Marijuana in Miami is not legal for recreational use, though medical cannabis is permitted under Florida law. Adults found with small amounts of cannabis may still face charges, but Miami-Dade County has adopted a civil citation system for possession of up to 20 grams. Instead of criminal penalties, offenders can receive a $100 fine or be asked to complete community service.
For medical patients, cannabis in Miami is legal if prescribed through the state’s regulated program, which was established in 2016 after voters approved Amendment 2. This means that while medical access is widely available, recreational cannabis remains prohibited.
Top things to remember
- Recreational cannabis is illegal in Miami; possession can still lead to fines or arrest despite some local citation programs.
- Medical marijuana is legal but only for Florida residents or seasonal residents with a valid state-issued MMJ card.
- Public use and airport transport are prohibited, and tourists cannot legally buy cannabis in Miami.
Overview of Cannabis Laws in Miami
Cannabis is illegal for recreational use. Possession of up to 20 grams is treated as a misdemeanor under Florida law, which can bring fines of up to $1,000, possible jail time of up to one year, and suspension of a driver’s license. However, Miami-Dade County adopted a civil citation system, which means small amounts may instead result in a $100 fine or community service, rather than criminal charges.
Medical cannabis is legal statewide and tightly regulated through Florida’s Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs). Patients must hold a valid medical marijuana card, issued only to permanent or seasonal Florida residents with qualifying conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, or chronic pain. Home cultivation and recreational sales remain strictly prohibited, even for patients.
There is also a clear distinction between THC and CBD. Products with low or no THC (such as hemp-derived CBD) are legal to purchase without a card, while THC-rich cannabis is only available through the medical program. These rules apply equally to residents and tourists: visitors cannot buy medical marijuana unless they meet Florida’s residency requirements.
Medical Marijuana in Miami
Medical marijuana is legal in Miami and throughout Florida, but only under the state’s regulated program. Patients must hold a valid medical marijuana card issued by the Florida Department of Health, and all cannabis must be purchased through licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs).
To qualify, a patient must be a permanent or seasonal Florida resident diagnosed with a qualifying condition such as cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, PTSD, Parkinson’s disease, or chronic non-malignant pain. A certified physician must provide a recommendation, and the patient must then apply through the state’s Medical Marijuana Use Registry. The process includes medical documentation, an application fee, and regular recertification every 210 days.
Tourists, however, cannot access medical weed in Miami. Florida does not accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards, so visitors are excluded from the program.
Buying Cannabis in Miami
You can only purchase cannabis legally through licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs). The state authorizes these dispensaries to sell medical cannabis in various forms, such as flower, oils, capsules, and topical products. Pharmacies are not permitted to sell marijuana, and recreational dispensaries do not exist under Florida law.
Tourists are not allowed to buy cannabis legally in Miami. The medical program is restricted to Florida residents (permanent or seasonal) who hold a state-issued medical marijuana card. Out-of-state medical cards are not recognized, meaning visitors do not have access to dispensaries.
Prices vary by product and dispensary, but medical cannabis flower typically ranges from $25 to $50 per eighth of an ounce, while oils and concentrates can cost significantly more.
Where You Can (and Can’t) Use Cannabis in Miami
Here’s a current and comprehensive overview of the rules around the consumption and transport of (medical) cannabis in Miami:
Public Consumption Rules
- Public use of high‑THC cannabis is strictly prohibited throughout Florida, even for registered medical marijuana patients. This includes streets, sidewalks, public transport, and enclosed workplaces.
- Low‑THC cannabis (e.g. CBD with ≤ 0.8% THC) is generally tolerated in public spaces, though caution is advised, especially near federally regulated areas.
Private Use: Hotels, Airbnbs, and Homes
- Consumption is allowed in private residences, like your home or a rented apartment/Airbnb, provided the property owner or host permits it. However, many hotels or rental contracts expressly ban smoking or cannabis use; review policies ahead of time to avoid violations.
Transportation and Carrying Cannabis
- Carrying medical marijuana is allowed, but it must remain in its original, sealed, and labeled packaging to show it’s legally obtained.
- Keep it out of immediate reach, such as in the trunk or locked glove compartment, as required by the rules for transporting alcohol or other controlled substances.
- Consumption while driving or during vehicle operation is illegal, akin to DUI laws.
- Taking cannabis across state lines, or into federally jurisdiction areas like airports, is prohibited under federal law, regardless of Florida’s medical program.
Travelling to or from Miami with Cannabis
Carrying cannabis into or out of Miami is strictly illegal under U.S. federal law, regardless of whether it is for medical or recreational purposes. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforces these rules with zero tolerance, meaning any cannabis found at ports of entry or airports will be seized.
Travelers caught attempting to transport marijuana can face civil fines and, in more serious cases, criminal prosecution. Importation charges carry heavy penalties, with fines that can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars and possible prison time.
