Navigating Medical Marijuana Delivery in Florida: Key Information for Patients

As the medical marijuana landscape in Florida continues to evolve, patients often have questions about delivery services. Understanding order limits, payment methods, and delivery restrictions is essential for a smooth experience. This article addresses common inquiries to help patients navigate medical marijuana delivery in the state.

1. How Much Can I Order?

Florida law imposes specific limits on the quantity of medical marijuana a patient can purchase within designated timeframes.

  • Smokable Marijuana: Patients may obtain up to 2.5 ounces of smokable cannabis within a 35-day period. This limit operates on a rolling basis, meaning it accounts for purchases made in the previous 35 days.
  • Non-Smokables (e.g., edibles, tinctures, topicals): The total allowable amount is capped at 24,500 mg of THC over a 70-day period. Specific daily and 70-day limits vary by product type:
    • Edibles: Up to 60 mg THC daily, totaling 4,200 mg over 70 days.
    • Inhalation (e.g., vaporization): Up to 350 mg THC daily, totaling 24,500 mg over 70 days.
    • Oral (e.g., capsules, tinctures): Up to 200 mg THC daily, totaling 14,000 mg over 70 days.
    • Sublingual (e.g., sublingual tinctures): Up to 190 mg THC daily, totaling 13,300 mg over 70 days.
    • Suppository: Up to 195 mg THC daily, totaling 13,650 mg over 70 days.
    • Topical (e.g., creams): Up to 150 mg THC daily, totaling 10,500 mg over 70 days.

Patients requiring amounts exceeding these limits must have their physician submit a formal exception request to the Florida Department of Health.

2. What Payment Methods Can I Use?

Due to federal banking regulations, traditional credit card payments are generally not accepted for medical marijuana purchases. However, patients have several alternative payment options:

  • Cash: Universally accepted across all dispensaries and delivery services.
  • Debit Cards: Many dispensaries accept debit card payments. Typically, the transaction amount is rounded to the nearest $10 increment, with any difference returned as cash change. A nominal service fee may apply.
  • CanPay: A secure, cashless payment app linked directly to a patient’s checking account. CanPay is widely accepted across Florida dispensaries and offers a convenient alternative to cash transactions.

It’s always a good idea to confirm accepted payment methods with the dispensary before placing an order, as policies can differ.

3. Are There Any Restrictions on Delivery Locations?

Medical marijuana delivery in Florida is subject to specific regulations:

  • Eligibility: Only state-registered medical marijuana patients aged 18 or older, or their designated caregivers, are eligible for delivery services.
  • Delivery Areas: Delivery availability varies by dispensary and is often limited to certain geographic regions. Patients should check whether their address is within the delivery zone.
  • Recipient Requirements: The registered patient or their caregiver must be present to receive the delivery. Dispensaries typically require presentation of valid ID and a medical marijuana card at the time of delivery.
  • Delivery Fees: Some dispensaries may charge a delivery fee, while others offer free delivery for orders over a certain amount. For example, free delivery might be offered on orders over $150, with a standard delivery fee of $25 for smaller purchases.

In Summary

Understanding the regulations surrounding medical marijuana delivery in Florida helps patients make informed decisions. By familiarizing themselves with order limits, payment options, and delivery restrictions, patients can ensure they remain compliant and receive their medication smoothly. For personalized help, patients should reach out to their dispensary or the Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use.