The Florida Supreme Court has approved putting an initiative for legalizing adult-use cannabis on the state’s November general election ballot.

In a 5-2 ruling, the court found the initiative’s language, sponsored by the Smart & Safe Florida committee, meets the state’s single-subject and clarity requirements.

If adopted, Flordians who are 21 and older would be able to "possess, purchase or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical personal consumption by smoking, ingestion, or otherwise." Additionally, the state's medical marijuana treatment centers and "other state licensed entities" would be allowed to "acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell and distribute such products and accessories."

After organizers secured enough verified signatures last year, Florida Attorney General Ashley B. Moody filed, as required, a request for judicial reivew of the constitutional amendment. Moody, a Republican, opposed the measure, noting it would "misleadlingly" allow recreational cannabis use in Florida despite it being federally illegal.

Opponents also argued the ballot language did not satisfy the single-subject requirement, since it would simultaneously decriminalize and commercialize adult-use cannabis. Justice Jamie R. Grosshans, author of the majority opinion, disagreed.

“Allowing businesses to distribute personal-use marijuana, and authorizing individuals to possess it, are logically and naturally related as part of a dominant plan or scheme,” Grosshans wrote. “Legalization of marijuana presumes the product will be available for the consumer. Likewise, the sale of personal-use marijuana cannot be reasonably undertaken while possession is criminalized. Selling and possessing marijuana appear, for better or worse, directly connected, and we cannot say that an amendment addressing both components violates the single-subject requirement.”

Opponents also contended the ballot language was unclear since, it “implies that there are already other state-licensed entities ready to engage in the sale of recreational marijuana, or that the amendment itself licenses these entities.” The justices refuted that argument, noting a “reasonable voter” likely wouldn’t make those conclusions.

“Voters are familiar with obtaining other licenses from the state, such as a driver’s or contractor’s license,” Grosshans wrote. “We do not believe the summary would confuse a voter into thinking that the Legislature is required to authorize additional licenses or that the amendment itself establishes a licensing scheme.”

Trulieve, which operates more than 130 dispensaries in Florida, was the Safe & Smart Florida committee’s main financial backer, contributing around $40 million, according to Ballotpedia.

CEO Kim Rivers recognized the company’s role in getting the initiative on the ballot.

"We are thankful that the Court has correctly ruled the ballot initiative and summary language meets the standards for single subject and clarity,” Rivers said. “We look forward to supporting this campaign as it heads to the ballot this fall. Trulieve was the primary financial supporter of the initiative during the signature gathering effort and subsequent court challenge and is a proud supporter, alongside a strong coalition of other companies, of the next important phase to educate Floridians on the amendment and secure a yes vote on Amendment 3 this November."