Medical Marijuana

MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Medical Marijuana Act (Amendment 2)

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Amendment 2 pass?

On November 8, 2016, Florida voters overwhelmingly approved Amendment 2, expanding the lawful market of medical marijuana in Florida. Florida is now one of 44 states with some form of legal medical marijuana.

What department at the state is responsible for permitting/licensing of medical marijuana treatment centers?

The Florida Department of Health – Office of Medical Marijuana (OMM) is charged with overseeing the regulatory infrastructure for medical cannabis in the state. The regulatory infrastructure includes, but is not limited to, licensing of patients, healthcare providers, and Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (dispensaries). In order to receive an approval to operate in the City, all State of Florida licensing requirements will need to be met.

What role does the City of Orlando have in this process?

On June 5, 2017, the City of Orlando adopted the Medical Cannabis Dispensary Location Criteria and Performance Standards Ordinance (Ordinance No. 2016-92). These regulations focus on proper locations for opening and operating these types of facilities in the city limits. Including, but not limited to: a one (1) mile separation between such facilities, a two hundred (200) foot setback from exclusively residential zones, and a one thousand (1,000) foot separation from sensitive uses like religious institutions, schools, parks, etc. Furthermore, the City has a cap of seven (7) such dispensaries throughout the city limits.

I am interested in growing, care giving, dispensing, or opening a medical marijuana treatment center or related business. How do I register for a permit?

The State of Florida OMM is charged with writing and implementing the rules for medical marijuana, overseeing the statewide Medical Marijuana Use Registry, and licensing Florida businesses to cultivate, process, and dispense medical marijuana to qualified patients.

Where should I start?

You should start at the State’s OMM. The City of Orlando will require all licensing to be in place at the state level prior to issuance of a permit to operate within the City.

If you are a state approved dispensary and have a question about a specific location in the City of Orlando, please contact City Planning at cityplanning@cityoforlando.net or 407.246.2269, ext. 1.

A Planning Official Determination is necessary to site a medical marijuana dispensary within the City of Orlando. A sample application be found here.

Important Links

• Ordinance No 2017-25