Ron DeSantis opposes new Florida marijuana legalization measure for 2026 ballot

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis remains opposed to a new ballot measure aimed at legalizing marijuana for recreational use. This measure will appear on the 2026 ballot after a previous attempt in 2024 failed to meet the required support. The proposed amendment would prohibit public smoking of marijuana. DeSantis criticized the initiative, claiming it could create a monopoly for a single company, Trulieve, which has invested heavily in the campaign. DeSantis also expressed concerns about the amendment's chances in the Florida Supreme Court but did not provide specific reasons. Currently, Florida allows marijuana use only for medical purposes, while 32 states have legalized it for recreational use.