The group behind Florida’s 2024 recreational marijuana legalization effort, Smart & Safe Florida, has joined a federal lawsuit challenging a new state law that imposes stricter requirements on citizen-led ballot initiatives. Critics see the law passed by Florida legislators as an attempt to prevent grassroots campaigns. This includes those that aim to legalize cannabis. 

Background to Amendment 3

Amendment 3 was a proposal to legalize marijuana recreationally for Florida adults over 21 years old in the election of 2024. Although it received 56% of votes, the supermajority requirement for Florida constitutional amendments is 60%. 

Following this, Smart & Safe Florida initiated efforts to place a revised measure on the 2026 ballot. However, the new law’s stringent requirements—such as increased signature thresholds and tighter deadlines—pose significant challenges to this endeavor. 

Legal Challenge

It is claimed that by making amendments and proposals difficult, the law has violated constitutional rights of Floridians. By joining this legal action, Smart & Safe Florida aims to protect the initiative process and ensure that citizens retain the ability to effect change through direct democracy. 

Politic Implications

Political figures have taken sides in the debate about marijuana legalization. Donald Trump’s former presidency expressed its support for Amendment 3 by highlighting the potential of it to reduce unnecessarily arrests, and advocating that marijuana be reclassified under federal law. In contrast, Ron DeSantis, the Governor of Florida, opposed the amendment, warning it would lead to a widespread use by the public and comparing it to the creation of a drug cartel backed up by the constitution.