Florida's Push for Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization: A New Chance This Legislative Session

Florida's Push for Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization: A New Chance This Legislative Session

Florida voters showed overwhelming support for cannabis legalization in November, with 55.9% of ballots cast in favor of ending prohibition. While Amendment 3 didn’t pass, it made it clear that most Floridians want cannabis reform. Now, the state has another opportunity to legalize cannabis through new legislation.

Rep. Alex Andrade has sponsored H0555, a Republican-backed bill designed to address key concerns from the previous amendment. This bill would allow adults 21 and older to possess up to two ounces of cannabis and grow two plants at home, out of public view. It also prohibits public cannabis use, ensuring no consumption in public places.

In addition, H0555 aims to expand the state’s existing medical cannabis program by increasing possession limits, waiving fees for honorably discharged veterans, and permitting medical marijuana for patients who have been prescribed opioids.

Florida remains one of the 19 states where possession of a small amount of cannabis can result in jail time, so supporters argue it's long past time to modernize the state’s approach to cannabis policy.

Two other bills, H1501 and S1390, are also on the table, proposing similar frameworks for legalization, though without provisions for home cultivation. If passed, these bills could mark a significant step toward cannabis legalization in the Sunshine State.