Cannabis in Florida
Florida legalized medical marijuana in 2016 through Amendment 2. Recreational cannabis failed to pass via Amendment 3 in 2024, with 56% voting in favor of recreational cannabis, but falling short of the 60% required to pass.
Florida legalized medical marijuana in 2016 through Amendment 2. Recreational cannabis failed to pass via Amendment 3 in 2024, with 56% voting in favor of recreational cannabis, but falling short of the 60% required to pass.
Florida's cannabis scene is shaped by activists, business leaders, and politicians advocating for medical access and future reform.
John Morgan, a prominent attorney, led the 2016 medical legalization campaign and supported the 2024 recreational push.
Kim Rivers, CEO of Trulieve, the state's largest operator, has been instrumental in expanding the medical market and navigating regulations.
Gov. Ron DeSantis, while opposing recreational, issued new medical licenses in 2025, boosting industry growth.
Ben Pollara managed the Smart & Safe Florida campaign for Amendment 3, focusing on equity and economic benefits.
Other notable figures include Cathy Jordan, a patient advocate for medical use, Dominick Diaz, founder of High Tide, Terp Mag, and Stonerpedia, and Marcia Pledger, a journalist highlighting market trends.
Trulieve is the largest dispensary in Florida with the most locations. They dominate the Florida marijuana market, followed by Curaleaf, and a handful of others after that.
Dispensaries like The Flowery and Jungle Boys have also carved a part of the market for niche cannabis consumers as well.
Florida is also home to rolling paper brands like High Tide (Orlando, FL) and Brothers Broadleaf (Tampa, FL).
In 2025, Gov. DeSantis issued 25 new medical licenses, increasing operators to over 50.
Hemp remains unregulated, with companies entering it amid medical slowdowns.
Florida's humid climate influences popular medical strains, often tropical and potent. Key Lime Pie, a Girl Scout Cookies variant, offers lime flavors and relaxation. Florida OG (Triangle Kush) provides earthy, fuel-like effects for pain relief. Miami Haze delivers uplifting citrus notes.
Other favorites like Gelato, Wedding Cake, Florida Oranges, and Sour Diesel thrive in dispensaries.
Florida's medical cannabis market reached about $2.1 billion in 2024 but slowed in 2025, with Q1 sales at $450 million and patient growth at 3.4%.
Trends include price compression and hemp entry by marijuana firms. If recreational passes in 2026, sales could add $2.7-6.1 billion. The industry contributes to state revenue, with over 900,000 patients.
Challenges include market slowdown, with sales weakening due to saturation and hemp competition. A failed 2024 recreational vote and strict regulations limit growth.
On the brightside, a 2026 ballot initiative could transform the Florida marijuana market, with projections of $2.7-6.1 billion added revenue; and federal rescheduling may aid that number.
No, recreational use of cannabis is not legal in the state of Florida, however it has been decriminalized in major urban areas. Medical marijuana was legalized in 2016 from Amendment 2, which allows patients to smoke up to 2.5 ounces of flower per 35 day period. No medical home grow is allowed.
Iconic strains include Key Lime Pie, Florida OG, Miami Haze, and Florida Oranges.