Residents across several counties have begun receiving petitions from Smart and Safe Florida, a group advocating for the legalization of cannabis for adult personal use. This initiative comes after a similar proposal was rejected in a recent election. The organization aims to place a revised constitutional amendment on the ballot for the 2026 midterm elections.
The proposed amendment seeks to legalize recreational cannabis use for adults aged 21 and older. Advocates believe that the updated measure addresses criticisms from opponents, including Governor Ron DeSantis, who previously opposed the legalization efforts. The changes made to the amendment are designed to respond to concerns raised during the last campaign, potentially increasing its chances of success in the upcoming election.
Smart and Safe Florida’s strategy includes gathering signatures from registered voters to support the amendment. The group plans to mobilize resources to ensure that a substantial number of signatures are collected ahead of the submission deadline. The goal is to demonstrate widespread support for cannabis legalization among Florida residents.
If successful, this initiative would align Florida with several other states that have already legalized recreational cannabis, contributing to a growing trend across the United States. Proponents argue that legalization could lead to increased tax revenue, job creation, and a reduction in criminal justice costs associated with cannabis-related offenses.
The push for legalization in Florida reflects a broader shift in public opinion, as polls indicate that a majority of Floridians support the idea of legalizing cannabis for recreational use. Smart and Safe Florida hopes to capitalize on this growing sentiment as they prepare for the 2026 ballot initiative.