Full Answer
What do you need to open a medical marijuana dispensary in Florida?
Before you open a medical marijuana dispensary in Florida, you need to get a license. As well as handling the usual legal requirements for opening a business, such as legally registering it with the state and country where you plan to operate, you’ll also need a marijuana business license.
How many medical marijuana treatment centers are in Florida?
The state of Florida legalized medical marijuana in March of this year and is well on its way to legalizing recreational marijuana in a future election cycle. Currently, Florida has 139 licensed medical marijuana treatment centers (MMTCs). If you are looking to open the 140th, then you should start by reading our guide to opening a dispensary here.
How much does it cost to start a medical marijuana business in Florida?
Application fees: Applying for a cannabis business license in Florida costs $60,830. Financial requirement: You need at least $5 million in working capital/escrow/bonds when you apply for a medical marijuana business license.
How do I contact medical marijuana treatment clinics of Florida?
We’re here for you! If you have any problems with your application, want to request a dosage adjustment, or have any questions, give us a call at 850-900-1668. Medical Marijuana Treatment Clinics of Florida has convenient locations throughout the state. Find a location near you!
How do I become an MMTC in Florida?
Minimum Requirements for an MMTC License in Florida At minimum, MMTC applicants must demonstrate they: Have been registered to conduct business in Florida for at least 5 consecutive years. Possess a nursery certificate of registration from the Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.
Who owns marijuana dispensaries in Florida?
Trulieve (OTCQX:TCNNF) is the dominant company in Florida cannabis sales, with an enormous market share compared to its competitors. As of April 17, Trulieve owned 19% of the dispensaries in Florida but sold 58% of flower. Trulieve's per-store flower sales are three times higher than the state average.
Where is the largest marijuana dispensary in the United States?
Las VegasPlanet 13 Holdings, Inc. is a cannabis company based in Nevada, United States. On Nov 1, 2018, the company opened its cannabis dispensary in Las Vegas which became the largest cannabis dispensary in the world at 112,000 square feet.
What medical marijuana companies are in Florida?
DispensariesColumbia Care.Curaleaf.Fluent.Green Dragon.GrowHealthy.Liberty Health Sciences.MedMen.MÜV.More items...
How long do you have to be registered to open a dispensary in Florida?
Applicants must have been registered to do business in Florida for at least 5 consecutive years before applying. If you plan to open a dispensary in the future, make sure you’re registered now. A valid certificate of registration issued by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
What do you need to supervise a medical marijuana dispensary?
You must employ a qualified medical director to supervise the activities of your medical marijuana dispensary. You need a diversity plan promoting and ensuring the involvement of minority persons and business enterprises or veteran business enterprises in ownership, management, and employment.
How long do you have to maintain a dispensary?
You must have the financial ability to maintain the operations of your dispensary for at least 2 years, including the provision of certified financial statements to the department. Once your application is approved, you must post a $5 million performance bond issued by an authorized surety insurance company.
Is Florida open for dispensaries?
You can find information about the Application Process for opening a dispensary from the Florida Department of Health Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) website. Applications are currently not open and many applicants are still waiting to be approved. However, you may still have the opportunity in the future.
Does the OMMU issue dispensaries?
The OMMU only issues a limited number of licenses to dispensary businesses. What’s more, with so many dispensaries currently in the state, there is no urgent need for newly licensed businesses to open dispensaries. That doesn’t mean you should be completely put off the idea.
Is the OMMu accepting new dispensaries?
However, the OMMU is currently not accepting new dispensary applications. The state only issues a limited number of dispensary licenses, so you may need to wait a while before you can apply. With that said, it can still help to learn about the process of starting a dispensary in Florida.
Is it hard to open a dispensary in Florida?
As rewarding as opening a dispensary can be, it’s difficult to open a dispensary in Florida. Not only are applications currently closed, but the application process is long, grueling, and costly. However, if you’re an eager entrepreneur who wants to get a foothold in the marijuana industry, there are other ideas to consider.
