Medical cannabis is accessible exclusively to patients registered with the state’s Medical Marijuana Use Registry. These patients must possess a valid medical marijuana identification card and obtain a physician’s certification. Florida law outlines specific purchase and possession limits for medical cannabis, which are crucial for patients and dispensaries to understand to ensure compliance.
Smokable Cannabis Limits
For smokable cannabis, Florida law imposes a 35-day rolling limit. Patients are permitted to purchase up to 2.5 ounces of smokable marijuana within any 35-day period. This limit is calculated on a rolling basis, meaning each purchase affects the available amount for the subsequent 35 days. The daily dosage for smokable cannabis is capped at 2.025 grams. Physicians may request exceptions to these limits if they determine a patient requires a higher dosage, but such requests must be approved by the Florida Department of Health.
Non-Smokables and THC Limits
For non-smokable forms of medical marijuana, Florida enforces a 70-day supply limit, with specific caps based on the route of administration. The aggregate limit for THC in non-smokable products over a 70-day period is 24,500 mg. The daily and 70-day limits for various administration routes are as follows:
- Edibles: 60 mg THC daily; 4,200 mg THC per 70 days
- Inhalation (e.g., vaporization): 350 mg THC daily; 24,500 mg THC per 70 days
- Oral (e.g., capsules, tinctures): 200 mg THC daily; 14,000 mg THC per 70 days
- Sublingual (e.g., sublingual tinctures): 190 mg THC daily; 13,300 mg THC per 70 days
- Suppository: 195 mg THC daily; 13,650 mg THC per 70 days
- Topical (e.g., creams): 150 mg THC daily; 10,500 mg THC per 70 days
Dispensary Compliance
Licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs) in Jacksonville, such as RISE Dispensary, are required to adhere strictly to these state-imposed limits. Dispensaries track patient purchases through the Medical Marijuana Use Registry to ensure compliance with the rolling limits. Patients should be aware that dispensaries cannot dispense more than the remaining amount authorized in their current physician certification.
Obtaining Medical Cannabis
To legally purchase medical cannabis in Jacksonville, individuals must:
- Consult with a qualified physician who can certify their eligibility for medical marijuana use
- Be added to the Medical Marijuana Use Registry by the certifying physician
- Apply for and obtain a Medical Marijuana Use Registry Identification Card from the Florida Department of Health
- Purchase cannabis products only from state-licensed MMTCs
It’s important to note that recreational cannabis use remains illegal in Florida. Only registered patients with valid medical marijuana cards are permitted to purchase and possess medical cannabis.
In Summary
Understanding and adhering to Florida’s medical cannabis purchase limits is essential for patients and dispensaries in Jacksonville. By following the state’s regulations, patients can ensure they remain compliant while accessing the medical cannabis products they need for their treatment.