The complete guide to cannabis in Orlando
8 min read
Key takeaways
- Recreational cannabis is not legal in Florida. Amendment 3 (2024) fell short of the 60% supermajority threshold and did not pass.
- Medical marijuana has been legal in Florida since 2017, following Amendment 2’s passage with 71% of the vote in 2016.
- Florida residents with a qualifying condition — including cancer, PTSD, chronic pain, epilepsy, and others — can obtain a medical marijuana card through the state’s OMMU registry.
- Tourists cannot purchase cannabis from Florida dispensaries. Florida does not have reciprocity agreements with other states.
- Orlando has many licensed dispensaries — Trulieve, Curaleaf, Surterra Wellness, and others — all requiring a valid Florida MMJ card for purchase.
- Possession without a medical card is a criminal offense. Up to 20 grams is a first-degree misdemeanor; over 20 grams is a felony.
Recreational marijuana is not legal in Orlando or anywhere else in Florida. Florida voters approved Amendment 3 in November 2024 — but the measure received approximately 55.9% of the vote, falling short of the 60% supermajority required to amend the state constitution. Cannabis in Florida remains legal only for qualified medical patients enrolled in the state’s Medical Marijuana Use Registry. If you are an Orlando resident living with a qualifying medical condition, you can legally access cannabis through a licensed physician and a state-licensed dispensary. If you’re visiting from out of state or curious about recreational use, the answer remains no — and possession carries real criminal penalties.
Is weed legal in Orlando, Florida?
No — recreational weed is not legal in Orlando or Florida. Florida is a medical-only state, and Orlando (located in Orange County) follows Florida state law with no local decriminalization ordinances in place.
What is legal in Orlando:
- Medical cannabis for patients with a valid Florida medical marijuana card
- CBD and hemp-derived products containing no more than 0.3% THC, available without a prescription
- Hemp-derived Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC products sold by licensed hemp retailers, within compliant concentration limits
What remains illegal for most people in Orlando:
- Recreational marijuana possession, purchase, or use
- Gifting or selling cannabis outside the licensed medical system
- Bringing marijuana across state lines into Florida, even from a state where it is legal
- Purchasing cannabis from unlicensed sources — including delivery apps and social media sellers
What happened to Florida’s recreational cannabis vote?
Florida came close to legalizing recreational cannabis in 2024. Amendment 3 — the Smart & Safe Florida initiative — would have allowed adults 21 and older to possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis and purchase from licensed retailers.
The measure received approximately 55.9% of the vote in the November 2024 general election. While that represents a majority of Florida voters, it was not enough: Florida’s constitution requires a 60% supermajority to pass a ballot amendment. The initiative fell roughly 4 percentage points short and did not become law.
What this means for Orlando residents today
There is no active legislative pathway to recreational legalization currently moving through the Florida Legislature, and no confirmed ballot initiative for the next election cycle. Until that changes, Orlando and all of Florida operates under the same medical-only framework that has been in place since 2017.
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Florida’s medical marijuana program
Florida’s medical marijuana program was established by Amendment 2, which passed with 71% of the vote in November 2016 and went into effect in 2017. The program is overseen by the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU), part of the Florida Department of Health.
Qualifying conditions
Florida patients may qualify for a medical marijuana card under the following conditions:
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- PTSD
- ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
- Crohn’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Terminal conditions (with a prognosis of 12 months or less)
- Chronic nonmalignant pain
- Other debilitating conditions comparable to those listed above, at a physician’s discretion
Florida’s “comparable conditions” clause gives licensed physicians significant latitude. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and chronic pain may qualify depending on a physician’s assessment of how significantly the condition impacts the patient’s daily life.
What medical patients may possess
Florida medical marijuana patients may legally possess up to 4 ounces of smokable marijuana per 35-day supply period, plus equivalent amounts in other product forms — including tinctures, edibles, vaporizer cartridges, topicals, and concentrates. The specific supply is determined by the recommending physician.
