Florida has emerged as one of the largest cannabis-consuming states in the United States, driven by a booming medical market and a rapidly evolving policy landscape. Recent studies and industry forecasts reveal that Florida’s cannabis consumption and sales are outpacing most other states, positioning it as a national leader in the sector.
Florida’s Cannabis Market: Current Status and Growth
Florida’s medical cannabis program has seen remarkable growth, with over 878,000 registered patients as of 2024-about 4% of the state’s population. In 2023, medical cannabis sales in Florida reached $2.6 billion, an 18% increase from the previous year. The number of dispensaries has also expanded rapidly, with 628 operating as of April 2024.
Projections indicate that Florida’s total cannabis sales will reach approximately $2.5 billion in 2025, and could soar to $4.5 billion by 2028, making Florida the second-largest cannabis market in the nation, just behind California. This growth is fueled by increasing patient numbers, expanding retail access, and shifting consumer preferences.
Consumer Demographics and Usage Trends
Florida’s cannabis consumers are diverse. While the state is known for its older population, millennials make up the majority (55%) of the cannabis market. Notably, 53% of registered medical cannabis patients in Florida are women, slightly higher than the national average.
Additionally, 12% of consumers identify as “new users,” a rate 37% higher than other medical markets, with many being baby boomers or Gen Z adults just entering the market. Gummies have become especially popular in Florida, with 54% of patients reporting consumption in 2023-second only to cannabis flower, which remains the top product at 64%.
Legalization Efforts and Future Outlook
Although a 2024 ballot initiative to legalize adult-use cannabis received 55.9% support, it fell short of the 60% supermajority required for passage. However, multiple bills to expand medical access and legalize adult use are under consideration in the 2025 legislative session. If adult-use legalization passes, analysts project $874 million in sales for the segment in 2025 alone.
Florida’s cannabis spending is expected to grow at a 12% compound annual rate from 2023 to 2028, reflecting strong consumer demand and a robust market outlook.
Latest Usage Statistics
1.) 15% of Americans identify as current marijuana users, with the trend rising in Florida as well.
2.) In Florida, 17.8% of adults reported using marijuana in the past year, compared to the national average of 21.4%.
3.) Past-month use among Florida adults reached 12.7% in 2022, slightly below the national rate of 14.9%.
4.) Among youth, Florida’s past-year marijuana use is 10.4%, closely tracking the national average.
Conclusion
Florida’s cannabis market is experiencing rapid growth, both in terms of consumer numbers and sales volume. With a large and diverse consumer base, expanding product preferences, and ongoing legislative efforts, Florida is poised to remain at the forefront of cannabis consumption in America.
If adult-use legalization is achieved, the state could solidify its position as the second-largest cannabis market in the country, reflecting broader national trends toward increased acceptance and use.
Source:
[1] https://floridastatecannabis.org/medical/statistics
[2] https://floridastatecannabis.org/statistics
[3] https://www.flowhub.com/cannabis-industry-statistics
[4] https://www.statista.com/statistics/798141/florida-cannabis-sales-value-forecast/
[5] https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/departments/fast-stats/news/15686615/forecast-looks-sunny-for-floridas-potential-adult-use-cannabis-market
[6] https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/landing-in-florida-s-cannabis-market-legal-adult-use-marijuana-could-yield-874m-in-2025-1033295853
[7] https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/us-states/florida/article/15687282/outliers-in-floridas-cannabis-market
[8] https://www.mpp.org/states/florida/
[9] https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.fadaa.org/resource/resmgr/pptpdfs/powerpoint_annualreport_fina.pdf