Airports in Miami operate under federal jurisdiction, and cannabis remains prohibited there. While the TSA does not specifically search for marijuana, any cannabis discovered during routine security checks must be reported to law enforcement.
Even patients with a valid Florida medical marijuana card are not exempt from these restrictions, as the program does not extend to interstate or international travel. For visitors and residents alike, the safest approach is to avoid bringing cannabis when flying into or out of Miami.
Law Enforcement and Risks
In Miami-Dade County, police behavior toward cannabis enforcement remains inconsistent. While state law classifies possession of under 20 grams as a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail, a $1,000 fine, and license suspension, several counties, including Miami-Dade, have adopted civil citation programs. In these areas, police may issue a $100 civil citation instead of making an arrest. However, enforcement varies widely: according to a Miami Herald investigation, over 4,200 marijuana possession arrests occurred in Miami-Dade since 2019, even though prosecutors ultimately dropped 97% of these cases. This indicates that while some departments have become more tolerant, others, such as Miami Beach, continue aggressive enforcement, including relying on the odor of cannabis as probable cause to initiate searches.
The realistic risk of arrest remains substantial, especially in cities with stricter local policies. Although many cases are dismissed post-arrest, travelers still face immediate consequences like detention, bond, court costs, and potential impacts on employment or immigration status. Tourist-specific stories, even beyond cannabis, frequently mention charges like drug possession and DUI leading to extended vacation interruptions, unpaid bail, and communication complications due to confiscated devices.
While there are no well-documented scams targeting cannabis users specifically, there are general medical marijuana-related scams to be aware of. The Florida Department of Health warns against third-party services that offer expedited or “free” medical marijuana cards or services purportedly from the state’s Office of Compassionate Use. In reality, only that official office can process applications, and it does not accept credit card payments.
Cultural Attitudes Toward Cannabis in Miami
In Miami, attitudes toward cannabis have noticeably shifted in recent years. Medical marijuana’s legalization in Florida in 2016 helped spur a broader societal acceptance, particularly among younger generations who are more exposed to therapeutic and wellness narratives surrounding cannabis. Pop culture portrayals and generational shifts contribute significantly to this more favorable perspective.
Social acceptance varies across Miami’s vibrant neighborhoods. In artsy enclaves like Wynwood, where creativity is celebrated, cannabis use can appear more normalized in discreet ways. Anecdotal observations from online platforms suggest that in places like Wynwood, “many bars in [that area] people spark up freely without consequences.” However, such behavior exists in a legal gray area rather than being openly supported.
That said, cannabis remains federally and locally illegal for recreational use, and public consumption is prohibited, especially in high-profile areas like Miami Beach, where authorities increasingly enforce bans on smoking cannabis, even during spring break, with strict penalties including fines and possible incarceration. These actions reflect the limits of social tolerance; while private attitudes may be evolving, public usage is still met with legal disapproval.
As for a local cannabis community, Miami is showing its first signs of organized cultural activity. Events like Cannadelic Miami 2025, where enthusiasts and wellness-focused individuals gather, suggest the beginnings of a burgeoning cannabis culture, even if it’s currently limited to private gatherings and industry-led venues. At the same time, no fully legal social lounges or cafés exist yet, given the ongoing ban on recreational sales and consumption.
Useful Local Tips
When discussing cannabis, locals might use familiar slang such as bud, ganja, dank, or simply weed, all common across the U.S. but also understood in Miami’s diverse culture. Travelers should avoid relying on Miami-specific cannabis jargon; instead, sticking with these universal terms ensures clarity and avoids drawing unwanted attention.
Miami doesn’t host openly cannabis-branded events due to recreational restrictions. However, wellness and industry gatherings like Cannadelic Miami occasionally take place, offering spaces for enthusiasts and professionals to connect. These are niche, regulated, and typically invite-only, and while cannabis may be part of conversations, on-site consumption remains regulated.
For accommodation, the landscape is cautiously evolving. Some private hosts, particularly through platforms like Bud and Breakfast, offer 420-friendly rentals where visitors can quietly enjoy cannabis in private spaces. These listings are limited in number, and quality varies widely, so checking house rules and host reviews beforehand is essential. Likewise, niche platforms such as Vibesbnb highlight properties advertising themselves as “420-friendly,” though they may be situated outside central Miami or near bordering areas; always confirm legality and discretion before booking.
Final Advice and Disclaimer
Cannabis laws in Miami are complex and can shift with new state or local decisions. Laws can change quickly; always check the latest local rules before making assumptions about what is permitted. Even where medical use is allowed, recreational possession and consumption remain illegal, and penalties can be serious if the law is ignored.
For travelers, the safest approach is to remain discreet and respectful. Avoid public use, follow the guidance of property owners when staying in hotels or rentals, and never attempt to bring cannabis through airports or across state lines. While Miami is slowly developing a cultural space for cannabis, it is not yet a destination for open cannabis tourism. Treating the subject with caution and respect will help ensure a smoother visit without unwanted legal issues.