It’s official: Recreational marijuana will be on Florida’s 2024 ballot

In November, Florida voters will have the opportunity to cast their ballot on a proposed amendment to legalize recreational marijuana throughout the state.

In a highly anticipated opinion released Monday afternoon, the state Supreme Court gave its nod of approval to Amendment 3 — also called the Florida Marijuana Legalization Initiative — confirming it will appear on the November 2024 ballot and giving voters the power to decide whether to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida.

A survey by the University of North Florida’s Public Opinion Research Lab found that nearly 70% of Florida’s registered voters are in favor of the amendment, which was spearheaded by the Smart & Safe Florida campaign.

Organizers needed the signatures of 891,523 Florida voters in order for the initiative to appear before the state Supreme Court for its consideration. However, they collected 1,033,769 signatures — well surpassing the requirement.

The court began its review of the amendment’s language in November and was given until April 1, 2023, to announce its decision.

If passed by voters, Amendment 3 would allow Floridians to buy and hold limited marijuana amounts for personal use without a medical license.

In 2016, Florida voters overwhelmingly supported a constitutional amendment to legalize medical marijuana, with more than 70% in favor, paving the way for a significant number of Floridians to access medical cannabis. As of March 29, 2024, the state had 877,954 registered medical marijuana patients.

“Our role is narrow,” Supreme Court Justice Jamie Grosshans wrote in an advisory opinion released Monday afternoon. “We assess only whether the amendment conforms to the constitutionally mandated single-subject requirement, whether the ballot summary meets the statutory standard for clarity, and whether the amendment is facially invalid under the federal constitution. In light of those limited considerations, we approve the proposed amendment for placement on the ballot.”

Amendment 3 will now appear on Florida’s November 2024 ballot, where it will need to secure a 60% majority vote from the electorate to pass.

David Goubert, CEO of the cannabis operator, Ayr Wellness, reacted to the court’s decision by saying that his company looks forward to contributing to efforts that support the ballot initiative.

“AYR is pleased by the Florida Supreme Court’s historic decision to allow Florida voters the opportunity to decide on legalizing cannabis this November. We consider any step towards increasing access to tested, regulated cannabis a positive one,” Goubert said. “We are confident that Florida voters will come out in support of adult use cannabis, clearing the 60% vote threshold this November.”