.png)
Where Florida's 2026 Candidates Stand on Cannabis Reform: The Rotation's Election Guide
Suncoast NORML examines the positions of political candidates who appeared on The Rotation, covering marijuana legalization, medical cannabis home cultivation, patient rights, criminal justice reform, and the future of cannabis policy in Florida.
TAMPA, FL — November 1, 2026 — With Florida's November 3 general election approaching, cannabis reform remains an important issue for voters deciding who will represent them in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C.
Throughout the 2026 election cycle, The Rotation by Suncoast NORML has invited candidates from across Florida's political landscape to discuss marijuana legalization and answer questions that directly affect cannabis patients, consumers, families, and businesses.
Rather than relying exclusively on campaign websites, political advertisements, or party platforms, Suncoast NORML has given candidates opportunities to explain their positions in their own words.
The conversations have covered five major issues:
Adult-use cannabis legalization: Should Florida legalize marijuana for adults 21 and older?
Medical marijuana home cultivation: Should registered patients have the right to grow their own medicine?
Medical cannabis patient protections: Should patients be protected against employment discrimination, parental-rights violations, and other penalties?
Criminal justice reform: Should Florida end marijuana possession arrests and clear past cannabis convictions?
Federal cannabis reform: Should marijuana be rescheduled or removed entirely from the federal Controlled Substances Act?
This election guide brings those conversations together, explaining what participating candidates have said, where their positions overlap, and which policy questions remain unanswered.
Importantly, appearing on The Rotation does not constitute an endorsement by Suncoast NORML. This guide is intended to inform voters about candidates' publicly discussed cannabis policies, not to tell them how to vote.
Why Florida's 2026 Election Matters for Cannabis Legalization
In November 2024, approximately 56% of Florida voters supported Amendment 3, which would have legalized adult-use marijuana. Despite receiving a majority of votes, the measure failed because Florida requires a 60% supermajority to approve constitutional amendments.
That outcome demonstrated both substantial public support for legalization and the political obstacles that remain.
Florida lawmakers still have the ability to pursue cannabis reforms through legislation, including changes to medical marijuana regulations, home cultivation rules, criminal penalties, and patient protections.
The candidates elected in 2026 could influence whether those reforms advance or remain stalled.
As The Rotation's interviews have repeatedly demonstrated, however, supporting marijuana legalization is not necessarily the same as supporting home cultivation, expungement, workplace protections, or an accessible marketplace.
Those distinctions matter.
Florida Cannabis Reform Candidate Comparison: At a Glance
The following comparison summarizes positions documented in Suncoast NORML's interviews and articles. A position marked not established should not be interpreted as opposition.
Candidate | Cannabis reform position | Key distinction |
David Jolly | Would sign adult-use legalization legislation | Open to restricted medical home grow; patient protections |
Angie Nixon | Supports cannabis reform | Medical patient parental rights and expungement |
Fentrice Driskell | Supports adult-use legalization and patient protections | Legislative reform and civil rights |
Brian Nathan | Supports adult-use legalization and medical home grow | State-level legalization |
Luis Salazar | Supports adult-use legalization and medical home grow | Legalization revenue for public needs |
Tony Claude | Supports adult-use legalization and medical home grow | Ending criminal penalties and incarceration |
Ben Braver | Supports medical home grow with permits | Federal scheduling reform |
Robert People | Supports medical home grow and decriminalization | Ending incarceration for minor possession |
Mark Davis | Supports marijuana legalization | Ending cannabis-related incarceration |
Robin Lockett | Supports cannabis reform | Patient rights, equity, and small businesses |
Elijah Manley | Supports broad cannabis reform | Federal descheduling and criminal justice |
Neil Manimala | Focuses on medical cannabis patient protections | Off-duty use and workplace discrimination |
Ashley Herman | Discussed cannabis policy on The Rotation | Specific commitments require closer review |
Ocean Fitts | Discussed cannabis policy on The Rotation | Specific commitments require closer review |
Annette Taddeo | Participated in election discussion | Specific policy commitments not established here |
The interviews reveal broad interest in reform among participating candidates, but different levels of specificity. Some made explicit commitments on home cultivation and legalization, while others focused on related civil rights or policy concerns.
