In a bold push to reignite the conversation around adult-use cannabis in Florida, Trulieve—Florida’s largest medical marijuana operator—has contributed $19.6 million in the first quarter of 2025 to the Smart & Safe Florida political committee. This committee is once again aiming to get a constitutional amendment on the 2026 ballot to legalize recreational marijuana use for adults 21 and older.
The move comes on the heels of the narrow defeat of Amendment 3 in 2024, which secured 57% voter approval—just shy of the required 60%. With Trulieve’s new round of funding, the committee hopes to surpass that margin and bring full legalization closer to reality in the Sunshine State.
This financial commitment is not Trulieve’s first. To date, the company has contributed nearly $164 million to the legalization effort, reinforcing its leading role in shaping Florida’s cannabis policy landscape. Additionally, over $84,000 in in-kind contributions were reported for the same period, further demonstrating the operator’s resolve.
Smart & Safe Florida has already spent roughly $19.47 million in the first three months of 2025, focusing primarily on gathering petition signatures. So far, more than 150,000 signatures have been verified—a significant step toward the 880,062 needed by the official deadline. The goal is to qualify the initiative in time for the 2026 general election.
The impact of this effort is being felt in cities like Clearwater, which has grown into a cannabis-accessible destination for patients through dispensaries like Trulieve. Should recreational use become legal, local economies could experience a surge in cannabis-related tourism, retail employment, and tax revenue. For Clearwater, that could mean expanded storefronts, increased demand for delivery services, and broader consumer outreach.
However, not all reactions have been positive. Critics argue that a single company dominating the legalization campaign could result in a monopolized market, squeezing out smaller players. There are growing concerns over market fairness, equitable licensing, and the accessibility of future recreational licenses to new entrepreneurs.
Trulieve defends its position by emphasizing the importance of establishing a safe, regulated market for adult-use cannabis—one that builds upon Florida’s existing medical infrastructure. Company representatives stress that their investment is meant to support comprehensive reform, not to corner the market.
From a broader industry standpoint, the potential legalization of recreational marijuana in Florida would position the state as a national cannabis powerhouse. With its large population and tourism-driven economy, Florida could rival markets like California and Colorado. Cities like Clearwater stand to benefit from increased foot traffic, diversified business opportunities, and stronger demand for cannabis education and community engagement.
As the 2026 election approaches, all eyes will be on how the campaign unfolds—and whether Trulieve’s hefty contribution will help tip the scale in favor of legalization this time around.