic decision that places a recreational marijuana amendment on the November 2024 ballot. This move marks a significant shift in the state’s stance towards cannabis, potentially aligning Florida with the growing list of states embracing the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Proposed Florida Amendment 3: Adult Use of Recreational Marijuana
The proposed Amendment 3 seeks to legalize the adult (21 years or older) personal use of marijuana and marijuana accessories for non-medical consumption in Florida. This includes the possession, purchase, or use of marijuana products through various methods like smoking or ingestion. It also permits Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTC’s) and other licensed entities to sell and distribute marijuana products for personal use.
Will Recreational Marijuana be on the Florida Ballot in 2024?
Yes, Florida residents will vote to legalize the adult use of recreational marijuana in the November 2024 election.
What Are the Possession Limits for Recreational Marijuana in Florida?
Proposed Florida Amendment 3 specifies that an individual’s possession of marijuana for personal use cannot exceed 3.0 ounces of marijuana. Additionally, no more than five grams of the marijuana may be in the form of concentrate.
When Will Recreational Marijuana Become Legal in Florida?
If passed, Florida’s proposed Amendment 3 is scheduled to become effective six months later. This means that recreational marijuana in Florida would become available as early as May of 2025. The sixth month waiting period outlined in the bill allows time for the necessary preparations and regulations to be established before the new laws go into effect concerning the adult recreational use of marijuana in Florida.
How Many Votes Are Needed to Legalize Recreational Marijuana in Florida?
For Amendment 3 to pass and legalize recreational marijuana in Florida, it must garner at least 60% support from voters.
Political and Public Backing for Florida Amendment 3
Despite opposition from notable figures like Governor Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Ashley Moody, who raised concerns about the amendment’s language and implications, the proposal has seen substantial support. Spearheaded by Smart & Safe Florida, the campaign behind the amendment has garnered significant financial backing, indicating strong support for recreational marijuana within the state. This initiative follows the successful approval of medical marijuana in 2016, which enjoyed widespread voter support.