As of early 2025, patients in South Beach and throughout Florida who are legally registered with the state’s medical marijuana program are still prohibited from growing their own cannabis at home. Current Florida law requires all medical marijuana to be purchased exclusively from licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs). Any unauthorized cultivation—even for personal, medical use—is classified as a third-degree felony, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

But a proposed bill could change that.

Senate Bill 546, introduced earlier this year by Republican Senator Joe Gruters, is reigniting the conversation around home cultivation for medical marijuana patients. The bill seeks to amend current statutes to allow qualified individuals to grow up to two cannabis plants at their private residence. The goal: to provide greater autonomy, affordability, and access to Florida’s more than 800,000 registered medical marijuana patients.

According to the bill, the plants must be cultivated in a secure, enclosed location that is not visible to the public. Patients would also need to obtain a “cultivation certificate” issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The measure is designed to ensure that home grows meet safety and privacy standards, while also offering relief from the state’s tightly regulated dispensary system.

For South Beach residents who rely on medical cannabis to manage chronic pain, anxiety, or conditions like multiple sclerosis or cancer, the potential benefits are significant. Home cultivation could reduce the monthly financial burden of repeated dispensary visits, which can add up quickly—especially for patients using high-dose regimens or full-spectrum products.

Additionally, allowing patients to grow their own medicine could foster more personalized care. Unlike mass-produced dispensary cannabis, homegrown marijuana can be tailored to specific strains and terpene profiles that work best for the individual. Patients would have greater control over what goes into their bodies—whether that’s choosing to grow organically, avoiding synthetic pesticides, or experimenting with cannabinoids like CBG and THCV.

Local advocates in Miami-Dade have voiced support for the measure, pointing to similar legislation passed in states like New York, New Mexico, and Arizona, where home cultivation for medical use is already permitted. They argue that cannabis patients should be treated no differently than patients who grow herbs or vegetables as part of their dietary or wellness routine.

Critics of the bill argue that two plants may not be sufficient for some patients’ needs, and that the regulatory framework for home grow must be clear to prevent legal gray areas or misuse. Still, many agree that it’s a step toward a more compassionate and flexible cannabis policy in Florida.

As the bill moves through legislative channels, South Beach residents are watching closely. If passed, the change could represent a major shift in how Florida treats cannabis patients—not just as consumers, but as active participants in their own health and wellness.

For now, medical cannabis must still be purchased through licensed dispensaries. But with momentum growing in the state capitol, patients in Miami may one day be able to treat themselves—literally—from the comfort of their own home garden.