Curious about the growing number of medical marijuana dispensaries in Northeast Florida? If you live in or around Clay and Duval counties, the surge in dispensary openings is hard to ignore and worth understanding. Whether you’re a patient seeking relief or a resident trying to keep up with local developments, this article explores why dispensaries are proliferating in the region and what that means for public health, community growth, and local access.

What’s Driving the Boom in Dispensaries?

Rising Patient Demand

Florida’s medical marijuana program has seen rapid growth, with over 923,000 active patients registered as of 2025. This expansion reflects increased public acceptance of cannabis as a valid treatment for various medical conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, epilepsy, and more. As more residents receive their medical marijuana cards, the need for accessible and reliable dispensaries becomes essential. Patients prefer dispensaries that are close to home, offer consistent product availability, and provide knowledgeable guidance on usage.

State Regulations Favoring Expansion

Florida’s unique regulatory structure allows only licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs) to grow, process, and dispense cannabis. These MMTCs are authorized to operate multiple dispensary locations throughout the state, provided they meet state and local zoning laws. This centralized but scalable model has incentivized companies to expand rapidly across Florida to serve growing patient demand. As a result, Clay and Duval counties have become strategic expansion points, particularly with their growing suburban populations and relatively welcoming zoning policies.

Local Population Growth

Northeast Florida continues to be one of the fastest-growing regions in the state. Duval County, which includes Jacksonville, has seen steady urban expansion, while Clay County is drawing new residents seeking suburban lifestyles. As population density increases, so does the need for convenient healthcare services, including medical cannabis. Dispensaries are being strategically placed to meet this demand, especially in emerging residential corridors and areas near major transportation routes.

Business Opportunity and Market Competition

With multiple national and regional cannabis brands operating in Florida, competition is fierce. Companies like Trulieve, MÜV, Surterra Wellness, and Curaleaf are vying for market share. More dispensaries mean more convenience for patients, lower prices through competition, and improved service as each operator tries to differentiate their offerings. This competitive dynamic is a major reason why both Clay and Duval counties have seen significant dispensary growth over the past two years.

Proximity and Convenience

For many patients, especially those with mobility challenges or chronic conditions, proximity to a dispensary isn’t just a matter of convenience; it’s a matter of accessibility. Clay County, with its historically limited options, has begun to see more locations open in response to resident needs. The goal is to reduce the need for patients to drive long distances, improving treatment adherence and patient satisfaction.

Dispensary Counts in Clay and Duval Counties (As of October 2025)

Sources: OMMU Weekly Update, Weedmaps

These numbers reflect only licensed, active retail locations as of October 2025. Totals continue to change as new permits are approved and additional sites open.

Clay County: Steady Growth, Strategic Locations

Clay County now hosts over six medical marijuana dispensaries, with major operators like Trulieve, Curaleaf, Green Dragon, and Cookies. Most are located in Orange Park and along major commuting corridors for accessibility.

Green Cove Springs and other parts of the county have medical cannabis clinics that offer physician services for card registration, but do not house retail dispensaries.

Why this matters:

• Improved access for patients in suburban and rural areas
• Reduces the need to travel into Jacksonville for treatment
• Encourages thoughtful civic zoning and regulatory planning

“We’ve seen a significant rise in patient registrations in Clay County over the past two years,” said a representative from Trulieve. “Dispensary expansion follows demand, especially in growing communities.”

Duval County: A Regional Hub for Medical Cannabis

Duval County, including Jacksonville and surrounding neighborhoods, has over 30 active medical marijuana dispensaries. This makes it one of the most densely served counties in Florida.

Brands with multiple locations include:

• Trulieve
• MÜV
• Surterra Wellness
• Curaleaf
• Sunnyside

Duval’s large and diverse population, along with progressive municipal zoning, contributes to the robust local cannabis infrastructure.
Why this matters:

• More choices help reduce wait times and improve access to specific strains and delivery formats (tinctures, vapes, topicals, etc.)
• Stimulates local economic activity via real estate, employment, and tax revenue
• Positions Jacksonville as a regional access point for surrounding counties with fewer dispensaries

How Florida Regulates Medical Marijuana (2025 Update)

Florida’s medical marijuana program is regulated by the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) under the Department of Health. Only licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs) can cultivate, process, and dispense cannabis.

Key Facts:

• Only medical use is legal; recreational cannabis remains illegal as of 2025
• Patients must register with the state and carry a valid medical marijuana card
• Over 923,000 active patients are currently enrolled in Florida’s MMUR (Medical Marijuana Use Registry)
• Dispensaries must comply with strict zoning, testing, and labeling regulations

Holistic Benefits of Medical Marijuana

Beyond symptom relief, medical marijuana offers a range of holistic benefits that are gaining wider recognition among healthcare providers and patients alike.

Cannabis can promote overall wellness by helping patients achieve better sleep, manage chronic stress, reduce inflammation, and improve mood stability. For patients with anxiety or PTSD, cannabis may support a sense of calm and reduce hyper-reactivity to stressors. In some cases, it is used to support recovery from substance dependence by easing withdrawal symptoms.

Cannabis also shows promise in integrative care approaches for conditions like fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and certain neurological disorders. Many patients report feeling more in control of their health when they can use cannabis as part of a broader treatment plan that includes nutrition, mental health care, and physical therapy.

These holistic effects are part of why dispensaries are increasingly becoming more than retail locations, they are evolving into wellness hubs where patients receive personalized support and education.

Benefits for Local Residents

Here’s why dispensary growth matters in Clay and Duval counties:

For Patients:

• Easier access to medication without long travel
• Lower product costs due to competition
• More educational support from trained staff

For Communities:

• Job creation in retail, delivery, and healthcare support roles
• Repurposing of underused commercial properties
• Local tax and permitting revenue (where applicable)

For Public Health:

• Reduced reliance on opioid painkillers
• Safer alternatives to unregulated cannabis products
• Ongoing research into therapeutic benefits for chronic conditions

Quick Checklist: Getting Medical Marijuana in Clay or Duval

To get medical marijuana in Clay or Duval County, start by getting evaluated by a qualified physician who can determine if you meet the criteria under Florida law. Once approved, you’ll be entered into the Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry. After that, you’ll receive your medical marijuana ID card by mail, which is valid for one year. With your card and a valid ID in hand, you can then visit any licensed dispensary in the state to purchase your prescribed cannabis products.