Florida has an established medical cannabis program that allows qualifying patients to legally access weed under state law, while recreational marijuana remains prohibited. Understanding how Florida’s medical marijuana system works—including eligibility, approved conditions, and regulatory oversight—can help patients stay compliant and informed. For a broader overview of cannabis laws by location, including U.S. states, major cities, and countries worldwide, visit our Cannabis Laws by Location guide.
Table of Contents
Is medical marijuana legal in Florida
Legal Status
Medical marijuana is legal in Florida for patients with qualifying conditions under a physician’s recommendation. Recreational marijuana remains illegal under state law.
Legal Foundation
- Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act (2014): Allowed limited use of low-THC cannabis.
- Amendment 2 (2016): Passed with over 71% voter approval, it legalized full-strength medical marijuana for broader medical use.
- Senate Bill 8-A (2017): Implemented regulations for Amendment 2.
- Repeal of Smokable Ban (2019): Allowed patients to use whole-flower cannabis via smoking.
Qualifying Conditions
One or more of the following conditions must be diagnosed in patients:
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Crohn’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Chronic nonmalignant pain
- Terminal conditions
- Other conditions of similar severity as determined by a qualified physician
Patient Requirements
- Physician Evaluation: Must be done by a licensed doctor registered with the Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry.
- Registry Identification Card: Patients must apply through the Florida Department of Health.
- Age: Patients under 18 require parental consent and must see a pediatric specialist.
Dispensation
Medical marijuana can be obtained only from state-approved Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs). Available forms include:
- Oils and tinctures
- Capsules and tablets
- Edibles
- Vaporizers
- Topicals
- Smokable flower (whole plant)
Regulation and Oversight
The program is overseen by the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU), responsible for:
- Patient and physician registry
- MMTC licensing
- Rule enforcement
Conclusion
Florida supports a regulated medical marijuana program accessible to qualified patients, while recreational use remains prohibited.
