Florida’s medical marijuana program got its most significant update in years in 2026. A new law that took effect on July 1, 2026 changed how the state defines low THC cannabis, how often physicians repeat their required course and how the Office of Medical Marijuana Use writes rules. At the same time, home grow bills died, and a federal order changed how state licensed medical marijuana is classified. Here is what changed, what did not and what it means for patients as of late October 2026. This is a summary of law and policy, not legal or medical advice.

Change 1. A new low THC definition

Florida law has two tiers: medical marijuana and low THC cannabis. Low THC products are tied to specific limits on THC and CBD content. Under the old law the low THC category was narrow in form. The 2026 law broadened it to cover all routes of administration except edibles, while setting a minimum CBD content measured in the final product rather than only in the plant.

Why it matters: low THC orders have different rules for some patients and products. If you use low THC products, ask your physician whether your order needs to be updated, and expect product labels to change as treatment centers adjust.

Change 2. Physician course renewal

Physicians who certify patients in Florida must complete a state approved course. Before 2026 the course had to be repeated on a fixed cycle tied to license renewal. The new law requires the course to be renewed every two years, regardless of when the physician’s license renews. Patients do not need to do anything, but it may make it a little easier for physicians to stay qualified, which can help access.

Change 3. Rulemaking

The Office of Medical Marijuana Use had relied for years on emergency rulemaking authority granted in 2017. The 2026 law repealed that authority and directed the office to adopt nonemergency rules on a set timeline in July 2026. Nonemergency rules go through public notice and comment, which gives patients and businesses a chance to weigh in. Rule adoption can lag, so some details may still be settling.

What did not change

Topic	Status as of late Oct 2026
Home growing	Still illegal. SB 776 died in committee on March 13
Adult use	Still illegal after Amendment 3 failed in 2024
Smokable flower for patients	Still allowed under the 2019 law
Where patients buy	Licensed treatment centers only
State ID card fee	Unchanged, check OMMU for the current amount

We explain the home grow situation in detail in our Florida home grow post.

The federal order

On April 28, 2026 the Justice Department issued an order placing FDA approved cannabis products and state licensed medical marijuana in Schedule III. All other marijuana remains in Schedule I. A DEA hearing on broader rescheduling is paused, with briefing set to close in November 2026.

For Florida patients, the practical effect so far is limited. Treatment center products fall within the state licensed category. Possession is still regulated by Florida law, carrying products across state lines is still illegal and federal rules on firearms purchases and some federal jobs have not been fully clarified. Watch for guidance before assuming anything has changed for you. Our guide to workplace drug testing and cannabis legalization covers how employers are reacting.

What patients should do now

• Check your physician order. If you use low THC products, confirm your order matches the new definition.
• Read product labels. Treatment centers may relabel or reformulate products under the new rules.
• Keep your ID card current. Renewal rules did not change, and a lapsed card means no access.
• Comment on rules. OMMU posts proposed rules and comment windows on its site.
• Do not grow. The 2026 law did not create any home grow right.

For physicians

The biennial course change reduces paperwork for many certifying physicians. Physicians should also review the low THC definition before writing new orders and watch for the nonemergency rules, which may change documentation requirements.

For treatment centers

Treatment centers face relabeling and possibly reformulation of some low THC products, plus new testing rules for the final product CBD threshold. Those are business changes that patients will see as new product names or labels at the counter.

A quick timeline

• 2016. Voters pass Amendment 2, creating the medical program.
• 2017. Lawmakers write the program into statute and give OMMU emergency rulemaking power.
• 2019. Smokable flower becomes legal for patients.
• 2024. Amendment 3 for adult use fails with about 56 percent of the vote.
• April 2026. Federal order places state licensed medical marijuana in Schedule III.
• July 1, 2026. New Florida law takes effect with the changes covered above.

What to expect in 2027

The 2027 legislative session starts in March. Patient advocates are expected to try home grow again, and adult use supporters are working on a new ballot effort for a future election. Nothing is on the November 2026 ballot in Florida for cannabis. The federal hearing outcome could also shape what comes next.

Keep learning

For background on how medical programs work across states, see our complete guide to medical marijuana. To see how Florida compares with states that have legalized adult use, read our roundup of the most recent states to legalize recreational marijuana. Our Florida seeds page explains that seeds are sold there as souvenirs because cultivation is not legal.

Grow legally and responsibly

Home cultivation is only legal in some states, and each state sets its own plant limits, locking rules and rules about whether plants can be visible from a public place. You must be 21 or older to buy seeds from Kind Seed Co, and you should grow only where your state and city allow it. Check your state rules in our guide to the legal requirements for growing weed plants in your state before you plant. Federal treatment of cannabis seeds is also changing, so read our December 11 2026 seed rule explainer before you order. Keep plants and harvested flower locked away from children, pets and visitors, and never drive after using cannabis. This article is general information. It is not legal advice and it is not medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

What changed in Florida medical marijuana law in 2026?

A law effective July 1, 2026 broadened the low THC definition, moved physician course renewal to every two years and ended emergency rulemaking for the Office of Medical Marijuana Use.

Can Florida patients grow at home after the 2026 changes?

No. The 2026 law did not create home grow, and SB 776 died in the Senate Health Policy Committee on March 13, 2026.

Does the federal Schedule III order legalize marijuana in Florida?

No. It reclassified state licensed medical marijuana at the federal level. Florida law still controls possession and sales, and adult use is still illegal.

Do Florida patients need to do anything after July 2026?

Most patients do not. Patients using low THC products should check with their physician that their order matches the new definition.

Final thoughts

Florida’s 2026 changes are mostly behind the scenes: a new low THC definition, easier physician course renewal and normal rulemaking for OMMU. Patients should check low THC orders and labels, keep their cards current and remember that home grow and adult use are still not legal.

Ready to start

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