Florida law permits medical cannabis but continues to prohibit recreational use. For consumers in Sunny Isles, this distinction is critical. Purchasing is limited to state-licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs). Patients must be certified by a qualified physician, entered into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry, and issued a valid medical card. Only MMTCs are legally authorized to cultivate, process, and dispense cannabis products in Florida, meaning smoke shops or unlicensed sellers are not legitimate sources.
Dosing limits are carefully regulated. For smokable flower, patients may purchase up to 2.5 ounces during a 35-day period. Other forms such as edibles, tinctures, capsules, or vape cartridges are capped at an aggregate 70-day supply not exceeding 24,500 milligrams of THC. Physicians may request exceptions for patients who require more, but these must be approved by the state. Staying within these limits is important for remaining compliant.
Use is also restricted to private spaces. Smoking or vaping cannabis in public areas, workplaces, or on school grounds is prohibited. In Sunny Isles, smoking is not allowed on the beach or in public parks, reinforcing the expectation that cannabis consumption should take place in the privacy of one’s home or another approved setting. Driving while under the influence of cannabis is strictly illegal and is prosecuted under Florida’s DUI laws.
For individuals without a medical card, possession laws are clear. Having 20 grams or less of cannabis is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Possession of more than 20 grams is a felony that may result in up to five years in prison. Miami-Dade County has adopted a citation program that allows officers to issue a $100 ticket instead of making an arrest for small amounts, but this policy is discretionary and does not equal legalization.
Concentrates are treated more severely. Products such as wax, oils, and resin fall under stricter provisions, and possession of any amount without proper medical authorization can result in felony charges. Consumers should not assume that small quantities of vape cartridges or concentrates are considered minor infractions.
DUI penalties for cannabis mirror those for alcohol. A first offense can bring up to six months in jail, fines between $500 and $1,000, license suspension, probation, and mandatory DUI school. Penalties escalate for repeat offenses or if aggravating factors are present, such as having a minor in the vehicle.
There are also location-based restrictions. Enhanced penalties apply for drug offenses committed within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, or other protected areas. Employers, landlords, and hotels may also impose their own rules prohibiting cannabis use on their premises, even for medical patients.
In short, consumers in Sunny Isles should purchase only from licensed MMTCs, respect dosing limits, avoid public use, and never drive impaired. Staying informed and compliant not only avoids legal trouble but ensures safe, responsible participation in Florida’s medical cannabis program.