How to get a medical marijuana card in Florida
Only Florida residents can obtain a Florida medical marijuana card. Tourists and short-term visitors are not eligible, regardless of their home state’s laws or whether they hold a valid out-of-state medical card.
The process for Orlando residents:
- Step 1 — Consult a qualified physician. Your doctor must be registered with the OMMU and must certify that you have a qualifying condition. Appointments are available through services like Leafwell, at local clinics.
- Step 2 — Receive your certification. Once your doctor submits your certification to the OMMU’s Medical Marijuana Use Registry, you will receive a confirmation by email.
- Step 3 — Apply for your registry ID card. Submit your application through mmuregistry.flhealth.gov along with a $75 application fee and a valid Florida ID.
- Step 4 — Visit a licensed dispensary. Once your card is active, you can purchase cannabis from any state-licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MMTC) in Florida.
What medical patients can and can’t do in Orlando
Once you have a valid Florida medical marijuana card, here’s what the law permits — and prohibits — in Orlando and Orange County.
✓ What is legal for Florida MMJ cardholders
- Purchasing cannabis from any licensed MMTC dispensary in Florida
- Possessing up to your physician-recommended supply (up to 4 oz of flower per 35-day period)
- Consuming cannabis in a private residence
- Using cannabis in other private spaces with the property owner’s explicit permission
⚠ What remains illegal, even for medical patients
- Consuming cannabis in public spaces, parks, or vehicles
- Smoking cannabis anywhere tobacco smoking is prohibited
- Driving under the influence of cannabis
- Purchasing from unlicensed sources
- Bringing Florida-purchased cannabis across state lines (federal crime)
Cannabis dispensaries in Orlando
Orlando has one of the densest concentrations of licensed medical marijuana dispensaries in Florida. All dispensaries require a valid Florida medical marijuana card for purchase — out-of-state cards are not accepted, as Florida has no reciprocity agreements with other states.
- Curaleaf (775 North Semoran Blvd & 6600 International Dr): Curaleaf offers a large selection of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products, including flower, vaporizers, edibles, capsules, and more.
- GrowHealthy (7858 Turkey Lake Rd #102 & 4353 Edgewater Dr #700): GrowHealthy carries high-quality cannabis flower, vaporizers, edibles, and more, with well-trained staff who can help you find the best product for your needs.
- The Flowery (8586 S Orange Blossom Trl): In addition to providing in-store shopping at The Flowery, you can also place orders online for pickup.
For the most current directory of licensed dispensaries near you, visit the OMMU’s licensed MMTC directory.
Get your medical card with Leafwell
See a provider at a local clinic
- Get 4 months free on your medical card
- Same-day appointments available
- Money back guarantee
CBD and hemp products in Orlando
Hemp-derived CBD products — including tinctures, gummies, capsules, and topicals — are legal in Florida and widely available at health food stores, pharmacies, and specialty retailers throughout Orlando. No medical card or prescription is required.
Under the 2018 federal Farm Bill and Florida’s complementary hemp law (SB 1020), hemp products containing 0.3% THC or less are fully legal. Hemp-derived Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC products in compliant concentrations are also currently legal in Florida, though regulations in this space continue to evolve.
Visiting Orlando?
If you’re a tourist or short-term visitor who cannot access Florida’s medical program, hemp-derived CBD and compliant hemp products are the legal option available to you. They are widely available at wellness shops, specialty retailers, and online vendors shipping to Florida.
Penalties for cannabis possession in Florida
Florida treats recreational cannabis possession as a criminal offense. There is no statewide decriminalization, and neither Orange County nor the City of Orlando has enacted local ordinances to reduce penalties.
| Amount | Classification | Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 20 grams | First-degree misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail, $1,000 fine |
| More than 20 grams | Third-degree felony | Up to 5 years in prison, $5,000 fine |
| 25 lbs or more | Trafficking (minimum third-degree felony) | Mandatory minimum 3 years + $25,000 fine |
| Sale or delivery (any amount) | Third-degree felony | Up to 5 years in prison, $5,000 fine |
⚠ Additional consequences to be aware of
A cannabis conviction in Florida can trigger a 1-year driver’s license suspension, even if the offense was unrelated to driving. Florida also reports criminal convictions to other states — so for out-of-state visitors, a misdemeanor charge in Orlando will follow you home. Employment, professional licensing, and housing applications can all be affected.
