Know Before You Go: Medical Marijuana Purchase Limits in Florida

Navigating Florida’s medical marijuana program requires a clear understanding of the state’s purchasing limits to ensure compliance and effective treatment. The Florida Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) has established specific guidelines regarding the amount of medical cannabis patients can obtain within designated timeframes.

Smokable Marijuana Limits

For patients who utilize smokable forms of marijuana, the regulations are as follows:

  • 35-Day Supply Limit: Patients may purchase up to 2.5 ounces of smokable marijuana within any rolling 35-day period.
  • Possession Limit: At any given time, patients are permitted to possess a maximum of 4 ounces of smokable marijuana.

These limits are monitored on a rolling basis, meaning each purchase affects the allowable amount for the subsequent 35 days.

Non-Smokable Marijuana Limits

For other forms of medical marijuana, the OMMU has defined daily dosage limits and corresponding 70-day supply caps:

  • Edibles:
    • Daily Dose: 60 mg of THC
    • 70-Day Supply: 4,200 mg of THC
  • Inhalation (e.g., vaporization):
    • Daily Dose: 350 mg of THC
    • 70-Day Supply: 24,500 mg of THC
  • Oral (e.g., capsules, tinctures):
    • Daily Dose: 200 mg of THC
    • 70-Day Supply: 14,000 mg of THC
  • Sublingual (e.g., sublingual tinctures):
    • Daily Dose: 190 mg of THC
    • 70-Day Supply: 13,300 mg of THC
  • Suppository:
    • Daily Dose: 195 mg of THC
    • 70-Day Supply: 13,650 mg of THC
  • Topical (e.g., creams):
    • Daily Dose: 150 mg of THC
    • 70-Day Supply: 10,500 mg of THC

It’s important to note that the combined total of all non-smokable forms cannot exceed 24,500 mg of THC over any rolling 70-day period.

Exceptions to Standard Limits

In certain cases, a qualified physician may determine that a patient requires amounts exceeding the standard limits. To accommodate this, the physician can submit a “Request for Exception” to the OMMU. This request must be approved before the patient can legally obtain quantities beyond the established caps.

Home Delivery Services

Licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs) in Florida are authorized to offer home delivery services to qualified patients. When utilizing these services, patients must adhere to the same purchasing limits as in-person transactions. Delivery personnel are required to verify the patient’s medical marijuana card and a valid government-issued ID upon delivery to ensure compliance.

Key Considerations for Patients

  • Stay Informed: Regularly review the OMMU’s guidelines and updates to remain compliant with current regulations.
  • Consult Your Physician: Engage in open discussions with your healthcare provider about your treatment needs, especially if you believe an exception to the standard limits is necessary.
  • Monitor Purchases: Keep track of your medical marijuana purchases to ensure you do not exceed the allowable amounts within the specified periods.

By understanding and adhering to these regulations, patients can effectively manage their treatment plans while remaining compliant with Florida’s medical marijuana laws.