The state of Florida has witnessed significant legislative activity regarding the legalization of recreational marijuana. Key bills from 2021 to 2023 highlight the ongoing debate and evolving perspectives on this matter.
In 2021, House Bill 291 and Senate Bill 664 were introduced. HB 291, championed by Hinson, Hart, and Tant, sought to authorize individuals aged 21 and over to partake in specific activities involving personal use of marijuana in limited amounts, emphasizing licensure of marijuana establishments and setting limits on the number of such establishments in localitiesSenate Bill 291. Similarly, SB 664, proposed by Farmer, aimed to rename the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco within the Department of Business and Professional Regulation as the Division of Alcoholic Beverages, Marijuana, and TobaccoSenate Bill 664.
The year 2022 saw further developments with the introduction of HB 467, SB 1696, and SB 1884. HB 467 echoed the earlier proposals by allowing persons aged 21 and over to engage in activities involving personal marijuana use in restricted amountsHouse Bill 467. SB 1696, also introduced by Farmer, proposed the establishment of the Division of Cannabis Management within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, focusing on adults’ use of marijuanaSenate Bill 1696. SB 1884, presented by Powell, aimed to rename the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, similar to SB 664, and authorized activities related to the personal use of marijuana for those over 21Senate Bill 1884.
In 2023, Senate Bill 1576 was introduced, continuing the discussion on legalizing recreational marijuana. This bill represents another step in Florida’s ongoing legislative journey concerning cannabis regulationSenate Bill 1576.
These legislative efforts indicate a growing interest in and potential shift towards legalizing recreational marijuana in Florida. While the outcome remains uncertain, these bills reflect the evolving attitudes and regulatory considerations in the state’s approach to cannabis management.
