Will Florida ever legalize adult-use marijuana?

OG article by Chris Roberts

February 5, 2026

Florida faces significant hurdles in achieving adult-use marijuana legalization after the Smart & Safe Florida campaign, heavily backed by Trulieve Cannabis Corp., failed to qualify for the November 2026 ballot. The group fell short of the required 891,589 valid signatures by the February 1 deadline, with over 200,000 invalidated and criminal probes launched against 15 workers—actions critics attribute to opposition from Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. A prior 2024 initiative, supported by Donald Trump, missed the 60% voter approval threshold. Legal challenges to signature rulings are pending, with a related trial set for February 9. However, tightened citizen initiative rules in GOP-led states, high costs (Trulieve spent over $200 million), and political resistance make future success unlikely. Florida's medical market thrives with 932,000 patients, 742 dispensaries, and $1.65 billion in 2025 sales. Public support remains, but industry setbacks highlight broader resistance in states like Arkansas and Oklahoma despite federal shifts like rescheduling.