Florida permits medical marijuana use for residents who qualify under state law, but the rules are intricate and compliance is crucial—particularly for tourists in Sunny Isles Beach.

1. Legal Foundation & Eligibility

Medical cannabis was legalized in Florida via Amendment 2, passed by voters in November 2016. It authorizes use for a range of debilitating conditions—such as cancer, epilepsy, PTSD, chronic pain, and others—if a qualified physician deems medical use appropriate.

To legally obtain MMJ in Florida, one must:

• Be approved by a qualified physician,
• Be registered in Florida’s Medical Marijuana Use Registry, and
• Hold a valid Florida Medical Marijuana Card.

Patients must renew their card before expiration, with renewals allowed up to 45 days prior. Importantly, Florida does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards.

2. Residency, and Why Tourists Are Affected

Florida law generally requires proof of residency to obtain an MMJ card. Tourists typically cannot qualify—unless they can demonstrate seasonal residency, such as a lease or RV ownership of at least 31 consecutive days, with landlord or property records confirming the stay. As a result, most visitors to Sunny Isles will be unable to legally purchase or use MMJ in Florida.

3. Legal Use and Transport Within Florida

If a tourist does manage to hold a legitimate Florida card, they must use cannabis only on private property. Public use is prohibited, and violations may carry legal consequences. Transport within Florida is permissible if the product is sealed and the patient has their MMJ card and documentation. However, crossing state lines with MMJ is illegal under federal law, regardless of state approvals.

4. Possession Limits

Florida sets dosage and supply limits through official guidelines. Dispensaries may provide no more than a 70-day overall supply at once. Smoking forms are capped at 2.5 ounces per 35 days, unless a physician grants an exception. These restrictions are designed to ensure safe and controlled access for patients.

5. No Reciprocity & Federal Conflict

Florida’s MMJ program does not accept medical cannabis cards from other states. Additionally, despite state-level approval, cannabis remains illegal federally as a Schedule I substance. This means transporting MMJ across state lines or using it in federal jurisdictions—such as airports or federal parks—can result in serious penalties.

Summary for Tourists in Sunny Isles

• Eligibility: Only Florida residents with a state-issued card may legally access MMJ; tourists generally do not qualify.
• Residency Rules: Seasonal or part-time residency must be proven with official documentation to obtain a card.
• Usage Restrictions: Even with a card, MMJ must be consumed on private property; public use is prohibited.
• Transport: Legal transport is allowed within Florida if sealed and accompanied by a valid card, but interstate travel is federally illegal.
• Possession Limits: Patients are restricted to defined purchase and usage limits, including a 2.5-ounce cap for smokable flower every 35 days.
• No Reciprocity: Out-of-state MMJ cards are not valid in Florida.