How many medical marijuana treatment centers are there in Florida?
So far, there are 13 approved medical marijuana treatment centers in Florida: Seven of these MMTCs were established prior to the passage of Senate Bill 8A, which granted 10 more licenses to be approved by October 3, 2017.
How long did it take for Florida to pass the MMTC?
It took two years for Florida to pass Amendment 2 allowing medical marijuana treatment centers to exist. Though the amendment first passed on November 8, 2016, the road for business professionals to obtain permits and open up shop has been fraught with delays, restrictions, editing of regulations, and even lawsuits. As of June 22, 2017, Senate Bill 8A passed in a special session allowed the issuance of 10 new MMTC licenses. In March 2018, Florida lawmakers voted to withhold $1.9 million in salaries and benefits from Department of Health officials until the program is run more efficiently. Here’s what you need to know about the application process for MMTC license in Florida.
Is medical marijuana safe?
These contaminants are especially dangerous to people with compromised immune systems – many of which are precisely the target audience of medical marijuana products.
When was cannabis made legal
With the passing of Amendment 2, Florida became the 26th state to legalize a medical cannabis program that includes whole-plant remedies, THC included.
How many marijuana businesses are there in the state
There is not currently a limit set on how many dispensaries are allowed. Five were initially approved, but due to errors, seven were issued. The old law had a provision stating that once more than 250,000 patients registered, the state could add 3 more.
Profits of the cannabis industry in Florida
Although there are currently no financial data, Florida’s cannabis industry profits are expected to skyrocket by 2021. There are forecasts speculating numbers as high as $1,523,700,000 within four years.
How to open a dispensary in Florida
Marijuana businesses in Florida are classified as “Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers.” These legal entities are authorized to grow, possess, sell and transport cannabis products.
License requirements
The amended legislation of January 2017, essentially paved the way for 10 more medical marijuana treatment centers to open. When the next increment of 100,000 new eligible patients is added to the patient registry, another license for MMTC will become available.
Financial requirements
In order to apply for a medical marijuana business license, interested parties must pay a non-refundable $60,000 fee. Under the amended law, it is up to the Department of Health to decide the integration of the license.
Timeframe
Starting a marijuana business in Florida may take a painfully long time. Applicants from 2015, are still awaiting licenses. Once you receive a license, allow another year to get your business running.
DISPENSARY LICENSE GUIDELINES
Licensed MMTCs are authorized to cultivate, process and dispense medical marijuana.
WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
Low-THC cannabis and medical marijuana has been and continues to be available for qualified patients. Patients and caregivers may fill their orders at any of the 55 dispensing locations, or via delivery from approved MMTCs below.
FLORIDA MEDICAL MARIJUANA LEGAL UPDATES
The implementation of Amendment 2 and section 381.986, F.S. (2018) continues to be frequently litigated.
GENERAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Medical Marijuana ID Card Application Process: Once a patient has been diagnosed by a qualified ordering physician and entered into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry, they can immediately begin the identification card application process.
What is THCa?
It is well-known that inhaling and eating cannabis has a variety of health benefits. But did you know that you can also drink it? It
Chocolope Strain
Chocolope Kush Chocolope Kush, better known as Chocolope, is an iconic strain. Developed at a time when other top-shelf strains were still pretty mild, Chocolope’s
How much does it cost to get a medical marijuana license in Florida?
Application fees: Applying for a cannabis business license in Florida costs $60,830. Financial requirement: You need at least $5 million in working capital/escrow/bonds when you apply for a medical marijuana business license.
What are the requirements for a Florida business plan?
Florida-specific requirements: If not included elsewhere in your application, you should include details in your business plan about your security system, secure product transport, manufacturing waste plan, odor mitigation plan, and anything else required by the state. Investor proposal: If you are presenting your plan to investors, ...
Does Florida have independent testing?
Florida does not license independent testing facilities. MMTCs are responsible for testing their own cannabis for potency and contaminants. If you don’t want to grow or sell cannabis in Florida, there are plenty of other ways to be part of the booming cannabis industry.
