Florida Supreme Court to consider challenge against 2024 marijuana legalization initiative

The Capitolist reports

  • The Florida Supreme Court will review a legal challenge by state Attorney General Ashley Moody regarding a proposed ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana, citing a violation of the state constitution.
  • Opponents must submit their briefs by June 12, and the court will decide whether to hold oral arguments after the deadline.
  • The proposed amendment, supported by the committee Safe & Smart Florida, aims to allow adults aged 21 and above to possess and use marijuana for personal non-medical purposes.
  • The Florida Supreme Court will consider a legal challenge issued by state Attorney General Ashley Moody that contends a ballot initiative seeking to legalize recreational marijuana violates the state constitution.

    According to the Florida Courts’ information system, opponents must file their briefs on or before June 12. Following the deadline, the court will subsequently determine whether to conduct oral arguments on the matter.

    Earlier this month, Moody formally requested a review of a proposed recreational marijuana initiative by the Florida Supreme Court, signaling her intent to challenge its legal adequacy for the 2024 ballot. The political committee sponsoring the initiative, Safe & Smart Florida, surpassed the required 222,881 petition signatures in April to necessitate a Supreme Court review of the amendment.

    In her submission, Moody indicated that “the proposed amendment fails to meet the requirements” of specific state law. However, she withheld further details, promising “additional argument through a briefing at the appropriate time.”

    The proposed amendment, entitled “Adult Personal Use of Marijuana,” would allow individuals 21 and older to “possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical personal consumption.” The move comes after Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment for the broader use of medical marijuana in 2016.

    Moody, maintaining a previously-established position from 2019, insists that the amendment should not reach the ballot, citing a law that mandates constitutional amendments to be limited to a single subject and be in full compliance with state law’s technical requirements.

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https://thecapitolist.com/florida-supreme-court-to-consider-challenge-against-2024-marijuana-legalization-initiative/

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