Why Florida Patients Sometimes Can’t Purchase Medical Marijuana (and What to Do)

Many Florida residents registered in the state’s medical marijuana program still encounter hurdles when attempting to buy cannabis legally. Understanding the common reasons and solutions can empower patients to access medical cannabis safely and effectively.

1. No Valid Medical Marijuana Use Registry ID Card

Florida law requires every patient or caregiver to have an active medical marijuana use registry ID card before purchasing cannabis from a licensed dispensary or Medical Marijuana Use Center. Without it, dispensaries must refuse sale.

✅ Solution:

• Apply or renew your card through the Florida Department of Health OMMU system.
• Pay the $75 application or renewal fee and submit 45 days before expiration.

2. Failing to Meet Residency or Physician Qualifications

Only permanent or seasonal Florida residents, certified by a registered OMMU-qualified cannabis physician, are eligible to purchase from dispensaries (MMTC’s). Approval requires a documented qualifying condition—such as cancer, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, ALS, Crohn’s, Parkinson’s, PTSD, multiple sclerosis, chronic non‑malignant pain, or similar debilitating ailments. If you have No qualifying diagnosis, the physician may deny certification.

✅ Solution:

• Obtain evaluation from an OMMU‑registered physician such as those at Compassionate Healthcare of Florida.
• The doctor will certify you for medical cannabis and enter orders or recommendations in the OMMU allowing you to complete the state application and purchase medical marijuana.

3. Purchase Limits Under State Rules

Florida caps cannabis flower purchases at 2.5 ounces over a rolling 35‑day period. For non‑smokable products, dosage is capped by THC milligrams at 24,500mg per rolling 70‑day period.

✅ Solution:

• Keep track of your purchase schedule.
• If you require more because of severe symptoms, your physician can request a dose‑limit exception (RFE) from the Department of Health (decision within 14 days)
• Not all cannabis practices or doctors do this and some charge more for the option, so ensure you ask your MMJ doctor.

4. Legal Violations or Financial Issues That Affect Card Status

Under SB 2514, which took effect in mid‑July 2025, patients charged or convicted of certain drug offenses may have their medical marijuana card suspended or revoked. If a patient contests a payment with their credit card company or there is any chargeback to the OMMU $75 state fee, the state will suspend the medical marijuana card, and no purchases will be allowed until a money order is sent in to the OMMU and the card reinstated.

If your payment is returned/declined for any reason, there will be an additional $15 service fee required to process your application. A returned/rejected payment will require the applicant to mail a check or money order made payable to the Florida Department of Health totaling the original application fee plus the $15 service fee to the card application processing center.

✅ Solution:

• Maintain a clean legal record to preserve your card.
• If your card is suspended, request reinstatement once charges are resolved.
• If it is due to a chargeback of the state fee, contact the OMMU to receive instructions on mailing them a money order for reactivation.

5. Caregiver vs. Minor Rules

Minors under 18 cannot purchase medical marijuana themselves; only a registered caregiver may make purchases for them at a licensed dispensary.

✅ Solution:

• Assign a certified caregiver in the registry.
• Caregivers must present their own registry ID and government ID at dispensaries.
• If the caregiver is not a close relative, a background check is required prior to the OMMU issuing the card.

6. Dispensary Access & Stock Issues

Florida limits the number of licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs). Early licensing restrictions created a tightly controlled market, leading to limited availability, higher cost, or intermittent out-of-stock products. Currently as of July 2025, Florida has over 725 licensed dispensary locations.

✅ Solution:

• Visit multiple dispensaries if your preferred location is sold out.
• Stay on waiting lists for restocks.
• Consider switching to another licensed MMTC with wider availability.

7. Issues with Route of Administration

If you’re under 18, your physician may only certify smokable cannabis if you’re terminally ill and a second board certified pediatrician concurs, plus parent consent is documented. Adult patients face restrictions on certain administration forms unless properly authorized and assign a milligram amount for each route per 70-days. If you use up this allotment you will note be able until you fall below again in the rolling period or you certifying provider adjusts the dose or files a RFE with the state.

✅ Solution:

• Work with your physician to confirm the appropriate and legally permitted route.
• Ensure all required documentation is in the Florida registry.
• Have your physician move some allotment of milligrams from one route of use to another. (ex. From inhalation to edibles). It’s important to note that smokeable flower is a separate category than medical marijuana so you cannot move from one of those to the other.
• Have your certifying physician file an RFE to increase your route of administration if it is already maxed out or you have hit the aggregate limit of 24,500mg per 70-days.

⚙️ Solutions