Florida currently allows medical marijuana use and St. Petersburg Republican Senator Jeff Brandes thinks it’s time to take the next step to recreational. The drug is currently legal in 11 states for recreational use, and the majority of states allow medical marijuana.
"I would be shocked if we don’t have adult use in Florida by 2024 just via the constitutional amendment," says Brandes. "I think it’s time for the legislature to take this issue on so we’re going to be proposing legislation this year that would allow for adult use cannabis in Florida."
Brandes expects to have the bill filed within two weeks. He wants the legislature to legalize marijuana so that it can be vetted thoroughly instead of passed through a constitutional amendment.
Illinois is the latest state to legalize recreational use and the first to do so through legislation. They begin recreational sales New Year’s Day.
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