When the state of Florida voted to allow the use of medical Marijuana, state lawmakers gave municipalities and counties only 2 options for dealing with marijuana dispensaries: treat ’em like pharmacies or ban ’em outright. This implies that cannabis dispensaries can be located in areas zoned for pharmacies if local authorities amend their laws to allow them. Unfortunately, the Collier County Commission is yet to get the 4 out of 5 votes to change its land-use policies.  Even worse, state law doesn’t give provisions to local authorities to impose impartial or additional regulations regarding marijuana establishments. In this case, it is either all or nothing and this is evident in Naples and Estero where marijuana dispensaries and treatment facilities are banned. 

However, all is not lost for Naples residents since dispensaries are not the only way to obtain marijuana. Patients can obtain marijuana legally by: 

• Placing an order from outside the jurisdiction having it delivered right to their doorstep door.  
• Driving to the nearby Lee County and purchase their doses since laws there are much more flexible. Some of the closest and licensed marijuana dispensaries in the area include Curaleaf and in Fort Myers and Trulieve located North of Fort Myers.  

Lee counter authorities are also yet to embrace marijuana dispensaries and there are no signs that is going to happen sooner or later. However, Betsy Clayton, the county spokeswoman stated that the position of the county is to treat marijuana dispensaries as pharmacies without restricting their location as long as they follow current zoning laws.  

Restrictions of delivery in Naples  

Though deliveries are legal in Naples city, dispensaries and patients have to adhere to a set of laws as outlined below:  

• Deliveries can only be made to registered patients: According to the Medical marijuana laws in Florida, only patients who have registered in the marijuana use registry can make an order. For a delivery to be considered legal, make sure that you have your medical card with you.  
• Only participating dispensaries can make deliveries: Any dispensary that dispenses medical marijuana is required to register with the Florida department of tax. Getting deliveries from non-participating dispensaries can attract a fine or jail sentence even if you have a card.  
• Deliveries can only be made to persons over 21 years old: Unless through a special prescription, people below 21 are not allowed to smoke or use cannabis products in Naples. 
• Delivery or sale in certain areas is a felony: Selling or delivering marijuana within a thousand feet of a park, school, college or any other specified area is liable to a fine $10000 or a maximum sentence of 15 years. The delivery or sale of 25lbs. or less is a felony attracting a 5-year jail sentence or a maximum fine of $5000. Even so, delivering 20g or less is considered a misdemeanor and is punishable with a 1year jail sentence or a $1000 fine.  

• Patients can receive a maximum of 2.5 ounces of whole flower marijuana every thirty-five days as prescribed by a doctor.  

Bottom line 

If you are a Naples resident with a Florida Medical Card, you can still get deliveries by making orders online or over the phone. Depending on where you make an order, the delivery costs will vary. Prices for marijuana products will also vary depending on the brand, and the type you need.