Petitions for recreational marijuana face major setback

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

More than half of the petitions collected to get recreational marijuana on the ballot in Florida have been rejected, but Smart and Safe Florida remains determined to continue its efforts despite the state's declaration that it is too late.

The group behind the recreational marijuana initiative is not giving up on the opportunity for people to vote on a constitutional amendment to legalize it. They remain optimistic about obtaining the required signatures to get it on the ballot.

Bill Sandifer, owner of Big Dawg Smoke Shop in North Fort Myers, expressed his support for the initiative.

"I think it should pass if we can get the signatures," Sandifer said.

He noted the growing demand for cannabis products, stating, "More people want relief. It's not addictive. It won't harm you."

The state has declared that voters will not have the choice, citing insufficient valid signatures to make it on the ballot.

"I don't think it should be in the hands of the lawmakers," Sandifer said.

Gulf Coast News confirmed that more than half of all petitions in Lee, Charlotte, and Collier counties were rejected.

Collier County Supervisor of Elections Melissa Blazier said, "The petitions were submitted to us on the incorrect form."

Her office discarded 4,600 of the 8,000 signatures received because the petitions lacked the full amendment text.

"I think that was why a vast majority of the ones that were invalidated and rejected," Blazier said.

Smart and Safe Florida remains hopeful, stating, "We submitted over 1.4 million signatures and believe when they are all counted, we will have more than enough to make ballot."

The matter is likely to end up before the courts.

Recreational marijuana was previously on the ballot in 2024 but did not receive the 60% approval needed. For now, the future of the initiative remains uncertain.