A Florida senator has introduced a bill to legalize recreational marijuana, citing the will of the people and the need for a fair and accountable cannabis system. Senate Bill 1398, proposed by Senator Smith, aims to legalize cannabis for adults 21 and over in a safe, responsible, and tightly regulated manner. The bill's introduction comes after a cannabis legalization initiative in 2024 failed to pass, despite garnering majority voter approval, falling just short of the state's 60 percent threshold.
Senator Smith emphasized that the message from voters was clear: they want change. Key provisions of the bill include allowing current medical marijuana dispensaries to apply for licenses to sell recreational cannabis, with regulated sales slated to begin in January 2027. The legislation also creates a new licensing structure for cannabis businesses, offering opportunities for small businesses to participate in Florida's regulated cannabis market.
Notably, the bill includes provisions for those with convictions for activities legalized by the measure to apply for expungement or resentencing. It directs the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to establish rules regulating the cultivation of marijuana by members of the public for their private use.
According to Forbes, Senator Smith stated that it is time for the Legislature to stop ignoring the will of the people and end ← →
“We can't call ourselves the ‘Free State of Florida' while continuing to criminalize cannabis use by grown adults,” Smith told Marijuana Moment, ...Alternative viewpoints and findings: Check here
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