Where the Candidates Stand: Individual Cannabis Policy Profiles
David Jolly — Florida Governor
Adult-use legalization · Medical home grow · Patient protections
Florida gubernatorial candidate David Jolly offered one of the election cycle's most consequential cannabis policy interviews when Suncoast NORML questioned him following a Tampa campaign rally.
Jolly acknowledged voting against Amendment 3 in 2024, but said he would respect the majority of Floridians who supported legalization.
Most importantly, he stated that he would sign legislation permitting recreational marijuana and committed to pursuing a legislative package reflecting voters' wishes.
On medical cannabis home cultivation, Jolly expressed openness to allowing patients to grow marijuana, potentially subject to restrictions.
He also indicated a willingness to address employment, healthcare, and financial barriers affecting registered patients.
The takeaway: Jolly's position distinguishes his personal 2024 vote from the policies he says he would support as governor. His willingness to sign legalization legislation is an explicit commitment; his home-grow position remains conditional rather than an unconditional endorsement.
Suncoast NORML
Angie Nixon — U.S. Senate
Patient rights · Parental protections · Criminal justice
State Representative Angie Nixon has made cannabis reform part of her broader advocacy for civil rights, working families, and government accountability.
One of her most significant contributions to the conversation has been her work on legislation addressing the parental rights of registered medical cannabis patients.
The issue is straightforward: legally using physician-recommended medical marijuana should not, by itself, be grounds for separating parents from their children.
During her appearances and subsequent conversations with Suncoast NORML, Nixon also supported addressing past marijuana convictions through expungement.
Her position connects cannabis reform to the larger consequences of prohibition, particularly for families and communities affected by criminal enforcement.
The takeaway: Nixon's strongest documented policy emphasis is protecting medical cannabis patients and families while addressing the lasting consequences of marijuana criminalization.
Suncoast NORML
Fentrice Driskell — Florida Senate District 16
Adult-use legalization · Patient rights · Legislative accountability
Florida House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell joined The Rotation to discuss the dysfunction of Florida's legislative process and the consequences for residents seeking meaningful policy changes.
Her conversation included support for adult-use marijuana legalization and stronger protections for medical cannabis patients.
Driskell connected those issues to broader concerns about civil rights, affordability, and a state legislature that has repeatedly failed to address issues important to voters.
Her transition from the Florida House to a Florida Senate campaign also highlighted the importance of lawmakers who can advance reform through the legislative process.
The takeaway: Driskell's interview placed legalization and patient protections within a larger argument for a more responsive Florida Legislature.
Suncoast NORML
Brian Nathan — Florida Senate
Adult-use legalization · Medical home cultivation
Brian Nathan returned to The Rotation following his primary victory and answered questions about the future of cannabis reform in Florida.
Nathan expressed support for allowing medical marijuana patients to cultivate cannabis at home and for legalizing adult-use marijuana.
He also connected cannabis policy to the need for stronger constituent representation and a state government focused on the financial pressures facing Floridians.
The takeaway: Nathan provided affirmative positions on two major cannabis reform priorities: legalization for adults and home cultivation for medical patients.
Suncoast NORML
Luis Antonio Salazar — Florida House District 64
Adult-use legalization · Medical home grow · Public investment
Luis Antonio Salazar discussed cannabis policy during both his original appearance and a return visit following his primary victory.
Salazar supported allowing medical marijuana patients to grow their own cannabis and endorsed adult-use legalization.
He also proposed directing revenue from a legal recreational marijuana market toward public priorities, including schools and infrastructure.
That approach frames legalization as both a personal freedom issue and an opportunity to generate resources for public services.
The takeaway: Salazar supports medical home cultivation and adult-use legalization, with an emphasis on using cannabis tax revenue to benefit Florida communities.
Suncoast NORML+1
Tony Claude — Florida House District 53
Adult-use legalization · Medical home grow · Decriminalization
Tony Claude, an Air Force veteran and Florida House candidate, connected marijuana reform with personal liberty, affordability, and criminal justice.
During The Rotation's Hot Seat, Claude expressed support for allowing medical cannabis patients to grow their own marijuana.
