The Florida Keys: Cannabis Legalization Brings The Sunshine State Into Focus
By Todd Harrison via Cannabis Confidential (August 16)
As the election approaches, a new series of polls shows widespread majority support for cannabis legalization, federal rescheduling and banking access among likely voters in three key presidential battleground states: Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
The results also come as observers await a formal statement from the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump, about where he stands on a recreational legalization measure that’ll be on the ballot in Florida, where he’s a resident.
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No Smoke Radio
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has stated that one of the main reasons why Floridians should reject a measure of adult-use recreational cannabis for adults in November is that the smell of people smoking will make the state a less enjoyable place to live or visit.
To combat that concern, Sarasota Republican state Sen. Joe Gruters, who has already endorsed the ballot initiative, said Thursday that he’ll introduce legislation next year that bans smoking in all public places in Florida.
“Let’s follow the Arizona law and ban smoking in all public places. I think this is easy to do, this is well within our authority, and I think that we need to get ahead of this.”
Concrete Jungle Wet Dream Tomato
The New York State Cannabis Control Board approved 86 adult-use cannabis licenses this month. 53% of those are held by social and economic equity licensees, 22 (13%) are women-owned businesses and 18 (10%) are minority-owned businesses.
The state has now issued 841 adult-use cannabis licenses in 2024 and as of August, there are 156 dispensaries open for business across New York state.
Peachy
The number of Georgians obtaining a state-issued card to buy medical marijuana is rapidly climbing by about 1,000 per month and coming changes may make it easier for new patients.
Georgians can access MMJ for a wide variety of conditions including end-stage cancer, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, autism, AIDS, PTSD and intractable pain.
Stocks & Stuff
The stock market enjoyed one of its best weeks in years and cannabis tried to keep pace. U.S. cannabis ETF MSOS 0.00%↑ finished the day +2.5% and +7% for the week.
Below, we’ll top-line the recent action, recap the rest of …