What to Know About Florida’s Upcoming Cannabis Ballot Measure

With adult-use cannabis on the ballot for Floridians this November, those interested in joining the industry should prepare to navigate a complex application and licensing process. Of course, that will only be relevant if voters approve Amendment 3, an initiated constitutional amendment that will effectively legalize recreational cannabis sales and possession within the state. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming ballot measure for cannabis in Florida.

Florida Recreational Cannabis on the Ballot

Florida voters approved medical marijuana in 2016 by a vote of 71% to 29%. With the proposed adult-use legislation, existing Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers can transition to include adult-use cannabis sales to those 21 years and older. The state legislature may provide further legislation to allow other retail stores to open outside of the existing medical retailers.

The proposed law allows individuals to possess up to three ounces of cannabis flower and up to five grams of cannabis concentrate.

Constitutional amendments in Florida need at least a 60% supermajority vote to pass. This rule has prevented previous measures from passing, despite receiving majority votes in favor. For example, the 2014 failure of Amendment 2, which would have legalized medical cannabis earlier, failed despite receiving 57% of the votes in favor.

Florida Recreational Cannabis Licensing

Should voters approve Amendment 3, the rules for licensing will follow. Since the state already has a structure in place for medical cannabis licensing, we can use the current model as a guide for what to expect with the passage of Amendment 3.

Currently, Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers can grow cannabis as well as extract, process, and produce medical cannabis products. They are also licensed to sell to other cannabis businesses and dispense to registered patients.

How to Start a Cannabis Business in Florida

Following the current structure for opening a medical cannabis business in Florida, here’s what we expect will be necessary for those looking to start an adult-use marijuana business if Amendment 3 passes:

• Security Plan
• Environmental Impact Plan
• Quality Control and Quality Assurance Plan
• Business Plan
• Financial Plan
• Community Benefits Plan
• Research Plan
• Cultivation, Manufacturing and/or Dispensing Plan
• Labor Compliance Plan
• Staffing and Training Plan

Final Thoughts

We’ll know very soon if Florida voters will pass Amendment 3 to legalize adult-use cannabis. Support for the ballot measure has been strong, including backing from the sheriff of Bradford County and an endorsement from Donald Trump.

The Cannabis Business Advisors will keep a close eye on the race and provide updates as they come.

Are you interested in obtaining a cannabis business license in Florida? Call us to speak with an industry expert at 602-290-9424.

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