Dara Kam - News Service of Florida

The health department sent "letters of intent" to the group, but the move sets up what could be lengthy litigation from applicants that missed out on a rare chance to join the state's medical pot industry.

The plaintiffs are challenging restrictions on Medicaid coverage for hormone therapy and puberty blockers. The lawsuit claims the ban violates federal laws and the Constitution's Equal Protection Clause.

The ballot measure's defeat could strengthen the industry as it struggles to compete with hemp-based products sold at gas stations, CBD shops and online at a fraction of the cost.

The measure would have allowed adulta to possess about 3 ounces of pot, and it would have allowed businesses already growing and selling medical marijuana to sell it to them.

In the past, Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers has tempered her public criticism of Gov. Ron DeSantis and his administration, which regulates her business. But she called DeSantis' critiques on Amendment 3 “hogwash.”

Attorneys for the administration filed a document accusing the coalition sponsoring Amendment 4 of “intentionally spreading false factual information” about the state's six-week abortion law.

Trulieve has donated nearly $100 million to support Amendment 3. The state's Republican chair says the lawsuit is a result of the ads "working" and being "truthful."

The decision could be important for a legal battle over a Florida law that prevents minors from receiving hormone therapy and puberty blockers to treat gender dysphoria.

The 6-1 ruling rejects arguments from the committee promoting the measure after months of legal wrangling. The revised financial statement will appear on the ballot with Amendment 4.

The court agreed to decide whether a Tennessee law restricting puberty blockers and hormone therapy for children is unconstitutional, in a closely watched case that is almost certain to affect similar laws in Florida.