Florida Medical Marijuana Basics: What You Need to Know in Miami Beach

For long-time medical marijuana users and legal experts alike, understanding how Florida’s medical cannabis program operates in places like Miami Beach and Ocean Drive — areas steeped in vibrant culture and year-round activity — is important for both newcomers and seasoned patients. Florida’s medical marijuana system is not just about access to cannabis — it’s a regulated health-care pathway designed to give qualified patients a legal option for relief.

Florida’s Medical Marijuana Framework

Under Florida law, medical marijuana means cannabis purchased by a certified patient from a licensed medical marijuana treatment center, also known as a dispensary. Only cannabis obtained through this regulated system is legally recognized as medical marijuana in the state.

Florida voters approved expanded medical marijuana access in 2016, allowing patients with qualifying conditions such as chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, cancer, PTSD, and other debilitating illnesses to legally use cannabis under physician supervision.

Who Qualifies for Medical Marijuana in Miami Beach?

To legally use medical marijuana in Miami Beach — including near Ocean Drive — an individual must:

Be a Florida resident (permanent or seasonal)
Have a qualifying medical condition
Be evaluated and approved by a state-certified medical marijuana physician
Be entered into Florida’s Medical Marijuana Use Registry
Hold an active Medical Marijuana Use Registry Identification Card

Without meeting these requirements, cannabis possession remains illegal under Florida law.

How the Medical Card Process Works

1. Visit a Certified Medical Marijuana Doctor

The first step is an evaluation by a licensed Florida physician approved to recommend medical marijuana. During the visit, the doctor reviews medical history, confirms a qualifying condition, and discusses whether cannabis may be an appropriate treatment. If approved, the physician enters the patient into the state registry.

In and around Miami Beach, patients commonly visit clinics such as:

Patients can also search the state’s official database of qualified physicians to find approved doctors near Miami Beach.

2. Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card

Once entered into the registry by a physician, patients complete an application with Florida’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use. The state charges an annual fee, and once approved, patients receive a medical marijuana card valid for one year.

3. Purchasing Medical Marijuana

With an active card, patients may legally purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries throughout Miami-Dade County. Products vary and may include oils, tinctures, vaporizable options, capsules, and other non-smokable forms, depending on physician recommendations.

Using Medical Marijuana on Ocean Drive

Patients with a valid Florida medical marijuana card have legal protections statewide, including in Miami Beach and along Ocean Drive. However, public consumption is still restricted, and medical marijuana must be used in compliance with local ordinances. Recreational cannabis remains illegal in Florida, making proper registration and compliance essential for both residents and visitors seeking lawful access.