Florida’s cannabis laws continue to evolve in 2025, with new legislative efforts aimed at expanding medical marijuana access, while recreational legalization remains a contentious issue. Although a 2024 ballot initiative fell short, advocates are already pushing for a new measure in 2026. Here’s a breakdown of the latest regulations and upcoming changes impacting cannabis sales and consumption in Florida.
Medical Marijuana Regulations
As of 2025, Florida maintains strict guidelines for medical marijuana patients:
- Purchase Limits: Patients can acquire up to 2.5 ounces of smokable cannabis flower every 35 days.
- Possession Limits: A maximum of 4 ounces of whole-flower cannabis is permitted at any given time.
- Non-Smokable Products: For edibles, tinctures, and other forms, there’s a 70-day supply cap equating to 24,500 mg of THC.
Legislative Efforts
Recent legislative proposals aim to expand access for medical marijuana patients:
Home Cultivation Bill (SB 546)
Introduced by Sen. Joe Gruters, this bill proposes allowing qualified patients aged 21 and over to cultivate up to two cannabis plants for personal use. The plants must be out of public view and secured to prevent unauthorized access. However, Gruters acknowledges limited Republican support, making passage unlikely.
Expanded Medical Conditions (HB 555)
This bill seeks to broaden the list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana use to include patients prescribed opioids. It also proposes adjustments to physician examination requirements and supply limits, aiming to enhance patient access and safety.
Recreational Marijuana Initiatives
2024 Ballot Initiative
A proposal to legalize recreational marijuana received 56% voter support but fell short of the 60% threshold required for constitutional amendments in Florida.
2026 Ballot Proposal
In response to the 2024 failure, the Smart & Safe Florida committee—backed by major medical marijuana companies—has filed a new initiative for the 2026 ballot. This proposal includes:
- Prohibitions on public smoking
- Restrictions on marketing to minors
- New licensing opportunities, potentially ending Florida’s vertical integration system, which requires companies to handle all aspects of production and sales.
Federal Perspectives & Political Dynamics
Federal Rescheduling Support
In late 2024, former President Donald Trump expressed support for reclassifying cannabis to a less restrictive federal category and endorsed Florida’s recreational ballot initiative. His stance contrasts with other Republican leaders in Florida.
State Leadership Opposition
Governor Ron DeSantis and other state officials have actively opposed recreational legalization efforts, citing concerns over public health and safety. Their opposition played a key role in blocking past initiatives.
Current Legal Status in Florida (2025)
- Recreational Use: Still illegal
- Medical Use: Permitted for qualified patients
- Home Cultivation: Not allowed (pending legislative changes)
As Florida navigates the evolving cannabis landscape, patients and advocates are watching closely to see how state and federal policies shift in the coming years. While medical marijuana access continues to expand, recreational legalization remains an uphill battle.
Stay updated on legislative changes, as new proposals could shape the future of cannabis in Florida: Learn More