Florida’s new cannabis bill is stirring up a lot of conversation. And let’s be honest—it’s not perfect. There are serious issues that can’t be overlooked. We’re talking about monopolies controlling the market, limited opportunities for smaller businesses, and a bill that doesn’t go nearly far enough in addressing the need for criminal justice reform. But after spending the past few weeks diving deep into this bill, hearing opinions from both sides of the aisle, and speaking with trusted advisors in the cannabis industry, I’ve come to a conclusion.
I’m supporting this bill. Not because it’s flawless, but because it’s a necessary step in a much bigger game.
Understanding the Flaws
Let’s start with the issues. For many, the biggest concern is the monopolization of the cannabis market. Large corporations already hold a lot of power in Florida’s medical cannabis space, and this bill doesn’t do much to change that. The rich will get richer, and smaller businesses—especially those owned by minorities—may struggle to find a foothold in this increasingly competitive landscape.
Then there’s the lack of equity. Cannabis has been a goldmine for those in power, but what about the communities most harmed by prohibition? The bill doesn’t include strong measures to ensure that those disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs have access to the economic benefits of legalization. In other states, equity programs have been put in place to right these wrongs, but Florida’s bill seems to fall short in this area.
And let’s not forget about criminal justice reform. Thousands of people—primarily people of color—remain in jail or carry criminal records for cannabis-related offenses. While the bill offers some relief, it doesn’t go far enough in wiping out the damage done by decades of prohibition. Without comprehensive expungement programs or clear pathways for the release of those still imprisoned for cannabis, it feels incomplete.
Why I’m Still Supporting It
Now, I get it. Hearing all that, you might wonder why anyone would support this bill. The answer is simple: sometimes, the path to real progress is messy. In a perfect world, we’d get a bill that immediately solves these problems, but real change rarely happens overnight.
I look at this bill like the foundation of a bridge. The first steps won’t get us all the way across, but without them, we’re not moving forward at all. The South has been historically resistant to cannabis reform, and Florida is a crucial battleground. Passing this bill, even with its flaws, could open the door for more progressive policies in the future—not just in Florida, but across the South.
Think of it like this: every major movement for change begins with compromises. We can’t let the pursuit of perfection keep us from making progress where we can. This bill may not solve all of Florida’s cannabis problems, but it does two things we desperately need: it moves the conversation forward, and it lays the groundwork for future reforms.
The Bigger Picture: Why Florida Matters
Florida isn’t just another state on the map. With a population of over 21 million people, Florida is one of the largest markets in the country, and what happens here will send ripples throughout the South. States like Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina are watching closely. If Florida can pass cannabis reform, even an imperfect one, it could set the stage for neighboring states to follow suit.
We’ve seen this happen before. When Colorado and Washington first passed their cannabis laws, they weren’t perfect either. But they sparked a wave of legalization that spread across the country. The same thing could happen in the South. Florida, with its size and influence, could be the tipping point.
What Needs to Happen Next
So, where do we go from here? Supporting this bill doesn’t mean we stop fighting for better. In fact, passing this bill should ignite even more action. We need to keep pushing for:
- Equity programs that prioritize access for communities disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs.
- Expungement and criminal justice reform that fully addresses the harm done by decades of prohibition.
- Regulations that ensure small businesses have a fair shot in the market and that monopolies don’t dominate the industry.
Passing this bill is just the beginning of a much larger fight. It gives us a platform to build on, a starting point to demand more from future legislation.
I’m choosing to support this bill because I believe in the bigger picture. I’m not blind to its flaws, but I see the long-term game. Florida’s cannabis reform could be the spark that lights up the South. But we can’t stop here. We need to hold lawmakers accountable, push for better policies, and keep the momentum going.
If you’re with me, let’s stay engaged. This is just the start, and together, we can push for the changes that are still needed. Let’s make sure this bill becomes a stepping stone, not a final destination. Follow me for more updates on the fight for real cannabis reform, and join me in keeping this movement alive.
