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11h ago

Florida AG Opens 46 New Probes, Subpoenas Backers of Marijuana Petition

The subpoenas seek records to determine whether responsibility extends beyond paid circulators.

Marijuana plants for the adult recreational market are are seen in a greenhouse at Hepworth Farms in Milton, N.Y., July 15, 2022. New York has issued the first 36 cannabis dispensary licenses on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022 taking a monumental step in establishing a legal  — and lucrative — marketplace for recreational marijuana. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Overview

  • Attorney General James Uthmeier announced 46 additional criminal investigations and said four criminal subpoenas were issued to Smart & Safe Florida and its contractors.
  • State prosecutors report about 50 circulators submitted roughly 21,600 petitions, with more than 14,500 flagged for significant concerns and about 7,100 certified by county election supervisors.
  • Nine circulators have been arrested or had warrants issued, with at least six more pending and additional arrests anticipated as inquiries advance.
  • Smart & Safe Florida says it followed the law by reporting suspected discrepancies to the Secretary of State and segregating questionable petitions before county review.
  • The campaign faces a Feb. 1 signature deadline and parallel court battles over validation and reporting, with Florida Supreme Court arguments on the ballot language scheduled for Feb. 5.