Medical cannabis is legal throughout Florida, including the Tampa Bay area. However, recreational use of marijuana remains illegal. For patients and caregivers, understanding the regulations is essential to ensure legal compliance and avoid penalties.

Legal Status of Cannabis in Tampa Bay

Florida first legalized limited cannabis use with the Compassionate Use Act in 2014. In 2016, Amendment 2 was passed by voters, expanding access to full-strength medical marijuana for patients diagnosed with qualifying conditions such as cancer, PTSD, epilepsy, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, and chronic pain.

Despite progress in the medical sector, recreational cannabis use is still prohibited. Possession of up to 20 grams without a medical card is classified as a misdemeanor, carrying up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Larger quantities or intent to distribute can result in felony charges.

How to Legally Access Medical Cannabis

In order to legally purchase and consume medical cannabis in Tampa Bay, patients must:

1. Visit a Certified Physician: Patients need to be evaluated and diagnosed by a state-approved medical marijuana physician.
2. Join the State Registry: After approval, patients must be entered into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry maintained by the Florida Department of Health.
3. Receive a Medical Marijuana ID Card: The card is required to legally purchase and possess cannabis from licensed dispensaries.
4. Purchase from Licensed MMTCs: Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs) are the only legal vendors of medical cannabis products in Florida.

It is illegal to obtain cannabis from any unlicensed source, including friends or unverified vendors, even if the buyer is a registered patient.

Rules for Consumption

Florida allows a variety of cannabis forms including oils, capsules, tinctures, vaporizers, edibles, and smokable flower. However, consumption laws are strictly enforced:

• Flower Limits: Patients may purchase up to 2.5 ounces of smokable flower within a 35-day period and are not allowed to possess more than 4 ounces at a time.
• Edibles and Oils: The total allowable supply is capped at a 70-day limit, which for some patients may include up to 24,500 mg of THC.
• Where Consumption Is Allowed: Use of cannabis must be done on private property. Public use is strictly prohibited. This includes parks, sidewalks, and businesses.
• Low-THC Exceptions: In certain cases, low-THC cannabis may be used in public settings if medically necessary, but this requires documentation and discretion.

Additional Legal Considerations

• Possession Without Authorization: Carrying cannabis without a medical ID card is illegal and subject to criminal penalties.
• Cannabis Paraphernalia: Possession of pipes, grinders, or other related items intended for cannabis use can also lead to misdemeanor charges.
• Driving Under the Influence: It is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of cannabis. Penalties can include license suspension, fines, and potential jail time.

Delivery and Online Orders

Tampa Bay’s medical marijuana patients can legally order cannabis products online for home delivery, provided they are registered and possess a valid ID card. Only licensed MMTCs may offer delivery services, and patients must sign for the package upon receipt.

Staying Informed

Cannabis laws in Florida are subject to change. Patients and caregivers are advised to regularly check with the Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use for updates, especially when it comes to possession limits, delivery rules, and physician certification renewals.