Aspiring pot companies had big dreams for Florida. Reality has hit hard.

TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Florida is all about freewheeling fun in the sun — except when it comes to marijuana. And the state’s pot businesses are learning that the hard way.

When the Florida agency responsible for approving medical marijuana licenses began accepting applications for 22 state licenses for selling and growing, applicants envisioned a market destined for adult recreational use, with heavy federal restrictions dialed back.

TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Florida is all about freewheeling fun in the sun — except when it comes to marijuana. And the state’s pot businesses are learning that the hard way.

When the Florida agency responsible for approving medical marijuana licenses began accepting applications for 22 state licenses for selling and growing, applicants envisioned a market destined for adult recreational use, with heavy federal restrictions dialed back.




https://www.politico.com/news/2026/04/19/aspiring-pot-companies-had-big-dreams-for-florida-reality-has-hit-hard-00876730