Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Admitted Cannabis is Popular
What happens when even Governor Ron DeSantis admits that marijuana legalization is popular with Florida voters — but still refuses to support it? In today’s episode, we break down the governor’s latest comments to Marijuana Moment, what they reveal about Florida’s 2026 political landscape, and whether the state’s adult-use ballot initiative could reshape the entire southeastern cannabis map.
TDR Trade to Black Podcast presented by Dutchie, with host Shadd Dales and Anthony Varrell, takes a closer look at the numbers, the politics, and the pressure mounting on Florida’s leadership to follow the will of its voters. In our second segment, Michael Bronstein, President of the American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp, joins us to talk about the latest developments in Virginia’s adult-use fight — and whether Abigail Spanberger’s slipping momentum in the governor’s race could derail legalization efforts after her underwhelming debate performance against Winsome Earle-Sears. We’ll review the reactions from Virginians and what they might mean for one of the country’s most closely watched state elections.
Governor Ron DeSantis recently acknowledged that voters in the state support adult-use legalization. Despite the popular mandate, DeSantis maintains his opposition, arguing that ballot language is misleading and raising concerns about public marijuana odor. DeSantis’s opposition appears rooted more in personal ideology than voter preference. Bronstein pointed out that modern political strategy tends to focus on energizing ideological bases rather than responding to majority opinion, explaining why cannabis reform continues to stall despite widespread support.
In a broader political context, Bronstein addressed the strategic potential of rescheduling under Donald Trump. He suggested that Trump may use the issue to attract younger voters and claim credit for an issue that Democrats have long campaigned on. As Bronstein noted, Trump’s centralized influence over the GOP means that a shift in his stance could quickly bring party alignment, regardless of previous opposition.
The podcast also explored the tightening gubernatorial race in Virginia. Democrat Abigail Spanberger, who supports cannabis reform, is facing increased competition from Republican Winsome Sears. Catch the full discussion with Bronstein in this episode.
