News Summary
Despite a surge in registered patients, Florida’s medical marijuana program is witnessing a slowdown in growth, with new patient qualifications increasing by only 3% over the last two years. Legislative changes and stricter regulations are impacting access, particularly among individuals with prior drug-related convictions. As the market matures, the state remains the largest in the nation for medical marijuana, but the current trends raise concerns about balancing patient access and compliance with evolving laws.
Florida is experiencing a slowdown in the growth of its medical marijuana program, despite a significant surge in patients since the legalization of smokable medical marijuana in 2019. The state’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) recently reported that the number of new qualified patients has only increased by 3% over the past two years, indicating a notable deceleration in the program’s expansion.
As of October 2025, approximately 925,000 active qualified medical marijuana patients are registered in Florida, according to a report presented to lawmakers by OMMU director Bobbie Smith. This represents a substantial increase from just 459,000 registry identification cards in 2020, effectively more than doubling the number of cardholders within a five-year period. Moreover, the amount of smokable medical marijuana dispensed has skyrocketed, growing from 2.7 million ounces in 2020 to over 6.6 million ounces in the previous year.
Florida has solidified its position as the most profitable medical marijuana market in the United States, with about 4% of the state’s population currently holding medical marijuana cards. This growth trajectory began in 2016 when voters approved Amendment 2, which legalized medical marijuana within the state. The progress continued with Governor Ron DeSantis, who championed the legalization of smokable medical marijuana shortly after taking office in 2019, enhancing patient access to these products.
The new stagnation in patient growth coincides with legislative changes and more stringent regulations being imposed by the OMMU. Recent developments include new laws designed to restrict access for patients and caregivers with prior drug-related criminal histories. Florida’s recent legislative proposal under SB 2517 introduces conditions that could lead to the revocation of medical marijuana registrations for individuals with specific criminal convictions, which may have further contributed to the decline in growth. As a direct consequence of these regulations, Bobbie Smith noted that 20 individuals have already lost their medical marijuana registrations, with an additional 140 cases currently under review.
This latest report comes at a critical time, as the Smart & Safe political committee is actively working to place a 2026 ballot initiative that seeks to legalize marijuana use for adults aged 21 and older. However, Governor DeSantis has expressed his opposition to recreational marijuana legalization, having previously referred to efforts aimed at amending the state constitution to allow for recreational use as “morally wrong.” His administration has maintained a stance against altering the state’s marijuana laws significantly, even as many states continue to proceed with legalization efforts.
Despite Florida’s medical marijuana program’s significant expansion since its inception, the current growth challenges reflect the complexities of balancing patient access with regulatory compliance and law enforcement priorities. Notably, while marijuana use and possession remain illegal under federal law, a total of 24 states have embraced full legalization, and 40 have sanctioned medical use, reflecting a shifting landscape across the country. Florida’s evolving situation serves as a microcosm of the broader national discourse on marijuana policy and its implications for users, patients, and lawmakers alike.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Tallahassee.com: Patient Surge Fades After Smokable Marijuana Boom
- Google Search: Florida Medical Marijuana
- Miami Times: Crackdown on Pot Card Holders with Drug Crime Histories
- Wikipedia: Medical Cannabis in Florida
- New Cannabis Ventures: Florida’s Medical Cannabis Market Struggling
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Marijuana
- TCPalm: Using Medical Pot in Public? Better Think Again
- Google News: Florida Marijuana Laws
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
