Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has recently shared his outlook on the future of recreational marijuana in the state, predicting a defeat for the legalisation measure when it appears on the ballot in November 2024. This stance comes despite the initiative’s approval by the Florida Supreme Court and a survey indicating substantial public support.

The measure, known as the Florida Marijuana Legalisation Initiative, alongside the Right to Abortion Initiative, has been labelled by DeSantis as “radical” and “very extreme.” The Governor voiced concerns over the broad language of the marijuana initiative, suggesting it might override existing regulatory frameworks and lead to widespread public consumption, an outcome he clearly opposes due to personal experiences in cities where marijuana is legal.

DeSantis highlighted a growing “scepticism on these amendments” among Florida voters, attributing it to often confusing wording, which might incline a segment of the electorate to oppose such measures by default. His remarks underscore a broader debate on the approach to marijuana legalisation, touching upon societal norms, public health, and regulatory challenges.

Despite DeSantis’s scepticism, the initiative to legalise recreational marijuana, driven by Smart & Safe Florida, represents one of the most expensive campaigns for marijuana legalisation in U.S. history, with a budget of $40 million. The campaign aims to clarify the amendment to voters, addressing misconceptions and emphasising that the government retains authority over time, place, and manner restrictions regarding marijuana use.

Legal experts from the Smart & Safe campaign have countered DeSantis’s concerns, particularly regarding the fear of unchecked public smoking, by pointing out misconceptions in his arguments. With the vote set for November 5, Floridians will soon decide the future of recreational marijuana in their state, potentially shaping the social and legal landscape for years to come.

For more details on this unfolding story, read the full article on GulfLive.