Is marijuana legal in Florida?
Smokable cannabis and growing marijuana at home are illegal (although the former is being fought in court). Edibles, CBD oils, sprays, and vaping are legal.
How many medical marijuana treatment centers are there in Florida?
Currently, Florida has 139 licensed medical marijuana treatment centers (MMTCs).
How much does it cost to open a dispensary in Florida?
The non-refundable application fee in Florida is $60,036, which is very, very high in comparison to other states. Florida also has a long list of documents that individuals are required ...
How long do you have to be registered to do business in Florida?
You must be registered to do business in Florida for five years before you submit your MMTC application. You must have a valid nursery certificate of registration from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Do you have to have a medical director to supervise MMTC?
All owners, officers, board members, and managers must pass a level two background screening . You must hire a medical director to supervise your MMTC.
Is Florida accepting MMTC applications?
The Florida Department of Health is not accepting new MMTC applications at the moment. However, you can still start collecting all of the materials necessary to fill out your application now. The health department’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) website has links to the proposed new MMTC application and scorecard for you to reference.
Opening a Dispensary in Florida
Let’s start from the beginning. Florida’s Amendment 2 was signed into law on June 16, 2014, by Governor Rick Scott, which allowed eligible patients to use low-THC products prescribed by a doctor. Over the years, the law has expanded to allow a wider range of patients access to higher-THC products to provide relief.
Cannabis Dispensary Restrictions
Florida’s medical cannabis dispensary may be a lucrative and fulfilling endeavor, but it doesn’t come without certain business obstacles. For one, not all local governments allow commercial cannabis operations. Check your local laws to ensure you’re compliant.
Completing the Application to Open a Cannabis Dispensary in Florida
Confirm the state’s Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use is accepting applications on its website. Currently, applications are not being accepted. Generally, to complete your application you must include information for your cultivation operation including:
Florida Dispensary Fees
Generally, the non-refundable application fees for a marijuana business license in Florida cost $60,830 in total, considerably higher than in most other states.
Florida Cannabis College
Enroll in CTU’s online cannabis training program to get step-by-step directions on how to open a medical marijuana dispensary in Florida. Our training program offers budding entrepreneurs all the information they need to propel their business to success. Enroll here.
Who Qualifies for Medical Marijuana in Florida?
In order to be treated by our specialist physicians, a patient must be: • 21+ years of age • Permanent Florida resident OR seasonal Florida resident • Diagnosed with a qualifying condition or a comparable chronic condition
Medical Marijuana Treatment Clinics Near Me
Medical Marijuana Treatment Clinics of Florida has convenient locations throughout the state. Find a location near you!
MMTC PATIENT TESTIMONIALS
Since beginning Medical Marijuana my life has improved so very much! It has lessened my pain and my anxiety/panic attacks have virtually disappeared! Also, it used to take me 2-3 hours at night to fall asleep because my mind would just be on overload...
Accountability
- The application process to get a MMTC values 200 points on accountability for dispensing and on cultivating premises. Having strong internal record keeping is critical to show to the State for licensing. You can’t manage what you can’t measure. Illustrating superior accountability standar…
Infrastructure
- 250 points are set aside for Infrastructure for processes in cultivation, processing, and dispensing, along with facility infrastructure. Similar to the high accountability and technical ability standards, the state is favoring strong, established grown up companies to hold these licenses.
Financials and Costs
- Though it accounts for 200 points it’s likely the most important piece. Not only will the OMMU analyze the financial strength of the applicant, but the financials need to be certified which adds costs to an already expensive process. An applicant has to pay a non-refundable $60,830 fee!This alone eliminates much of the competition for existing license holders.
Performance Bond
- If an applicant is willing to spend that kind of money just to apply, the company has big plans in the Florida MMTC marketplace. One other major hurdle to consider before paying the application fee is the license applicant’s ability to furnish the state required $5 million performance bond.The bond is required to guaranty compliance with the laws of carrying a MMTC license. Unlike insura…