Exploring the Legality of Weed in Florida: What You Need to Know

Medical marijuana or weed is legal in Florida for people with a licensed medical marijuana card. Licensed physicians can certify patients with symptoms or medical conditions that are debilitating and similar to those listed by the Florida Department of Health.

However, recreational or adult use of marijuana is still illegal in Florida. Possession of 20 grams of marijuana is considered a misdemeanor and costs you a year in jail and a fine of up to $1000.

Legalization History of Marijuana in Florida

In 2014, Governor Rick Scott signed the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act, which legalized low-THC cannabis for medical use. Patients with epilepsy, cancer, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis may use low-THC cannabis products with a licensed doctor’s recommendation. The state defines low-THC cannabis as having no more than 0.8% of THC and more than 10% of CBD.

Doctors and patients had to register on the Compassionate Use Registry maintained by the Florida Department of Health.

Governor Rick Scott also signed Senate Bill 1700 to protect the privacy of the patients and their doctors recommending low-THC marijuana.

In March 2016, State Bill 307 allowed terminally ill patients determined by two doctors to have less than a year to live access to full strength of marijuana.

In November 2016, Florida voters approved Amendment 2 or the Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative. It fully legalizes higher THC medical marijuana use to patients with qualifying medical conditions. Regulations did not allow smoking medical marijuana. Instead, people can consume marijuana by vaping or as oils, sprays, or pills.

In March 2019, The Florida legislature passed a bill that lifted the ban on smoking medical marijuana and allowed patients to purchase smokable marijuana products.

In September 2020, sales of edible products began after the Florida Department of Health allowed it.

In 2022, a new ballot initiative called the Florida Medical Marijuana Recreational Use Amendment was introduced to legalize recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and over, but it failed to get enough signatures.

Qualifying Medical Conditions Require a Medical Marijuana Card Set By The Florida Department of Health.

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Cancer
• Crohn’s disease
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• A terminal condition is diagnosed by a licensed physician.
• Chronic pain caused by a qualifying medical condition or originating from a qualifying medical condition.

Possession Limits of Medical Marijuana in Florida.

Patients may purchase up to a 35-day supply of cannabis (2.5 ounces) or possess 4 ounces of smokable cannabis at any one time. Patients may not possess more than a 70-day supply of marijuana at any given time. For smokable cannabis, A doctor must recommend smokable cannabis is the best and most efficient option for patients’ medical health.

Cultivation Limits of Medical Marijuana in Florida.

Growing marijuana is illegal in Florida, even for Florida medical marijuana cardholders. Only licensed medical marijuana treatment centers or weed dispensaries can grow cannabis.

Who Can Qualify For a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida?

To qualify for an FL medical marijuana card, a person should be:

• Be a permanent or seasonal resident of Florida
• Be at least 18 years old
• Be diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition by a licensed physician
• Minors must be diagnosed by two physicians, and their parents or legal guardians must consent.

Where Is It Safe To Consume Cannabis in Florida?

Marijuana may not be consumed in

• Any public place
• On a school campus
• In the workplace (employer may permit, it’s all up to them)
• Motorized vehicles in motion for both passengers and driver
• Public transport.

The best place to consume marijuana is a private residence.

Marijuana may be consumed via vaping, oils, spray, pills, and smoking. Cannabis flowers may only be used for smoking or vaping. A minor patient may not consume medical cannabis via smoking unless diagnosed with a terminal medical condition, and a physician concurs with the diagnosis.

How To Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida?

Follow these 3 easy steps to get your FL medical marijuana card.

Book an Appointment with My MMJ Doctor.

Fill out an evaluation form on the My MMJ Doctor and schedule your appointment with the FL medical marijuana doctor. The form will ask for your basic details and a valid state-ID

Consult With a Florida Licensed MMJ Doctor.

Click on the link in your email to begin the consultation with a Florida-licensed MMJ doctor. A doctor will evaluate whether your health requires medical marijuana treatment.

Get Your FL Medical Marijuana Card.

Once the doctor certifies, you must register with the Medical Marijuana Use Registry. The department will process your application, notify you of your approval, and mail your FL medical marijuana card.

Where to Buy Weed in Florida?

Once a person has been approved for a Florida medical marijuana card, they can purchase their marijuana from a licensed medical marijuana treatment center (MMTC) or dispensaries. Florida opened these centers to fulfill the need of medical marijuana patients. Registered patients and caregivers are only permitted to purchase products from MMTC.

Minor patients must have their marijuana bought by their caregivers because they are not allowed in MMTC. Medical marijuana products are tax-exempt for registered patients.

Caregiver Qualifications in Florida.

Patients may designate a caregiver when they need a person as a caregiver to help them with their marijuana treatment. Caregivers can purchase cannabis on their patients’ behalf and assist with administering marijuana treatment.

To become a caregiver, a person:

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• A Florida resident.
• Cannot be a qualified physician.
• Not having any financial interest in an MMTC.
• Must complete a caregiver certification course by the Florida Department of Health(Free of charge).