Florida Supreme Court expected to rule on marijuana, abortion ballot issues on Monday

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Supreme Court is expected to issue rulings on Monday about whether proposed constitutional amendments that seek to ensure abortion rights and allow recreational marijuana will go on the November ballot.

Justices heard arguments on both of the amendments, after Attorney General Ashley Moody challenged them and argued neither issue was worded clearly.

Amendment Three, which garnered more than enough signatures to appear on the ballot, seeks to legalize marijuana.

The ballot summary reads: “Allows adults 21 years or older to possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical personal consumption by smoking, ingestion, or otherwise; allows Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers, and other state licensed entities, to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell, and distribute such products and accessories. Applies to Florida law; does not change, or immunize violations of, federal law. Establishes possession limits for personal use. Allows consistent legislation. Defines terms.”

[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]

“It would loosen the rules allowing recreational marijuana, which Republicans don’t want,” said News 6 political analyst Dr. Jim Clark, a UCF history professor. “First of all, they don’t want to loosen the marijuana laws, but secondly, they see it as a political issue. They might see it draw voters, especially young liberal voters who might tend to vote Democratic.”

Amendment Four seeks to prohibit bans on abortion in Florida.

The ballot summary reads: “No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider. This amendment does not change the Legislature’s constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor has an abortion.”

“There are some questions — legitimate questions — raised by the attorney general and the governor about the wording,” Clark said. “That is what the Supreme Court looks at. Is this worded properly as a constitutional amendment?”

On Thursday, the court issued a statement that said it will release “out-of-calendar” opinions at 4 p.m. on Monday.