In Florida, medical marijuana is legal exclusively for qualified patients with a valid Medical Marijuana Use Registry Identification Card. Whether purchasing in-store or opting for delivery, patients must adhere to state-imposed purchase limits designed to ensure safe and regulated use.
Smokable Flower Limits
Patients are permitted to purchase up to 2.5 ounces of smokable marijuana within any 35-day period. At no time may a patient possess more than 4 ounces of smokable cannabis. These limits are strictly enforced, and dispensaries monitor patient purchases through the state’s Medical Marijuana Use Registry to ensure compliance.
Non-Smokables and THC Caps
For non-smokable forms of medical marijuana, such as edibles, tinctures, topicals, and vaporizers, Florida has established specific THC dosage limits over a 70-day period:
- Edibles: Maximum of 60 mg THC per day, totaling no more than 4,200 mg over 70 days.
- Vaporizers: Up to 350 mg THC daily, with a 70-day cap of 24,500 mg.
- Oral Capsules/Tinctures: Limited to 200 mg THC daily, not exceeding 14,000 mg over 70 days.
- Sublingual Tinctures: Capped at 190 mg THC per day, totaling 13,300 mg in 70 days.
- Suppositories: Maximum of 195 mg THC daily, with a 70-day limit of 13,650 mg.
- Topicals: Restricted to 150 mg THC per day, not surpassing 10,500 mg over 70 days.
These limits are cumulative across all dispensaries and are tracked through the state’s registry system.
In-Store vs. Delivery: Are the Limits the Same?
Yes, the purchase limits apply uniformly, regardless of whether a patient chooses in-store pickup or delivery services. Licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs) are authorized to deliver medical cannabis to qualified patients, provided they verify the patient’s identification and ensure that the delivery does not cause the patient to exceed their prescribed limits.
Physician Exceptions
In certain cases, a physician may determine that a patient requires a higher dosage than the standard limits allow. In such instances, the physician can submit a request to the Florida Department of Health for an exception. This request must include a detailed justification, and the department is required to respond within 14 days.
Staying Compliant
To ensure compliance with Florida’s medical marijuana laws:
- Always consult with your certifying physician to understand your specific dosage recommendations.
- Regularly check your remaining allowable purchase amounts through the Medical Marijuana Use Registry.
- Keep track of your purchases, whether made in-store or via delivery, to avoid exceeding your limits.
By staying informed and adhering to these guidelines, patients can responsibly manage their medical marijuana use within the legal framework established by the state of Florida.