Weed in Tampa: What You Need to Know

Tampa, Florida, is part of a state that has a growing medical marijuana program but still bans recreational use. While Florida has made strides in expanding access to medical cannabis, full legalization remains a work in progress. However, Tampa has taken some steps to reduce penalties for small amounts of marijuana.

If you live in or are visiting Tampa, here’s what you should know about weed laws in the city.

Is Weed Legal in Tampa?

Recreational Marijuana – Illegal but Decriminalized

Florida does not allow recreational marijuana, and being caught with weed can still lead to criminal charges. However, in 2016, Tampa passed an ordinance to decriminalize possession of small amounts.

Possession of up to 20 grams (about ¾ of an ounce) can result in a civil citation instead of an arrest.
Fines start at $75 for a first offense and go up to $450 for repeat offenses.
This ordinance only applies within Tampa city limits—outside the city, Florida state law still applies.

Despite decriminalization, public smoking and selling marijuana remain illegal, and police have discretion in how they handle possession cases.

Medical Marijuana – Legal in Florida

Florida legalized medical marijuana in 2016, and Tampa residents with a qualifying condition can legally purchase and use cannabis.

Patients must get a medical marijuana card through a licensed doctor.
Medical cannabis is available only at licensed dispensaries.
Approved forms include flower, oils, tinctures, capsules, and edibles.
Smoking marijuana is allowed for medical users, but public use is still banned.

Popular dispensaries in Tampa include:

Trulieve
MÜV
Sunnyside
Curaleaf

To qualify, patients must have a condition such as chronic pain, PTSD, cancer, or epilepsy.

Can You Smoke Weed in Public in Tampa?

No. Even if you have a medical marijuana card, public consumption is illegal.

Smoking in public spaces or in a car can lead to fines or legal trouble.
Most hotels, parks, and rental properties ban cannabis use.

Medical users should only consume cannabis in private areas where it is allowed.

What About Delta-8 THC?

Because recreational marijuana is illegal, many Tampa residents turn to hemp-derived products like Delta-8 THC, which are legal under federal law.

Delta-8 is available in Tampa at CBD shops, gas stations, and online.
It produces a milder high than regular THC but still has psychoactive effects.
Florida lawmakers have considered banning Delta-8, so its status could change in the future.

The Future of Cannabis in Tampa

There’s growing support for recreational marijuana legalization in Florida. Recent efforts include:

A ballot initiative that could allow voters to decide on legalization in 2024.
Increasing pressure on lawmakers to expand the state’s medical marijuana program.

If recreational marijuana is legalized, Tampa could see dispensaries selling weed to adults 21 and over, similar to states like California and Colorado.

Final Thoughts

Tampa has decriminalized small amounts of marijuana and offers legal medical cannabis, but full legalization hasn’t arrived yet. Until Florida changes its laws, residents should stay informed, follow regulations, and be cautious about public use.

weed in Tampa