Florida Faces Crucial Decision On Cannabis As Benzinga Kicks Off Industry Conference In Hollywood

Since the approval of the Compassionate Use Act in 2014, Florida has authorized medical cannabis for a variety of health conditions. This legislation has evolved over the years, allowing more patients access to cannabis treatments.

The law has expanded from allowing only low-THC cannabis for specific medical conditions to including full-strength marijuana for a wider range of diseases by 2016. Notably, 2019 marked another step forward as the state legislature approved smokable marijuana under its medical program.

Efforts to legalize recreational marijuana have seen less progress. Previous initiatives have not succeeded, mainly due to challenges over the wording of ballot proposals, particularly their failure to address the substance’s federal status. Ahead of the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, here is what you need to know.

2024 Ballot Initiative: Recreational Marijuana

This year is critical for cannabis regulation in Florida, with a new initiative poised to potentially legalize recreational marijuana. The advocacy group Smart and Safe Florida has gathered over a million signatures to place an adult-use legalization measure on the November 2024 ballot.

The proposal is currently under review by the Florida Supreme Court, which is evaluating whether the amendment’s wording sufficiently informs voters about the continued federal prohibition of marijuana.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has acknowledged the likelihood of the measure reaching the ballot despite expressing concerns about public usage. Should the measure pass, it would permit adults over the age of 21 to use marijuana recreationally.

This could dramatically alter the cannabis market in Florida, presenting new opportunities and challenges for businesses and investors.

Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference: A Vital Gathering

The upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, set to be held in Hollywood, FL, will be an important event for those involved in the cannabis industry. It will be an excellent platform for discussing potential changes in Florida’s cannabis laws and their broader implications for the market. 

It will provide valuable networking opportunities and expert discussions on finance, legal issues, and market trends, making it an essential event for investors and industry leaders looking to navigate the evolving cannabis environment.

The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is returning to Florida on April 16 and 17, 2024, in a new venue in Hollywood. The two-day event at The Diplomat Beach Resort will be a chance for entrepreneurs, both large and small, to network, learn, and grow. 

Renowned for its trendsetting abilities and influence on the future of cannabis, mark your calendars — this conference is the go-to event of the year for the cannabis world. Get your tickets now on bzcannabis.com – Prices will increase very soon!

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Image: Florida weed El Planteo