Florida Marijuana Legalization Measure Sues State Officials
A group called Smart & Safe Florida is taking legal action against the administration of Governor Ron DeSantis in the Florida Supreme Court, alleging that state election officials are attempting to unfairly block a ballot measure aimed at legalizing recreational marijuana in the state. The measure, which would amend Florida’s constitution, has been the subject of a long-standing dispute between progressive organizers and the conservative governor.
In 2024, Governor DeSantis used state resources and his political influence to campaign against efforts to legalize marijuana and expand abortion rights. Now, Smart & Safe Florida is accusing state officials of failing to perform a legally required duty, which is to confirm that the group has gathered the necessary voter petitions to qualify for the ballot. The group claims to have collected more than three times the required number of petitions, but state officials have yet to formally confirm this milestone.
The confirmation process is a procedural step that is necessary to put the proposed amendment before the state attorney general, who would then request the Supreme Court to review the ballot language. Smart & Safe Florida is urging the court to order state election officials to complete this step and allow the measure to move forward. The dispute highlights the ongoing tension between progressive and conservative forces in Florida, with the governor and his administration continuing to resist efforts to expand access to marijuana and reproductive rights.