FAQs
Is recreational weed legal in Orlando?
No. Recreational marijuana is not legal in Orlando or anywhere in Florida. Amendment 3, which would have legalized recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older, received approximately 55.9% of the vote in November 2024 — but needed 60% to amend Florida’s constitution and did not pass.
Is weed legal in Florida in 2025 and 2026?
Florida remains a medical-only cannabis state. There is no active legislation or confirmed ballot initiative on track to change this before 2027. Medical marijuana has been legal for qualifying patients since 2017, following Amendment 2’s passage in 2016.
Is marijuana legal in Orlando for tourists?
No. Florida’s medical marijuana program is available only to Florida residents. Out-of-state visitors — including tourists — cannot purchase cannabis from Florida dispensaries, even with a valid medical card from another state. Florida has no reciprocity agreements with other states.
Can you smoke weed in Orlando?
Only medical marijuana patients may legally consume cannabis in Florida, and only in private settings. Smoking cannabis in public places, parks, hotel rooms, vacation rentals (without explicit owner permission), or vehicles is illegal and can result in criminal charges, even for valid cardholders.
What are Orlando’s marijuana laws?
Orlando and Orange County follow Florida state law. Possession of up to 20 grams without a medical card is a first-degree misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail, $1,000 fine); more than 20 grams is a felony. There is no local decriminalization. Medical patients with a valid Florida MMJ card may purchase and possess cannabis within their physician-recommended supply limits.
Is THC legal in Orlando?
THC from cannabis is legal in Orlando only for registered medical marijuana patients. Hemp-derived THC products — including Delta-8 and compliant Delta-9 products — containing 0.3% THC or less are legal under Florida’s hemp law and can be purchased without a medical card. High-THC cannabis products require a Florida MMJ card.
Is it legal to bring weed to Orlando from another state?
No. Transporting marijuana across state lines is a federal crime, regardless of whether the originating state has legalized cannabis. This applies at airports, on highways, and at all other points of entry into Florida. Do not bring cannabis to Orlando from another state.
How do I get a medical marijuana card in Orlando?
Florida residents with a qualifying condition can obtain a card by: (1) completing an in-person evaluation with a Leafwell OMMU-registered physician, (2) receiving a physician certification submitted to the Medical Marijuana Use Registry, and (3) applying for a registry ID card through the Florida Department of Health with a $75 fee. Leafwell offers same-day evaluations with licensed Florida physicians. Get started →
What dispensaries are in Orlando?
Orlando has numerous licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs), including Trulieve, Curaleaf, Surterra Wellness, Fluent, Liberty Health Sciences, and AYR. All require a valid Florida medical marijuana card for purchase. For the most current locations, visit the OMMU’s official dispensary directory.
Resources and references
- Florida Department of Health — Office of Medical Marijuana Use: knowthefactsmmj.com
- Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry: mmuregistry.flhealth.gov
- Florida Amendment 2 (2016) — Full text and legislative history: dos.myflorida.com
- Florida Amendment 3 (2024) — Election results: Florida Division of Elections
- Florida Statutes § 381.986 — Medical use of marijuana: leg.state.fl.us
- Florida Statutes § 893.13 — Drug abuse prevention and control (possession penalties): leg.state.fl.us
- OMMU Licensed MMTC Dispensary Directory: knowthefactsmmj.com/dispensaries
- Leafwell — Florida medical marijuana card: leafwell.com/states/florida
Last updated: April 2026. Cannabis laws change frequently. Always verify current regulations with the Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use or a licensed medical cannabis physician before making any decisions.
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Frequently asked questions
Find out more about cannabis in Orlando with answers to common questions.
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