The wait is over, and the marijuana industry’s landscape in Florida is poised to shift as the state awards 22 new licenses for Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs). Announced nearly 19 months after applications closed, this marks a significant milestone in Florida’s highly regulated medical cannabis market. At the same time, challenges from disqualified applicants and the recent failure of Amendment 3 to legalize recreational marijuana keep the waters far from calm.
Florida Moves Forward with Medical Marijuana Licenses
Florida’s Department of Health released “letters of intent” last week to approve 22 MMTC licenses just weeks after the 2024 general election. These approvals come after months of delay, raising questions and sparking reactions across the state.
More than 74 organizations initially submitted applications for a license back in April 2023, each paying a steep application fee of $143,000. The state, in turn, paid $1.79 million to consulting firm KPMG to score these applications on factors such as financial stability, operational capacity, and plans for ensuring the production of high-quality cannabis.
Of the submissions, 22 companies emerged successful:
- A Good Decision, LLC
- Alamanda Farms, LLC
- East Coast Packers, LLC
- FG Operating Florida, LLC
- Florida Sports Consultants, Inc. d/b/a Belushi’s Farm Florid
- Gates Housing Group, LLC
- Global Investment Group, Inc. d/b/a Infinite Wellness
- Green Point Research, LLC
- Healing Greene FL, LLC
- KCOF, LLC d/b/a KLUTCH Cannabis
- King Palms, Inc.
- O’Donnell Landscapes, Inc.
- Pioneer Growers of Florida, Inc.
- Pure Beauty Farms, Inc.
- RAAB, LLC d/b/a Canna Direct
- Star Buds Florida, LLC
- Statewide Property Holdings FL, LLC
- STIIIZY Florida, LLC
- Sunfest Herbs, LLC
- The Flower Shop FL, LLC
- Theory Wellness of Florida, LLC
- Wachovia Holdings, LLC d/b/a Greenlight
Although Florida’s Department of Health has issued intent letters, these do not signify immediate licensure. Rejected applicants have 21 days (following the November 26 deadline) to file appeals. Experts in the legal field anticipate drawn-out litigation, potentially lasting six months to a year or more.
“Pretty much anybody who received a denial of license letter is going to appeal,” said attorney Paula Savchenko, who consulted on Belushi’s Farm Florida application. “The licensing process will likely stall until litigation resolves, prolonging final approvals.”
Why 22 Licenses Matter in the Medical Marijuana Market
Florida’s medical marijuana program has rapidly grown since its official establishment in 2017. Today, the program services more than 880,000 registered patients, making Florida one of the largest medical cannabis markets in the U.S. Increasing the number of licenses is necessary to meet patient demand and achieve cost-effective accessibility.
These 22 new licenses are the first awarded since implementing a rule requiring expansions based on the number of eligible patients.
Prior to this expansion, Florida had only 25 licensed MMTC operators who collectively ran over 690 dispensaries statewide. The addition of 22 licenses is a game-changer, nearly doubling the number of companies permitted to cultivate, process, and sell medical marijuana.
The timing of this announcement is impossible to ignore. The “letters of intent to approve” arrived three weeks after Florida voters rejected Amendment 3, a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana. While the measure did garner 56% voter approval, it fell short of the 60% threshold required for a constitutional amendment to pass.
Some industry insiders argue that delays in awarding these licenses were deliberately aligned with the election. Had Amendment 3 succeeded, the cannabis market in Florida would have changed drastically, with all existing MMTC licensees positioned to enter the lucrative recreational market.
Governor Ron DeSantis, a vocal critic of Amendment 3, publicly opposed Trulieve, Florida’s largest cannabis operator and a chief sponsor of the measure. Despite the amendment’s failure, Trulieve welcomed the expansion of medical licenses.
“We are pleased the licenses are finally issued, bringing the number of licensees to 47,” Trulieve stated. “We look forward to working with the governor and legislature to expand access to safe, lab-tested cannabis for Floridians.”
One notable aspect of this licensing round? The broader range of operators entering Florida’s dominant cannabis landscape. While established players like Trulieve remain massive, this expansion introduces smaller companies poised to bring innovation and differentiation to the market.
What This Means for Floridians
For patients, this expansion signals increased access to medical marijuana products. With potentially more competition, consumers may benefit from reduced costs, wider product availability, and improved service quality across dispensaries.
However, prolonged appeals create uncertainty. The sooner litigation is resolved, the faster patients—and the broader Florida cannabis industry—can reap the benefits of these new licenses.
The expansion of Florida’s MMTC licenses marks a pivotal moment for the state’s cannabis industry. While hurdles remain in the form of possible appeals and uncertainties about recreational legalization, one thing is clear—the medical marijuana market is growing, and patient access continues to improve.
The challenges can’t be ignored, but neither can the opportunities. For businesses and consumers alike, staying informed and engaged in Florida’s evolving cannabis market is crucial.
