Purchasing Cannabis – Visit Florida Dispensaries

Florida’s Cannabis Laws: A Guide to Purchasing Medical Marijuana

Florida has a well-regulated medical marijuana program, but recreational cannabis remains illegal in the state. While other states have moved toward full legalization, Florida continues to operate under a strict medical-use-only policy. Understanding the laws and regulations surrounding cannabis purchases is essential for patients seeking legal access to medical marijuana.

Current Legal Status of Cannabis in Florida

As of 2025, cannabis is only legal for medical use in Florida under the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act and Amendment 2, which was approved by voters in 2016. The law allows for qualified patients to obtain cannabis products for medical treatment. However, recreational cannabis possession, sale, or use is still illegal and punishable under state law.

Who Can Purchase Medical Cannabis in Florida?

To legally purchase cannabis in Florida, individuals must meet certain criteria and follow state regulations. The process includes:

1. Qualifying Medical Conditions

Patients must have a diagnosed medical condition that qualifies for medical cannabis treatment. Some of the approved conditions include:

Cancer
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
HIV/AIDS
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Crohn’s disease
Parkinson’s disease
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Chronic nonmalignant pain
Terminal conditions diagnosed by a physician
Conditions deemed comparable to those listed above

2. Physician Certification

Patients must consult a qualified medical marijuana doctor registered with Florida’s Medical Marijuana Use Registry. The physician will evaluate the patient’s condition and determine if medical cannabis is a suitable treatment. If approved, the doctor issues a certification, which is recorded in the state’s registry.

3. Medical Marijuana Use Registry Identification Card

Once certified, the patient must apply for a Medical Marijuana Use Registry Identification Card through the Florida Department of Health Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU). The card is required for legal purchases from state-licensed dispensaries. The application includes:

Proof of residency (Florida driver’s license or ID)
A passport-style photo
A $75 application fee (subject to change)

This card must be renewed annually to maintain legal access to medical cannabis.

Where to Purchase Medical Cannabis

Only state-licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs) are legally permitted to sell cannabis in Florida. These dispensaries operate under strict regulations and offer a range of cannabis products, including:

Flower (smokable marijuana)
Tinctures
Edibles
Capsules
Vape cartridges
Topicals

Patients can only purchase cannabis from MMTCs that are licensed by the Florida Department of Health. Delivery services are also available from select dispensaries.

Possession and Usage Limits

Florida imposes limits on how much medical cannabis patients can buy and possess. As of 2025, the following restrictions apply:

Patients may purchase a 70-day supply of medical marijuana at a time.
Smokable cannabis is limited to 2.5 ounces every 35 days unless an exception is granted.
Patients cannot grow their own cannabis—all medical marijuana must be purchased from an MMTC.

Cannabis use is also limited to private spaces. Public consumption, including in parks, schools, and workplaces, is prohibited.

Legal Risks for Non-Compliance

Recreational cannabis remains illegal in Florida. Penalties for possession without a medical marijuana card include:

Under 20 grams: A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
More than 20 grams: A felony, with possible prison time and larger fines.
Unlawful sale or trafficking: Can lead to severe penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences.

Additionally, medical marijuana cardholders cannot share, sell, or distribute their cannabis to non-patients, as doing so could lead to legal consequences.

Future of Cannabis Legalization in Florida

There is ongoing debate about whether Florida will legalize recreational cannabis. While advocacy groups and industry leaders continue pushing for reform, as of now, no laws have been passed to allow adult-use cannabis. A potential ballot initiative for 2026 could change the landscape, but until then, only medical marijuana remains legal.

Final Thoughts

Florida has a structured and well-regulated medical marijuana program that allows patients with qualifying conditions to access cannabis for treatment. However, strict laws remain in place for those without a medical marijuana card. Understanding the regulations surrounding medical cannabis purchases ensures patients stay compliant while benefiting from legal cannabis access in the state.