GOP's DeSantis Takes Issue With Cannabis Odor In Public Places, Says Legalization Proposal Should Be More Restrictive

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) commented on the proposed measure to legalize recreational cannabis, expressing concerns about the quality-of-life infringement, focusing on consumption in public places.

Speaking to reporters following the close of Florida’s 2024 legislative session, DeSantis said that the way he understood the language of the bill, it seems that it is too broad and that nobody would be penalized for smoking weed. He expressed concerns about consumption near schools, reported Florida Politics.

"I looked at that language and, I mean, it is the broadest language I think I've ever seen, basically nobody could ever be regulated or penalized in any way for possessing or using this. I mean, what, you can't regulate it near a school? You can't tell people you can't smoke?" DeSantis said.

"It seems to supersede any other regulatory regime that we have and that means that if that were to come to pass that people in the downtown areas, in different communities, this is going to be part of your community."

The Governor then focused on the smell issue in cities that have already legalized cannabis. He said if there are no restrictions on smoking in public, every Floridian will be impacted by the reform, which he called "a big, big problem." 

See Also: DeSantis Gained Trump’s Endorsement And Became Governor Thanks To Cannabis, Says Ex-GOP Fundraiser

Room For Stricter Rules 

The proposed legalization measure is being spearheaded led by a non-profit organization, Smart & Safe Florida (SSF), and largely funded by marijuana giant Trulieve Cannabis Corp. TCNNF.

Smart and Safe Florida responded to the Governor’s concerns saying that the initiative allows for stricter limitation. 

The cannabis initiative has been legally challenged by state Attorney General Ashley Moody (R) in the Florida Supreme Court. One of Moody's main complaints about the ballot initiative proposal is that it does not explicitly spell out the fact that cannabis is illegal at the federal level, which she has called “misleading."

In August, Moody implied that voters who support legalization are buying into what she called a "reckless" proposal supported by the marijuana giant and "monopolistic" Trulieve, which has poured on nearly $40 million in contributions.

 While the Supreme Court is yet to make its decision, a recent poll by the University of North Florida (UNF) found that nearly seven out of ten registered Florida voters support a marijuana legalization initiative that is expected to appear on a 2024 ballot. The poll showed that there was majority support for the issue across each political, gender, race, and age demographic that was reported.

Meanwhile, Florida lawmakers recently approved a measure imposing restrictions on the THC content in hemp extracts sold statewide, sending it to the Governor. Some industry experts are worried that if the bill becomes law it could jeopardize the hemp industry. 

Speaking of Florida, the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is returning to the Sunshine State at a new venue in Hollywood, on April 16 and 17, 2024. The two-day event at The Diplomat Beach Resort will be a chance for entrepreneurs, both large and small, to network, learn and grow. Renowned for its trendsetting abilities and influence on the future of cannabis, mark your calendars – this conference is the go-to event of the year for the cannabis world. Get your tickets now on bzcannabis.com – Prices will increase very soon!

Photo: Benzinga Edit, with photos from Add Weed via Unsplash and Wikimedia Commons