As Florida’s medical marijuana program continues to expand, Bal Harbour residents are finding themselves just minutes away from several licensed dispensaries. But while the availability of cannabis for medical use is growing, community opinions remain sharply divided.
Currently, there are no dispensaries within the Village of Bal Harbour itself. However, several are located nearby, including Trulieve in North Miami Beach and The Flowery in Miami—both within a three-mile radius. This close proximity has opened the door for eligible patients to access medical cannabis more conveniently, but not without raising some eyebrows.
“Having access to a dispensary just a short drive away has made a real difference in managing my chronic back pain,” said Richard Kaplan, a retired resident and state-certified medical marijuana patient. “I’d rather use natural medicine than rely on opioids.”
Under Florida law, patients with qualifying conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, epilepsy, and chronic nonmalignant pain can apply for a state-issued Medical Marijuana Use Registry card. Once approved by a licensed physician and added to the registry, they can legally purchase medical cannabis products at authorized dispensaries.
Despite state-wide legal protections and growing patient use, not everyone in Bal Harbour is enthusiastic about the trend.
“There’s a big difference between allowing it for legitimate medical purposes and having dispensaries pop up all around us,” said Anna Feldman, a long-time homeowner in the upscale beachside enclave. “It’s not about being anti-cannabis—it’s about preserving the character of our community.”
Some residents have voiced concerns about potential impacts on real estate values, increased traffic, and whether nearby dispensaries might eventually open the door to recreational marijuana sales—still illegal under Florida law.
Village officials, meanwhile, have taken a measured approach. Bal Harbour’s zoning ordinances mirror Florida statutes, allowing for the medical use of marijuana but placing tight restrictions on where and how dispensaries could operate if one were proposed within village limits.
“We recognize the rights of patients under state law,” said a spokesperson from the Village of Bal Harbour. “But any future proposals would be subject to rigorous community input and review.”
For now, Bal Harbour residents seeking medical cannabis will continue to rely on neighboring cities for access. As the state’s program matures, the conversation surrounding medical marijuana is likely to remain active in this coastal village—balancing modern medicine with the community’s traditionally conservative stance.
Whether the tide of public opinion shifts further in favor of medical marijuana remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: it’s a topic that’s no longer being ignored in Bal Harbour.