Most major Florida gubernatorial candidates say state should never legalize recreational marijuana

Democrat David Jolly is one exception. He says the fact that a majority of Floridians voted to legalize cannabis in 2024 is why he supports making it legal.

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix May 6, 2026May 6, 2026

While it’s not something voters will decide this year, Floridians might want to know where their candidates for statewide office stand.

Cannabis

Bill banning open containers of cannabis while driving advances

The bill would work the same way Florida law does now in banning driving with open containers of alcohol

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix February 5, 2026February 5, 2026

Florida News

Smoking pot in public banned under bill moving in Florida Senate

The bill would revise Florida laws that prohibit smoking and vaping of tobacco in public spaces to also prohibit smoking or vaping of a marijuana

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix January 21, 2026January 21, 2026

Cannabis

Florida bill would make medical marijuana certifications good for two years

The bill would allow doctors to issue certifications for up to 10 70-day supply limits of smokeable medical marijuana, rather than three.

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix January 5, 2026January 5, 2026

Cannabis News

Uthmeier wants recreational pot amendment rejected

Uthmeier and two major business groups argue the Florida amendment is misleading and conflicts with federal law

by Jim Saunders, News Service of Florida January 5, 2026January 5, 2026

News

Marijuana amendment group confident it’ll make 2026 Florida ballot

Despite a legal setback, Smart & Safe Florida insists they still can qualify for the 2026 ballot

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix November 26, 2025November 26, 2025

News

Florida advances marijuana amendment toward 2026 ballot

A pro-marijuana group sued the DeSantis administration for allegedly slow-walking the process to put an amendment on the ballot

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix November 18, 2025November 18, 2025

Cannabis

‘Nonsensical’: Pro-marijuana group sues DeSantis administration, again

The lawsuit accuses the DeSantis administration of slow-walking the process to put its proposed amendment on the Florida ballot.

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix October 31, 2025October 31, 2025

Cannabis

DeSantis administration is interfering with new recreational pot amendment, lawsuit alleges

Organizers behind the amendment call the actions by Secretary of State Cord Byrd, appointed by DeSantis, ‘unlawful’ and unprecedented

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix October 22, 2025October 22, 2025

Cannabis

Florida police can’t search cars just because they smell weed, court says

Legislative changes have ‘fundamentally changed its definition and regulation’ and made cannabis legal to possess in multiple forms

by Jim Saunders, News Service of Florida October 2, 2025October 2, 2025

Cannabis

Hemp companies call for more consistency in Florida’s definition of ‘cartoon’

State law prohibits hemp products from being ‘attractive to children’

by Jay Waagmeester, Florida Phoenix August 13, 2025September 1, 2025

Cannabis

Florida’s top marijuana regulator leaves post as state prepares to defend new medical licenses

Florida in November 2024 awarded 22 new medical marijuana licenses

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix August 7, 2025September 1, 2025

Cannabis

Florida House panel advances proposal to tax all hemp-derived THC products at 15%

The measure is one of two regarding regulation of hemp-derived THC products that were approved unanimously in the House Budget Committee

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix April 16, 2025June 2, 2025

Cannabis

Bill aimed at restricting Florida’s hemp industry heads to Senate floor

This years’s bill (SB 438) is similar to last year’s — with more restrictions

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix March 28, 2025August 1, 2025

Cannabis

Florida Republican lawmaker proposes legislation to regulate hemp-infused drinks

It would ban those drinks being sold at any locations other than ones already licensed to sell alcoholic beverages, adding additional prohibitions and requirements

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix March 18, 2025July 20, 2025

Cannabis

Florida Republican files bill to allow for ‘home grow’ of medical marijuana

Sen. Joe Gruters’ bill would allow a qualified medical marijuana patient to grow up to two cannabis plants at his or her home

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix February 7, 2025July 28, 2025

Cannabis

Florida marijuana company appeals decision to ban marijuana dispensaries at gas stations

The pending petition, in part, questioned state health officials’ position that locating a dispensary adjacent to a convenience store would increase risks of crime