Florida Medical Marijuana Possession Laws: What Patients Must Understand
For new Florida medical marijuana patients, understanding how possession laws work can make the entire treatment experience safer and more confident. Although Florida has a well-regulated medical cannabis system, patients must follow specific guidelines set by state law to avoid legal issues. These rules outline how much cannabis a qualified patient may possess, how it must be purchased, and how it can be carried or transported.
The Legal Basis for Possession
Florida’s medical marijuana framework comes from Florida Statute 381.986, which establishes the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) and authorizes qualified physicians to recommend cannabis. The law clearly defines what constitutes lawful possession, making it important for patients to understand the difference between medical cannabis products and any unregulated marijuana that remains illegal at the state level.
Only registered medical marijuana patients and their approved caregivers may legally possess cannabis in Florida. A valid Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR) ID card must be presented at dispensaries and during any law enforcement interaction involving medical cannabis.
Daily and 70-Day Supply Limits
One of the most important rules involves supply limits. Florida does not phrase possession in terms of “ounces” the same way some other states do. Instead, it uses a daily dose set by the recommending physician and a maximum 70-day supply allowed at one time.
Here’s how it works:
- The physician determines a daily allowable amount for each route of administration—smokable flower, inhalation, oral products, topical products, or edibles.
- Patients may purchase up to that amount over a 70-day period, subject to statutory caps.
- For smokable marijuana, state law sets a hard limit of 2.5 ounces every 35 days, with a maximum of 4 ounces in possession at any time, unless the physician requests an exception.
These caps are entered into the MMUR system, which dispensaries use to track remaining available purchases.
Where Patients May and May Not Possess Cannabis
Florida law allows patients to keep their legally purchased cannabis at home, in a private residence, or on their person. However, there are important restrictions:
- Possession on federal property—including airports, national parks, courthouses, and many military areas—is prohibited because cannabis remains illegal under federal law.
- Schools and child-care facilities generally do not allow cannabis on the premises, even for medical purposes.
- Open possession in public is not illegal, but using cannabis publicly (other than low-THC products) is prohibited.
Keeping cannabis in its original dispensary packaging is strongly recommended, as it helps clearly show that the product is legally obtained and tied to a patient’s active registry.
Transportation Rules
Patients may transport their medical cannabis in a vehicle as long as it remains sealed and unused during travel. Florida considers consuming marijuana while driving—or having open cannabis containers accessible to the driver—similar to open-container alcohol violations. Any impairment behind the wheel can still result in a DUI charge.
Why Understanding Possession Laws Matters
Possession limits exist not to restrict treatment options but to prevent diversion, ensure patient safety, and keep the state’s medical program compliant with federal expectations. New patients who understand these rules can confidently manage their medicine without risking legal trouble.
Staying updated through the OMMU, your physician, and reputable dispensaries ensures that patients always know their rights and responsibilities under Florida’s evolving medical marijuana laws.