Miami Medical Marijuana Dispensaries - What They Can and Can't Do

For Miami residents approved for treatment with medical cannabis, getting your license is only the first step. You'll still need to find a place to get your marijuana, since Florida does not let you grow your own. That means you'll need to choose a Miami medical marijuana dispensary, but what exactly do these businesses offer? Are they just storefronts? Do they fill prescriptions? Do they carry other medications? What's the deal? Here's what you should know.

Not Clubs or Co-Ops

It's important to understand that Miami medical marijuana dispensaries vary from clubs and co-ops found in other states. In Florida, all dispensaries are regulated by the state government. Each business must be approved and licensed by the state. That's not the case with other states where medical marijuana is legal. So, you'll be dealing with a state-authorized business, not a conglomerate of growers or a club of hobbyists. You'll be dealing with a legal entity, as well, which means you can expect to pay sales tax on most, if not all, of the products they offer.

Not a Drugstore

You'll also find that Miami marijuana dispensaries are not pharmacies or drugstores. They're not the same thing as the CVS down on the corner. These are more akin to supplement and health food stores, and carry similar products. That's because under federal law, pharmacies cannot give out marijuana, nor can doctors prescribe it. Just as you got a certificate and a license to use medical marijuana because it's illegal for doctors to prescribe it, you'll have to buy over the counter medical marijuana at your dispensary. That means you'll have access to health supplements, but not actual pharmaceuticals.

A Range of Products

Now that you understand what Miami medical marijuana dispensaries don't do, let's look at what they do. They offer you access to a broad range of products, all manufactured with medical grade marijuana. You'll find food products (cakes, cookies, brownies and the like), as well as candies (suckers and hard candy, for instance). You'll also be able to purchase other products, like smoothies and other beverages, as well as oils, lotions, tinctures, capsules, buds and more. Basically, you'll have enough selection to choose the product type that you want and even experiment a bit to find the delivery method that helps your medical condition the most.

A Word of Warning

Not all Miami Medical Marijuana Dispensaries are the same, nor do they all stock the same range of products. Some only have certain products at specific times (particularly seasonal items). Others require that you sign up as a member before you can purchase anything. Make sure you fully evaluate your options before signing up with a dispensary. Changing your retailer is possible, but it requires 14 days notification to the Department of Health before making the switch, so it's not as simple as just going to a different store.