Florida Governor Ron DeSantis sparked a heated online battle by slamming Colorado’s marijuana laws, claiming they boost black markets and flop on taxes. Colorado’s Jared Polis fired back, defending his state’s success. This clash highlights growing tensions as Florida eyes a 2026 ballot push for legal cannabis. What does it mean for voters and the economy?
Ron DeSantis took to social media on Wednesday to attack a campaign aiming to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida for the 2026 ballot. He pointed to Colorado as a failed example, saying tax revenue from legal weed has dropped sharply there. DeSantis argued that high taxes make black market sales more appealing, leading to a rise in illegal trade.
This isn’t the first time DeSantis has fought against marijuana reform. In 2024, he helped defeat Amendment 3, a similar ballot measure that fell short despite strong voter support. Now, with a new initiative gaining steam, he’s doubling down.
Florida’s Smart & Safe Florida group has collected nearly 70% of needed signatures by mid-2025, according to state records. DeSantis called the potential tax windfall a myth, citing Colorado’s recent revenue dips.
But experts say Colorado still pulls in solid cash from cannabis. A 2025 report from the Colorado Department of Revenue shows about $270 million in annual marijuana taxes, down from peaks but still funding schools and roads.
DeSantis posted on X, claiming black markets thrive because legal prices get too high.
Polis Strikes Back with Facts and Fire
Colorado Governor Jared Polis didn’t hold back in his response. He called out DeSantis for spreading misinformation and highlighted Colorado’s wins since voters legalized marijuana in 2012. Polis stressed that legalization has cut crime and boosted the economy, not fueled black markets as DeSantis claims.
Polis pointed to data from the Cato Institute, a think tank that analyzed cannabis markets in 2024. Their study found black market activity dropped by over 50% in states like Colorado after legalization, thanks to regulated sales.
In his social media reply, Polis mocked Florida’s strict rules, noting how Colorado’s model has created jobs and tourism without the chaos DeSantis describes.
Colorado’s approach includes strict regulations on sales and use, which Polis says keeps things safe. A 2025 survey by the Marijuana Policy Project showed 62% of Coloradans support the changes, with many citing fewer arrests for minor possession.
This back-and-forth unfolded on X, drawing thousands of views and comments. Polis even tied it to Florida’s failed 2024 vote, suggesting DeSantis fears real reform.
One key difference: Colorado allows home growing in limited amounts, which some say undercuts illegal sellers.
Florida’s Push for 2026 Ballot Heats Up
Florida’s latest legalization drive comes after setbacks. The 2024 Amendment 3 got 55.9% yes votes but needed 60% to pass, per state rules. Now, organizers are suing DeSantis’ administration, claiming interference in signature gathering.
A federal judge ruled in August 2025 that parts of a new law signed by DeSantis unfairly restrict petitions. This win could speed up the process for 2026.
If passed, the initiative would allow adults 21 and over to possess up to three ounces of marijuana. Supporters predict it could generate $400 million to $1.1 billion in yearly taxes, based on estimates from the Florida Legislature’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research in 2025.
That’s way more than Colorado’s haul, thanks to Florida’s bigger population and 140 million annual tourists. But DeSantis warns it would hurt public safety and quality of life.
Critics of DeSantis point to his recent signing of SB 2514, which revokes medical cannabis cards for those with drug-related convictions. This move signals a tough stance even as public opinion shifts.
Voters in Florida seem ready for change. A 2025 poll by the University of North Florida found 64% support recreational legalization.
Black Market Claims Under the Spotlight
DeSantis insists Colorado’s black market has grown, but data tells a different story.
A 2024 report from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration noted that legal states see fewer large-scale illegal grows because regulated markets offer safer options.
In Colorado, marijuana-related arrests dropped 68% from 2012 to 2022, according to state crime stats.
Polis used this in his rebuttal, accusing DeSantis of using taxpayer money to fight reform in 2024. Florida spent millions on ads against Amendment 3, drawing lawsuits.
Experts like those at the Brookings Institution argue that proper taxation is key. Over-taxing can indeed push buyers to the streets, but Colorado adjusted rates in 2023 to stay competitive.
Here’s how tax revenues stacked up in recent years:
| Year | Colorado Marijuana Tax Revenue (in millions) | Key Use of Funds |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $423 | Education and public health |
| 2023 | $325 | Infrastructure and drug prevention |
| 2024 | $270 | Schools and mental health programs |
This table shows a decline, but officials blame market saturation, not black markets. Florida could learn from these tweaks to maximize benefits.
DeSantis’ camp hasn’t backed down, calling Polis’ defense a distraction from real issues like public use and youth access.
Wider Impacts on National Cannabis Debate
This governor showdown spotlights America’s patchwork of weed laws. Twenty-four states have legalized recreational marijuana by 2025, with billions in total revenue.
Florida’s fight could sway others, like Texas or Pennsylvania, watching closely.
Pro-legalization groups say it cuts jail time for non-violent offenses, freeing up police for serious crimes. A 2025 study by the American Civil Liberties Union estimated the U.S. spends $3.6 billion yearly enforcing marijuana laws, money that could go elsewhere.
Opponents worry about health risks, like increased emergency room visits for cannabis-related issues, up 20% in Colorado since 2012 per state health data.
The debate also touches jobs: Colorado’s industry employs over 40,000 people, per a 2025 Leafly report.
As Florida gears up for 2026, this feud might rally voters on both sides.
This heated exchange between DeSantis and Polis underscores the high stakes of marijuana reform, from economic gains to public safety concerns, as Florida voters prepare to decide their future. It shows how personal politics can shape policy, potentially affecting millions.
