In Jacksonville—as in the rest of Florida—adult-use (recreational) marijuana remains illegal, so “legal consumption” largely means lawful medical use by qualified patients who hold an active Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry ID card and follow state rules.

Where consumption is allowed

Florida’s medical marijuana framework generally pushes consumption into private settings. State guidance explains that “medical use” is permitted for qualified patients, but only when it stays within the boundaries of the medical program (physician certification, lawful products, and compliant use).

Practically, that means the safest, clearest place to consume in Jacksonville is a private residence or other private property where the owner allows it—while staying mindful of leases, HOA rules, and smoke/vape policies.

Where consumption is prohibited under Florida medical marijuana rules

Florida’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) lists several “no-go” areas. Specifically, medical use does not include:

• Use in any public place or on public transportation (with a narrow exception for low-THC cannabis not intended for smoking).
• Use in a patient’s place of employment, unless the employer permits it.
• Use on school grounds (K-12), except for limited circumstances defined in state law.
• Smoking marijuana in an enclosed indoor workplace (aligning with Florida’s smoke-free workplace approach).

So, for Jacksonville residents and visitors, public consumption—smoking, vaping, or otherwise using THC marijuana—creates legal risk even for registered patients.

Vehicles and boating: impairment rules still apply

Florida also warns that a person is prohibited from operating a vehicle, aircraft, train, or boat while under the influence of medical marijuana.
For Jacksonville—where driving, rideshares, and boating on the St. Johns River are common—this is a major compliance point: “I’m a patient” is not a shield against DUI/BUI enforcement.

Product handling and “stay legal” basics that affect consumption

OMMU guidance also emphasizes compliance rules that tie directly to consumption situations:

• Products should remain in original packaging as dispensed.
• Patients/caregivers must be able to show a valid registry ID card when lawfully possessing products.
• Florida does not allow reciprocity with other states’ medical cards, and bringing marijuana across state lines into Florida can trigger criminal exposure.

Local restrictions near Jacksonville’s beaches

While Jacksonville’s core rules come from state law, nearby beach municipalities may add smoking/vaping restrictions on public property. For example, Jacksonville Beach enacted an ordinance effective May 5, 2025 banning smoking and vaping on the beach.
Even when these ordinances are written for tobacco/vaping, they can still create practical enforcement risk for anyone attempting to smoke or vape cannabis in those public areas.

A final enforcement reality: possession is still criminal outside the medical system

Outside Florida’s medical program, simple cannabis possession (including situations that stem from public consumption) can still be charged under state law—for example, possession of 20 grams or less remains a first-degree misdemeanor under Florida law.