The complete guide to cannabis in Tampa

Recreational cannabis is illegal in Florida. However, Tampa residents who have certain health conditions may qualify for the state’s medical cannabis program to access cannabis legally.

Read on to learn cannabis laws in Tampa and how to legally access safe, high-quality cannabis products.

Key takeaways

Here are the must-know facts about about medical cannabis in Tampa:

• Legal age: State-approved medical users must be at least 18 years old to purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries, known as medical marijuana treatment centers, or have a caregiver registered to make purchases on their behalf.
• Possession limits: State-approved medical users can possess up to 4 ounces (oz) of cannabis products.
• Cultivation: Even for state-approved medical users, growing cannabis on private property is illegal in Tampa.

Florida cannabis laws

Recreational cannabis is illegal in Florida. Anyone caught possessing cannabis without a state-issued medical card may face criminal charges, including fines and jail time.

That said, Florida residents who have been diagnosed with certain health conditions may qualify for the state’s medical cannabis program, known as the Medical Marijuana Use Registry.

Florida has made it illegal to consume cannabis in public, even for medical cardholders. This means you can only legally consume medical cannabis in a private residence, such as your home.

It’s also illegal to grow cannabis, even as a medical cardholder.

Recreational cannabis laws

Florida law prohibits the purchase, possession, or use of recreational cannabis.

Possession of up to 20 grams (g) of cannabis without a state-issued medical card is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Possessing a higher amount is considered a felony, resulting in higher penalties.

However, in 2016, the city of Tampa voted to decriminalize cannabis possession. As a result, anyone caught with up to 20 g of cannabis may only face a fine of $75 for their first offense, or $150 for their second offense.

People who cannot afford to pay these fines may be able to do community service, instead.

Medical cannabis laws

In 2016, Florida passed Amendment 2 to legalize medical cannabis.

As a result, any resident who is diagnosed with one of the state’s qualifying health conditions can register with the Medical Marijuana Use Registry with a doctor’s recommendation.

Once registration is complete, you will receive a state-issued medical cannabis card. This allows you to make purchases from licensed dispensaries, which are known in Florida as medical marijuana treatment centers.

Florida also allows caregivers to access medical cannabis on behalf of a minor diagnosed with a qualifying health condition. Caregivers must apply through the same registry system.

Medical cardholders in Florida can legally possess up to 4 oz of cannabis products at a time.

The state does not have restrictions around product types. However, you must get a separate cannabis recommendation from your doctor in order to legally purchase and consume cannabis flower. And it’s illegal to grow your own at home.

Even for medical cannabis cardholders, driving while intoxicated is a serious crime that can result in fines, jail time, and suspension of your driver’s license.

Unlike some other states, Florida does not offer job protection laws to medical cannabis cardholders. This means that even if you have a medical card, testing positive for cannabis may put your job at risk.

It’s also illegal for medical cardholders to obtain a gun permit in Florida.

Benefits of getting medical cannabis in Tampa

In Tampa, the only way to purchase cannabis legally is by registering with the Medical Marijuana Use Registry and obtaining a medical cannabis card.

This allows you to possess up to 4 oz of cannabis products without risk of criminal charges.

How to get medical marijuana in Tampa

In order to register with Florida’s medical cannabis program, you must provide:

1. A state-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license
2. A written medical cannabis recommendation from a licensed physician

Finding a doctor

Before you can apply to Florida’s Medical Marijuana Use Registry, you must get a cannabis recommendation from a licensed physician. This document states your diagnosis and your physician’s approval for medical cannabis as a form of treatment.

Not all doctors in Tampa may offer medical cannabis recommendations, so it may take some research to find one near you who does. Florida does not recognize cannabis recommendations made through telehealth services, so an in-person visit is needed.

You can also attend one of Leafwell’s free pop-up clinics that take place across Florida. This way, you can meet with a licensed physician and get certified for medical cannabis for free.

After your physician submits their recommendation to the state, you can apply to the Medical Marijuana Use Registry. This requires a $75 registration fee.

You should receive a digital ID number within a couple of hours after submitting your registration. This ID number can be used to purchase cannabis at any licensed medical marijuana treatment center in Florida. It may take up to 10 business days to receive your physical card in the mail.

Qualifying conditions

To qualify for medical cannabis in Tampa, you must be diagnosed with at least one of the following health conditions:

• AIDS/HIV
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease
• Cancer
• Chronic pain
• Crohn’s disease
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson’s disease (PD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• A terminal condition diagnosed by a physician other than the qualified physician issuing the medical marijuana certification
• Medical conditions of the same kind or class as or comparable to those above

Can an out-of-state medical marijuana patient purchase medical cannabis in Tampa?

Medical marijuana treatment centers across Florida do not recognize out-of-state medical cannabis cards.

This means you can’t legally purchase medical cannabis if you’re visiting Tampa from another state.

Dispensaries in Tampa

• Sunnyside (1902 N Dale Mabry Hwy): Sunnyside has a knowledgeable staff who will help you find the right medical cannabis product to best suit your needs.
• Curaleaf (6421 N Florida Ave): Curaleaf carries a large variety of medical cannabis products, including edibles, tinctures, vaporizers, cannabis flower, and more.
• MUV (2617 W Kennedy Blvd & 7229 N Dale Mabry Hwy): MUV offers a wide selection of products for medical cardholders, along with frequent deals to help you save money on your favorite products.

Tips for buying cannabis in Tampa

Follow these tips once you’ve received your state-issued medical cannabis card:

• Look for medical marijuana treatment centers: Avoid cannabis products sold outside of a state-licensed medical marijuana treatment center, as they may not meet safety and quality standards.
• Bring your card and ID: You must show your state-issued registry card along with a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, to make a purchase.
• Ask for guidance: If you’re new to medical cannabis, ask a medical marijuana treatment center staff member or Leafwell provider for guidance on products and dosages.
• Compare prices: Prices on cannabis products may vary across different medical marijuana treatment centers. Compare prices to find the best deals on your favorite products.
• Check local laws: Cannabis laws in Tampa and throughout Florida may change over time. Stay up to date with local laws to avoid potential legal issues.

Resources 

• 2023 Florida statutes (including 2023C). https://www.flsenate.gov/laws/statutes/2023/893.13
• Article II. — Miscellaneous offenses. https://library.municode.com/fl/tampa/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH14OF_ARTIIMIOF_DIV3DR_S14-62POCAPA
• CS/CS/CS/HB 307 — medical use of cannabis. https://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/billsummaries/2016/html/1342
• CS for CS for CS for SB 182. https://static-s3.lobbytools.com/bills/2019/pdf/0182E1.pdf
• Florida laws and penalties.
  https://norml.org/laws/florida-penalties/
• Medical Marijuana Use Registry. https://mmuregistry.flhealth.gov/Public/LogIn
• Office of Medical Marijuana Use: Florida’s official source for responsible use. https://flboardofmedicine.gov/forms/know-facts-about-qualified-physicians.pdf 

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