Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is pulling out all stops to crush a push for recreational marijuana on the 2026 ballot, even as fresh polls reveal voter backing slipping below the key 60% mark needed to pass. This clash pits state power against public will in the nation’s largest medical cannabis market, raising big questions about democracy and drug policy. What’s driving this drop, and can supporters bounce back?
Governor Ron DeSantis has made no secret of his deep opposition to legalizing recreational marijuana in Florida. His administration is now directing county election officials to double-check petition signatures for the upcoming ballot measure, a move critics call a blatant attempt to derail the effort. This comes right after a failed 2024 vote where the idea got 56% support but fell short of the required supermajority.
DeSantis argues that expanding access to pot would harm public health and safety. He has pointed to concerns like increased drugged driving and the spread of stronger cannabis products. In a recent statement, he admitted the idea remains popular but stood firm, calling his stance the “morally right” choice. This isn’t new for the governor, who has battled cannabis reforms since taking office.
One key action happened just days ago. A state agency under his control issued last-minute rules for verifying signatures, sparking outcry from local officials. Some say these directives lack legal backing and put them in the crossfire of politics.
Florida stands as a holdout among states with booming medical programs. With over 800,000 registered patients, the market generates billions yearly. Yet DeSantis fears full legalization could flood streets with unregulated weed, echoing his past fights against similar measures.
Voter Support Takes a Dive in Latest Polls
Recent surveys paint a grim picture for marijuana advocates. A poll from the Florida Chamber of Commerce, released this week, shows support for legalization crashing to a four-year low. Just 57% of voters now back the idea, down from highs above 60% in prior years, making passage in 2026 a steep climb.
This dip follows intense campaigning by DeSantis and his allies. They have spent millions on ads warning of societal harms, like more addiction and crime. The poll, conducted in early January 2026 among 1,000 likely voters, highlights a shift especially among older demographics who worry about youth access.
Another survey from a business news outlet echoes this trend. It notes that ongoing state efforts to “sabotage” the ballot push might be swaying opinions. Supporters blame misinformation, while opponents cheer the change as proof their message resonates.
- Support in 2024 election: 56%
- Current backing per Chamber poll: 57%
- Required for passage: 60%
These numbers matter because Florida’s constitution demands a supermajority for amendments. Without a surge, the measure could flop again.
Polls aren’t everything, though. Some experts point out that enthusiasm can rebound with better outreach. One analyst from a cannabis policy group noted that economic benefits, like new jobs and tax revenue, still appeal to many.
State Tactics Spark Outrage and Legal Fights
The pushback from Tallahassee has county officials fuming. A new directive orders them to audit petitions for the 2026 initiative, potentially tossing thousands of signatures. One elections supervisor called it getting roped into a “political war” by DeSantis, who openly wants to kill recreational pot.
This isn’t the first rodeo. In 2024, similar moves helped sink Amendment 3 despite majority support. Now, with the Florida Supreme Court set to review the new proposal’s wording, activists face more hurdles. The attorney general, aligned with DeSantis, asked for this review last month, arguing the language might mislead voters.
Critics argue these steps undermine democracy. A coalition of cannabis businesses and advocates has filed complaints, claiming the state oversteps its bounds. They point to past court rulings that favor voter initiatives.
Legal battles could drag on for months. If the court green-lights the measure, signature gathering must ramp up fast to hit the deadline. So far, organizers have collected over 1 million, but verification fights could slash that number.
Meanwhile, some lawmakers float alternatives. A Senate bill proposes legalizing adult use through legislation, including home growing for patients. This could bypass the ballot but faces resistance from DeSantis loyalists.
What This Means for Florida’s Future
Beyond politics, this fight touches everyday lives. Legalization could boost the economy by $4 billion annually, per a 2025 study from an economic think tank. Think new dispensaries, tourism spikes, and taxes funding schools or roads. But opponents warn of health costs, citing rises in emergency room visits in states like Colorado after reforms.
For patients, the status quo means sticking to medical cards, which cost money and require doctor visits. Recreational access would simplify things, but only if voters rally.
The debate also highlights broader shifts. Florida, once a swing state, leans conservative under DeSantis. His success in blocking pot mirrors wins on other issues, like abortion limits.
Activists remain hopeful. They plan town halls and ad campaigns to rebuild momentum. One leader said the drop in polls is temporary, driven by state interference rather than true sentiment change.
As Florida gears up for 2026, the marijuana legalization saga underscores a tense battle between government control and voter choice. Supporters vow to fight on, armed with data showing most Americans now back reform. Yet with DeSantis at the helm, the path ahead looks rocky. In the end, this could reshape not just drug laws but how Floridians view their leaders’ power.