Florida Lawmaker Introduces Cannabis Legalization Bill After Groups Suspend Ballot Initiatives

Florida Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-Pinellas County) filed legislation Jan. 13 that would legalize adult-use cannabis in the state, according to a local NBC2 report.

The move comes after two political action committees suspended their efforts to get legalization initiatives on the state’s 2020 ballot.

The groups are now looking toward 2022 ballot initiatives, NBC2 reported, but Brandes hopes to legalize cannabis legislatively before then.

“We think the better place to have that conversation is through the legislative process and so in order to be able to do that you need a piece of legislation,” he told the news outlet.

Brandes’ bill aims to incorporate small businesses in an adult-use industry in the state, according to NBC2, and the legislation also includes expungement provisions for those convicted of simple cannabis possession.