He also advocated legalizing adult-use cannabis and ending criminal penalties that have resulted in people being incarcerated for marijuana offenses.
Claude's position goes beyond creating a legal retail market. It addresses the consequences of prohibition for people who have been arrested or imprisoned.
The takeaway: Claude supports legalization, home cultivation, and criminal justice reforms intended to reduce the harms of cannabis prohibition.
Suncoast NORML+1
Ben Braver — Florida House District 65
Medical home grow · Federal scheduling · Evidence-based policy
Science teacher and Florida House candidate Ben Braver brought an evidence-based approach to his discussion of cannabis policy.
During The Rotation's Hot Seat, Braver supported allowing medical marijuana patients to cultivate cannabis at home through a permitting system.
He questioned why patients should remain dependent on corporate suppliers when they could safely produce their own medicine.
Braver also identified removing marijuana from Schedule I as a policy priority.
Although a state representative cannot independently change federal drug scheduling, his response identified federal prohibition as an obstacle to broader reform.
The takeaway: Braver supports permitted medical home cultivation and changing marijuana's federal legal status. His interview also emphasized using scientific evidence rather than political ideology to shape policy.
Suncoast NORML+1
Robert People — U.S. House, Florida District 15
Medical home grow · Decriminalization · Criminal justice
Congressional candidate and retired Army veteran Robert People expressed strong support for allowing medical cannabis patients to grow marijuana at home.
When asked what cannabis policy he would change, People focused on eliminating criminal penalties for marijuana possession.
He argued that people should not face incarceration for minor cannabis offenses and emphasized the need for a more reasonable approach to enforcement.
His answers connected cannabis reform with broader questions about how government uses criminal penalties.
The takeaway: People supports medical home cultivation and ending the criminalization of marijuana possession, particularly for minor offenses.
Suncoast NORML+1
Mark Davis — U.S. House, Florida District 16
Marijuana legalization · Ending incarceration · Hemp businesses
Congressional candidate Mark Davis joined The Rotation to discuss personal freedom, economic opportunity, and the relationship between citizens and government.
Davis expressed support for legalizing marijuana and ending incarceration over cannabis offenses.
The conversation also examined the effect of hemp restrictions on small businesses, employees, and consumers.
His positions connected marijuana legalization to a broader philosophy that government should serve working people rather than protect entrenched interests.
The takeaway: Davis supports marijuana legalization and ending cannabis-related incarceration, while recognizing the economic stakes of hemp policy.
Suncoast NORML
Robin Lockett — Florida House District 63
Cannabis reform · Patient rights · Small-business protections
Robin Lockett joined The Rotation to discuss marijuana policy, economic opportunity, and the importance of community participation in government.
Her interview examined the challenges facing medical cannabis patients, the impact of prohibition, and the future of Florida's hemp businesses.
Lockett emphasized the importance of representing communities affected by government policy rather than allowing large corporate interests to dominate political decisions.
The takeaway: Lockett's discussion placed patient rights, economic fairness, and small-business concerns at the center of cannabis reform. The interview should not be treated as a detailed commitment to every possible legalization provision.
Suncoast NORML
Elijah Manley — U.S. House, Florida District 20
Federal descheduling · Criminal justice · Cannabis equity
Congressional candidate Elijah Manley discussed cannabis reform from a federal policy perspective.
His appearance explored marijuana legalization, federal descheduling, criminal justice reform, and the impact of prohibition on communities.
The conversation also addressed expungement, patient protections, and the importance of preventing cannabis policy from favoring large corporations at the expense of ordinary people.
The takeaway: Manley's discussion emphasized comprehensive federal cannabis reform and the consequences of criminalization, rather than legalization being limited to commercial marijuana sales.
Suncoast NORML
Dr. Neil Manimala — Hillsborough County Commission Candidate
Medical patient rights · Workplace discrimination · Local government
Physician and Hillsborough County Commission candidate Dr. Neil Manimala participated in one of The Rotation's most important discussions about medical marijuana employment protections.
The conversation examined the case of a Hillsborough County firefighter-paramedic who faced employment consequences after testing positive for THC despite being a registered medical cannabis patient.
The case raised an important question: Should legally using medical cannabis outside working hours put someone's career at risk when there is no evidence of workplace impairment?
