Share this @internewscast.com

The Florida Supreme Court ruled Monday that an initiative to legalize the recreational use of marijuana can appear on the state’s ballot in November.

The proposed amendment would allow people 21 years or older “to possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical personal consumption by smoking, ingestion, or otherwise,” and would permit medical marijuana treatment centers, and other state licensed entities, “to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell, and distribute such products and accessories.”

The measure, which is opposed by many Republicans including the state attorney general’s office, will require 60% approval from voters to pass.

In an advisory opinion, Justice Jamie R. Grosshans said the court would allow the proposed amendment, adding that it meets the requirements for constitutionality and clarity.

“Our role is narrow—we assess only whether the amendment conforms to the constitutionally mandated single-subject requirement, whether the ballot summary meets the statutory standard for clarity, and whether the amendment is facially invalid under the federal constitution,” Grosshans, an appointee of Gov. Ron DeSantis, wrote. “In light of those limited considerations, we approve the proposed amendment for placement on the ballot.”

Cannabis is legal in some form, either recreational or medical use, in more than 40 states.

Smart & Safe Florida, a sponsor of the ballot initiative, welcomed the court’s ruling.

“We are pleased that the Court agreed that the ballot language was clear and correctly ruled in favor of allowing voters the chance to vote on this important initiative,” Smart & Safe Florida said in a statement.

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office and a spokesperson for DeSantis did not immediately respond to requests for comment Monday evening.

The state attorney general’s office had opposed the proposed ballot measure and requested an advisory opinion on the matter, contending that the proposal was misleading.

The decision to allow the initiative to appear on the ballot came the same day that the Florida Supreme Court ruled to uphold a 15-week ban on abortion, meaning that a six-week abortion ban that DeSantis signed into law last year will take effect. But it also ruled to permit a proposed amendment that would enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution to appear on the ballot.

President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign condemned the state’s abortion ban in a memo first shared with NBC News, suggesting that abortion rights would be “front and center” in the state in November, and that the issue put the state, won twice by former President Donald Trump, within Biden’s reach.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Calgary skyline with a bridge and river.

12-Year-Old Boy Allegedly Kidnapped by Convicted Pedophile After Snapchat Trap Plan Backfires

A 12-YEAR-old boy was “abducted” by a convicted paedophile after a planned…

“Astounding Photos Capture Giant Bear Invading Ice Cream Shop Hunting for a Specific Flavor, Astonishing Witnesses”

THIS is the moment a huge American black bear broke into an…
Large fireball rising from an Israeli airstrike in Sanaa, Yemen.

Intense Explosion Follows Israeli Airstrike Targeting ‘Houthi Rebels’ Close to Yemen’s Presidential Palace

THIS is the dramatic moment a colossal fireball erupted near Yemen’s presidential…
'My childhood dream': Jacksonville doctor's research will blast off in space

“Jacksonville Doctor’s Childhood Dream Takes Flight with Space Research Mission”

The research will test how stem cells respond to a zero-gravity environment.…
Witness in Holly Bobo murder trial admits lying, raising questions about nursing student's true killer

Witness in Holly Bobo Murder Trial Confesses to Lying, Casting Doubt on Identity of Nursing Student’s Real Killer

Almost ten years after a man’s conviction for the murder of a…
Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre wrote a memoir. Months after her death, it's coming out

Virginia Giuffre, Known for Accusing Epstein, Wrote a Memoir. It’s Being Released Months After Her Passing

NEW YORK (AP) — Alfred A. Knopf announced on Sunday that a…
Boxer Julio César Chávez Jr. released from prison in Mexico, awaiting trial over alleged cartel ties

Mexican Boxer Julio César Chávez Jr. Freed from Jail, Faces Trial for Suspected Links to Cartel

MEXICO CITY — Boxer Julio César Chávez Jr. was freed on Sunday…
Russia says Ukrainian drones hit nuclear power plant during Independence Day strikes

Ukrainian Drones Allegedly Target Russian Nuclear Plant Amid Independence Day Attacks

Russian officials said Ukrainian drones ignited an overnight fire at a nuclear…
Week 0 kicks off college football season in Dublin

College Football Season Begins in Dublin with Week 0

According to NCAA rules, college football generally starts the Saturday before Labor…
Wildfires expand in Oregon and California, threatening homes and prompting evacuations

Expanding Wildfires in Oregon and California Force Evacuations and Endanger Homes

(AP) – Wildfires have expanded in areas of California’s wine country and…
Maria Sharapova honored at International Tennis Hall of Fame

Maria Sharapova Inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame

Sharapova was joined in the Class of 2025 by dominating doubles team…
Screenshot of a news report about a baby kidnapping.

Eerie Clue Emerges in Emmanuel Haro Case as Investigators Continue Search for Remains and Provide Ominous Update

THE case of missing 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro has taken another heartbreaking turn…