In Clearwater, Florida, cannabis use is regulated under the state’s medical marijuana framework. Recreational cannabis remains illegal, making it essential for patients and caregivers to understand the rules that govern lawful medical use. Compliance with these laws helps avoid legal complications and ensures safe, legal access to cannabis.
Who Can Legally Purchase Cannabis in Clearwater?
To purchase and use cannabis legally in Clearwater, individuals must meet specific qualifications under Florida’s Medical Marijuana Use Program:
- Be diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.
- Receive a recommendation from a certified physician.
- Register with the Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry.
- Hold an active Medical Marijuana Use Authorization card.
Only patients and caregivers registered with the state may purchase medical cannabis from licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs).
Purchase Limits for Medical Cannabis
Florida law sets clear limits on how much cannabis patients can legally buy:
- Smokable Flower: Patients are limited to 2.5 ounces of whole flower cannabis every 35 days.
- Non-Smokables: These include edibles, tinctures, topicals, and concentrates. A patient may not exceed a 70-day supply containing more than 24,500 mg of THC in total.
These limits are carefully monitored through the Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry. Dispensaries are not permitted to dispense amounts exceeding the legal caps. Any changes or exceptions must be approved by the certifying physician and documented in the registry.
Where Can Cannabis Be Consumed?
Even registered patients must follow strict guidelines about where cannabis can be used:
- Consumption is allowed only in private residences.
- It is illegal to consume cannabis in public spaces, including parks, sidewalks, restaurants, beaches, and vehicles.
- Workplace policies vary—employers are not required to accommodate medical cannabis use, and testing positive for THC can still result in termination.
- Driving under the influence of cannabis is strictly prohibited and may result in DUI charges, license suspension, or jail time.
Possession Without a Medical Card
Cannabis possession without proper medical authorization remains illegal in Clearwater:
- Possession of 20 grams or less is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- Possession of more than 20 grams is classified as a felony, which carries stiffer penalties, including significant prison time.
It’s worth noting that although a few Florida jurisdictions have decriminalized small amounts of cannabis, Clearwater has not passed any local ordinances to that effect.
Key Takeaways for Patients
Residents of Clearwater seeking to use cannabis for medical purposes must do so within the strict framework established by Florida law. Staying compliant includes:
- Obtaining the correct certification and registry ID.
- Following the legal purchase limits.
- Consuming only in approved private locations.
- Understanding the risks of employment or driving while using cannabis.
By staying informed and within the law, patients can safely access the therapeutic benefits of cannabis while avoiding potential legal risks.