Manimala's appearance highlighted the role local governments can play in addressing workplace policies and the treatment of medical cannabis patients.
The takeaway: Manimala's interview focused on the real-world consequences of medical cannabis discrimination and the need to examine workplace protections at the local level.
Suncoast NORML
Ashley Herman — Florida House District 69
Adult-use legalization · Medical home grow · Criminal justice
Ashley Herman joined The Rotation's November 1 election episode and expressed support for legalizing recreational marijuana through the Florida Legislature.
She also supported allowing medical cannabis patients to grow their own marijuana at home.
When asked which cannabis policy she would prioritize, Herman identified adult-use legalization and pointed to the goals of Florida's unsuccessful 2024 amendment.
Herman connected marijuana prohibition to broader concerns about excessive policing, incarceration, and the political influence of private prison companies.
She acknowledged that cannabis reform has not been the central focus of her campaign but expressed interest in learning more and working with advocates.
The takeaway: Herman supports adult-use legalization, medical home cultivation, and reducing marijuana criminalization.
Suncoast NORML
Ocean Fitts — Florida House District 71
Adult-use legalization · Medical home grow · Ending prohibition
Ocean Fitts joined the same November 1 episode to discuss marijuana legalization, personal freedom, and the consequences of criminal prohibition.
Fitts expressed strong support for legalizing cannabis and opposed treating marijuana consumers as criminals.
During The Rotation's Hot Seat, he supported allowing medical marijuana patients to cultivate cannabis at home, comparing the practice to growing other plants.
When asked which cannabis policy he would change first, he identified broad marijuana legalization.
The conversation also examined the lasting consequences of cannabis convictions, including barriers to employment, housing, and voting rights.
The takeaway: Fitts provided clear support for adult-use legalization and medical home cultivation, with an emphasis on ending prohibition and its consequences.
Suncoast NORML
Annette Taddeo — Florida Chief Financial Officer Candidate
Medical home grow · Cannabis banking · Business insurance
Former Florida State Senator Annette Taddeo brought a different perspective to The Rotation's cannabis policy discussion.
As a candidate for Florida chief financial officer, Taddeo focused on the financial obstacles facing cannabis businesses and the responsibilities of elected officials overseeing financial systems.
During the Hot Seat, she expressed unequivocal support for allowing medical cannabis patients to grow marijuana at home.
She also identified cannabis banking, financing, and access to business insurance as areas where she would seek improvements.
These concerns matter because cannabis businesses can face financial barriers even when their operations are permitted under state law.
The takeaway: Taddeo supports medical home cultivation and wants to address financial barriers affecting cannabis businesses. Her interview focused on the powers of a Cabinet official rather than promising legislative changes outside that office's authority.
Suncoast NORML
Cannabis Reform Is Not Just a Democratic or Republican Issue
One of The Rotation's recurring themes has been the importance of evaluating cannabis policy independently of political party affiliation.
That conversation included Jake Hoffman, executive director of the Tampa Bay Young Republicans and former political director for Florida's 2024 Yes on 3 campaign.
Hoffman discussed his efforts to build Republican support for adult-use marijuana legalization and the challenges of persuading party leaders to publicly support reform.
His appearance demonstrated that cannabis legalization has supporters across party lines, even when political disagreements remain over specific proposals.
Hoffman participated as a political organizer rather than a candidate in the interviews summarized here.
Read: Jake Hoffman Jumps in The Rotation: Can Florida Republicans Help Move Cannabis Reform Forward?.
Suncoast NORML
What Do These Cannabis Policy Positions Tell Florida Voters?
Looking across these interviews, several themes emerge.
1. Medical marijuana home cultivation has substantial support among interviewed candidates
Home cultivation was among the most consistently supported reforms discussed during The Rotation.
Candidates including Brian Nathan, Luis Salazar, Tony Claude, Ben Braver, Robert People, Angie Nixon, Ashley Herman, Ocean Fitts, and Annette Taddeo expressed support for allowing medical cannabis patients to grow marijuana at home.
David Jolly expressed openness to the idea, although he did not commit to unrestricted cultivation.
The distinction matters because Florida currently allows registered patients to purchase medical marijuana through licensed dispensaries but does not authorize them to grow their own cannabis.
