Florida and Hawaii: cannabis legalization initiatives stalled

Efforts to legalize the adult-use cannabis at Florida and Hawaii have suffered major setbacks. Between legal battles in the «Sunshine State» and a parliamentary deadlock in the Pacific archipelago, the push for legalization now appears to be stalling, even though it has the support of the people in both states.

Florida: A Referendum Halted Despite $200 Million in Funding

Visit Florida, the legalization initiative supported primarily by Trulieve Cannabis Corp. failed to qualify for the November 2026 election.

The committee Smart & Safe Florida was expected to collect more than 880,000 valid signatures in order to submit a constitutional amendment to the voters allowing adults aged 21 and older to purchase and possess cannabis. On February 1, the Secretary of State Cord Byrd confirmed that the required threshold had not been met.

Supporters of the reform denounce a «coordinated attack on direct democracy» led by the governor’s administration Ron DeSantis, a declared opponent of legalization. More than 200,000 signatures were invalidated last year, while several signature collectors were prosecuted under new election laws.

Kevin Caldwell, from the Marijuana Policy Project, believes that the only way to derail the initiative was «to dismantle the system.».

The committee announced its intention to challenge the decision in court, arguing that at least 98,000 rejected signatures should be validated. Another trial, concerning the state’s new election rules, is also scheduled to take place soon.

A powerful medical market, but one under pressure

The Florida remains the largest market for medical marijuana in the United States, with more than 932,000 registered patients and 742 retail locations.

In 2025, sales reached $1.65 billion. Trulieve It operates 161 stores on its own and is reported to have invested more than $200 million in two consecutive campaigns since 2022, an amount equivalent to the debt the company recently incurred.

Other multinational operators such as Verano Holdings, Ayr Wellness and Curaleaf Holdings also have a significant presence in the state.

Despite the referendum's failure, many industry stakeholders believe that legalization in Florida is more a matter of timing than feasibility.

Hawaii: A Persistent Legislative Deadlock

À Hawaii, the situation is different but just as deadlocked. Proposals for Legalization for the 2026 legislative session are now considered to be in jeopardy.

The chair of the House Judiciary Committee, David Tarnas, had presented a a proposal to put the legalization issue to a vote through a constitutional amendment. The bill would have authorized possession for adults aged 21 and older, with the law set to take effect in July 2027.

But the Speaker of the House, Nadine Nakamura, said there was not a large enough majority to move the measure forward. «We are the same members as last year,» she said, noting that there had been no significant shift in positions.

Economic Potential vs. Political Caution

This impasse stands in contrast to recently published economic projections. According to a report commissioned by the state, Hawaii could generate between 46 and 90 million dollars in monthly sales within five years of implementing an adult market, with a tax rate capped at 15%.

At the same time, the government is pursuing gradual reforms: speeding up the process for expunging cannabis-related convictions, expanding the availability of medical dispensaries, and strengthening regulations on hemp-based products.

The governor Josh Green has signed several bills expanding access to the medical program, without, however, taking the step toward full legalization.