Florida Supreme Court Sets Hearing Date for Challenge to Adult-Use Cannabis

FLORIDA – The Florida Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for November 8, 2023, to consider the challenge regarding the inclusion of an adult-use cannabis legalization initiative on the state’s November 2024 ballot, MjBizDaily reports.

The initiative, which has garnered over 1 million signatures from registered voters, aims to qualify for the 2024 ballot, but it faces opposition from Florida’s Republican attorney general, Ashley Moody. Before Florida voters can weigh in, the court must approve the wording of the proposed initiative.

Moody has questioned the initiative’s compliance with Florida Statutes and has suggested that it is an attempt by Trulieve Cannabis Corp., the key backer of the Smart & Safe Florida advocacy campaign, to establish a “monopolistic stranglehold” on the state’s marijuana market.

Trulieve, a Florida-based multi-state cannabis operator and the largest medical Cannabis company in the state, has contributed most of the $40 million raised by the Smart & Safe campaign.

It’s worth noting that the Florida Supreme Court has rejected five out of the last nine voter initiatives it reviewed, and it has close ties to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican who has expressed opposition to recreational cannabis.

The outcome of the hearing will determine whether the adult-use cannabis legalization initiative proceeds to the 2024 ballot in Florida.

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