2. Adult-use legalization remains a major legislative priority
Several candidates explicitly supported legalizing recreational marijuana, including David Jolly, Brian Nathan, Luis Salazar, Tony Claude, Ashley Herman, Ocean Fitts, and Mark Davis.
Their approaches are not necessarily identical.
Some emphasized personal freedom. Others focused on tax revenue, criminal justice, or the need to honor the majority support demonstrated in 2024.
A future legalization proposal would still need to answer questions about licensing, taxation, home cultivation, market competition, and consumer protections.
3. Patient protections cannot be ignored
Medical marijuana has been legal in Florida for years, but registered patients can still encounter serious problems involving employment, parental rights, and access to certain services.
The interviews with Angie Nixon, Dr. Neil Manimala, Fentrice Driskell, and David Jolly brought these concerns into focus.
Legal access to medical cannabis does not automatically provide comprehensive protection against discrimination.
4. Ending prohibition must include addressing past convictions
Robert People, Tony Claude, Angie Nixon, Elijah Manley, and other guests discussed the criminal justice consequences of marijuana prohibition.
Their conversations raised questions that will remain relevant even after legalization:
Should people continue serving sentences for conduct that is no longer criminal? Should eligible marijuana convictions be expunged? How should policymakers address the employment, housing, and other consequences of past arrests?
These issues require separate policy decisions beyond simply authorizing cannabis sales.
5. Cannabis businesses need a fair opportunity to operate
The interviews also highlighted concerns about banking, insurance, corporate influence, and the future of Florida's hemp industry.
Annette Taddeo emphasized financial services and insurance. Mark Davis and other guests discussed the impact of restrictions on small businesses.
For Suncoast NORML, these conversations reinforce the importance of considering patients, consumers, workers, and independent businesses when designing cannabis regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida's 2026 Cannabis Reform Candidates
Which Florida candidates interviewed on The Rotation support recreational marijuana legalization?
Candidates who explicitly expressed support include David Jolly, Brian Nathan, Luis Salazar, Tony Claude, Ashley Herman, Ocean Fitts, and Mark Davis. Other guests discussed broader reform priorities, including criminal justice and patient protections.
Does David Jolly support legalizing recreational marijuana?
Yes. During his Suncoast NORML interview, Jolly said he would sign legislation permitting recreational marijuana and pursue legislation reflecting voters' wishes, despite personally voting against Amendment 3 in 2024.
Which candidates support medical marijuana home grow in Florida?
Brian Nathan, Luis Salazar, Tony Claude, Ben Braver, Robert People, Angie Nixon, Ashley Herman, Ocean Fitts, and Annette Taddeo expressed support for medical home cultivation. David Jolly expressed openness to a regulated approach.
Can Florida medical marijuana patients legally grow cannabis at home?
No. As of November 1, 2026, Florida's medical marijuana program does not permit registered patients to cultivate their own marijuana at home.
Which candidates have discussed protecting medical marijuana patients from discrimination?
Angie Nixon, Fentrice Driskell, David Jolly, and Dr. Neil Manimala have discussed patient protections, including concerns involving employment, parental rights, and lawful off-duty cannabis use.
Does appearing on The Rotation mean Suncoast NORML endorses a candidate?
No. An interview provides an opportunity for candidates to explain their positions and answer questions. It should not be confused with a formal endorsement.
The Election Is Almost Here. Cannabis Reform Will Continue After November 3.
Throughout 2026, The Rotation has provided candidates with opportunities to speak directly to Florida's cannabis community.
Some offered detailed commitments. Others expressed general support for reform or discussed the issues they would prioritize if elected.
The next test will be whether campaign statements translate into legislation, administrative changes, and meaningful protections for patients and consumers.
Regardless of the election results, Suncoast NORML will continue asking elected officials where they stand on legalization, home cultivation, criminal justice reform, patient protections, and a fair cannabis marketplace.
Because cannabis reform does not end on Election Day.
It depends on what happens afterward.
For additional interviews, policy analysis, and Florida marijuana reform coverage, visit SuncoastNORML.org and watch The Rotation, airing Sundays at 11 a.m. Eastern.
Comments