As activists work to put a marijuana legalization measure on Florida’s 2026 ballot, Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a new law making it more difficult for citizen-led initiatives to qualify. The timing has sparked major controversy among reform advocates, who see the move as an attempt to block cannabis progress.
The newly signed bill raises the threshold for ballot initiatives by increasing signature requirements and tightening rules around petition verification. Groups hoping to put measures before voters will now face steeper challenges collecting signatures across the state’s congressional districts.
The law comes as Smart & Safe Florida, the campaign behind the marijuana legalization measure, has already gathered hundreds of thousands of signatures and is expected to submit even more in the coming months. Advocates argue that the bill disproportionately targets grassroots efforts like cannabis reform while benefiting well-funded political insiders.
DeSantis has voiced opposition to recreational marijuana legalization in the past, even as public support in Florida continues to climb. Recent polling shows that nearly 70% of Floridians favor adult-use legalization, far surpassing the 60% supermajority required for constitutional amendments to pass in the state.
Opponents of the new law say it undermines democracy by silencing citizen voices. They argue that Floridians should have the right to vote directly on issues like cannabis policy without having to overcome intentionally high hurdles.
Meanwhile, supporters of the legislation claim it protects the state constitution from being too easily altered by special interests. They insist that only proposals with broad, genuine public backing should make it onto the ballot.
Florida already has a medical marijuana program that serves over 850,000 patients, and cannabis reform has become a key issue in the state’s political landscape. Legalization advocates remain undeterred, pledging to meet the new requirements and give voters a chance to weigh in on cannabis in the next election cycle.
The battle over marijuana legalization in Florida now reflects a broader national trend, where shifting public opinion often clashes with legislative roadblocks. Whether the new restrictions will slow down cannabis reform—or energize its supporters—remains to be seen.
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