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Tenant Rights: Medical Marijuana in Florida Apartments

Kenneth Bancale

Posted by Kenneth Bancale on 11/07/2024 in Florida

florida rental law, mmj law, marijuana doctors

Medical marijuana has provided relief for many Floridians dealing with chronic health conditions, but if you rent an apartment, you may face some challenges when it comes to using your medicine at home. Even though medical marijuana is legal in Florida, landlords may still have restrictions due to conflicting federal laws.

Understanding your tenant rights as a medical marijuana patient in Florida is essential to ensure you don’t run into legal or housing issues.

Important Florida Medical Marijuana Rules

While Florida allows medical marijuana use for qualifying patients, it’s important to be aware of the specific regulations. First, all patients must have a valid medical marijuana card issued by the state. Second, only state-licensed dispensaries can sell cannabis products. However, medical marijuana cannot be used publicly or smoked in places where smoking is prohibited.

Florida’s medical marijuana law does not override federal law, which classifies cannabis as a Schedule I substance. This federal classification creates legal challenges, especially in federally subsidized housing where marijuana use is strictly forbidden.

Can I Smoke Medical Cannabis in My Apartment in Florida?

Unfortunately for Florida residents, smoking cannabis in a rental property is not always allowed. Many landlords enforce no-smoking policies, particularly those managing multi-family properties like apartment buildings. These policies often apply to tobacco and extend to cannabis smoking and vaping. This primarily protects other tenants from secondhand smoke and potential fire hazards.

Patients can still use alternative methods, such as edibles or tinctures, which don’t pose the same risks. It’s important to carefully review your lease agreement to see what forms of cannabis consumption are allowed and consult your landlord if you have questions about medical marijuana use in your apartment.

Can a Landlord Evict a Tenant for Medical Marijuana Use? 

Even though medical marijuana is legal in Florida, smoking it in a rental property is not always allowed. Many landlords enforce no-smoking policies, particularly those managing multi-family properties like apartment buildings. These policies often apply to tobacco and extend to cannabis smoking and vaping. This primarily protects other tenants from secondhand smoke and potential fire hazards.

Patients can still use alternative methods, such as edibles or tinctures, which don’t pose the same risks. It’s important to carefully review your lease agreement to see what forms of cannabis consumption are allowed and consult your landlord if you have questions about medical marijuana use in your apartment.

Marijuana Use in Rental Property

The use of medical marijuana in rental properties is a legal gray area. While Florida law permits medical marijuana, landlords often enforce strict policies against drug use or smoking on their properties. Additionally, concerns about property damage, odor, or health risks from secondhand smoke often influence landlords’ decisions.

Fortunately, there are options that don’t necessarily include smoking. If you live in a rental property with no-smoking policies, consider using tinctures, edibles, or vaporizers that reduce exposure to smoke and odor. Consuming cannabis in non-smoking forms helps you avoid violating any rental property rules about smoking and negate potential conflicts with your landlord.

Final Thoughts

Navigating your tenant rights can be tricky due to conflicting state and federal laws. Whether you’re concerned about smoking in your apartment or facing a potential eviction, understanding what’s allowed and what isn’t is crucial.

Consulting with experts like the ones at Marijuana Doctors can help guide you on obtaining your medical card and exploring legal options for using cannabis responsibly in your rental property. Always review your lease and communicate openly with your landlord to avoid unnecessary complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you smoke anywhere with a medical card in Florida?

No, Florida law does not permit medical marijuana patients to smoke in public places or anywhere smoking is generally prohibited, including many rental properties. Always check your lease agreement and communicate with your landlord.

What are the restrictions for medical marijuana in Florida?

Florida restricts the use of medical marijuana to private properties, and it cannot be used in public areas or on federal property. Patients must also have a valid medical marijuana card and purchase from state-licensed dispensaries.

What is the new smoking law in Florida?

Florida’s medical marijuana law now allows smoking as a method of consumption, but it must still comply with public smoking bans and rental property policies that may restrict it.

What is the medical marijuana exception in Florida?

The medical marijuana exception allows qualified patients to use marijuana for medical purposes under state law legally, but this does not protect federal restrictions or private property rules.

Can I be denied a job if I have a medical marijuana card in Florida?

Yes, employers in Florida can still enforce drug-free workplace policies and may deny employment or take action against employees who test positive for marijuana, even with a valid medical marijuana card.

Learn more about the Florida Medical Marijuana Program.

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