Can Restaurants Legally Use Cannabis in Food in Florida?

While cannabis-infused dining is gaining popularity in states like California and Colorado, Florida’s laws are much stricter when it comes to cannabis in food. In Florida, medical cannabis is legal, but it’s regulated tightly. As of now, restaurants cannot legally serve cannabis-infused food to the general public, even if it’s for medicinal purposes. THC-infused meals cannot be offered in any restaurant setting, and cannabis is not allowed to be added to dishes by chefs in licensed restaurants.

However, CBD-infused foods are a different story. Since hemp-derived CBD is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, many restaurants in Florida do offer dishes or beverages that contain CBD. These products are non-psychoactive and do not require customers to present a medical cannabis card.

CBD-Infused Restaurants in Florida

While you won’t find THC-infused fine dining just yet, there are a few spots in Florida that offer CBD-infused drinks and edibles, giving patrons a taste of what cannabis cuisine could be.

  1. Dixie Dharma (Orlando)
    This plant-based restaurant occasionally features CBD-infused desserts and beverages, allowing customers to enjoy a relaxing dose of CBD with their meal. It’s a hit with the health-conscious crowd looking to unwind.
  2. The Sacred Space Miami (Miami)
    This wellness and lifestyle center offers a variety of plant-based meals and holds CBD-infused dining events and workshops. It’s a popular spot for those interested in holistic health and wellness in the Miami area.
  3. CBD American Shaman (Multiple Locations)
    CBD American Shaman offers CBD-infused edibles, including gummies and beverages, which can be found in stores and served in some café settings across Florida. While this isn’t full-fledged dining, it gives a glimpse into what future cannabis-infused cuisine could look like.

What About THC-Infused Food?

To consume THC-infused products in Florida, you must have a medical marijuana card, and even then, you are limited to buying cannabis products from licensed dispensaries. Florida law prohibits the sale or serving of THC-infused food or beverages in restaurants or cafes. Therefore, even with a medical card, you cannot legally consume THC-infused meals at a restaurant.

The Future of Cannabis Dining in Florida

While THC-infused cuisine isn’t legal in Florida yet, the growing popularity of cannabis in food suggests that it might not be long before lawmakers begin considering regulations that could allow restaurants to offer medicinal cannabis meals to cardholders. Until then, CBD-infused dishes will remain the closest legal option for Floridians seeking cannabis in their dining experiences.

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