Major Events Bring High Hopes for Daytona Beach Cannabis Dispensaries
Daytona Beach, FL – With the Daytona 500 just weeks away and Bike Week following close behind, local cannabis dispensaries are preparing for what is expected to be a significant boost in sales. As hundreds of thousands of visitors pour into the region, businesses across Daytona Beach anticipate a surge in demand—including medical marijuana providers catering to both residents and out-of-state visitors with valid medical cards.
Tourism Drives Local Economy—and Dispensary Sales
Each year, the Daytona 500 brings in an estimated 100,000 attendees, while Bike Week attracts nearly 500,000 motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country. These major events generate billions in local economic activity, benefiting hotels, restaurants, retail stores, and now, Florida’s growing cannabis industry.
Sunnyside Medical Cannabis Dispensary, located directly across from Daytona International Speedway, is one of several dispensaries preparing for increased foot traffic. “We always see an uptick in customers during major events,” said a store manager at Sunnyside. “People coming into town often look for ways to unwind after long days at the track or on the road. Medical marijuana has become a part of that experience for many.”
Expected Sales Increase and Product Demand
Industry experts predict a 20-30% increase in dispensary sales during major Daytona Beach events, mirroring trends seen in other tourist-driven markets. While Florida remains a medical-only state, the demand for products such as vapes, edibles, and topicals typically spikes when large crowds arrive.
“Our most popular items during these big events tend to be fast-acting edibles and vape cartridges—things that are discreet and convenient for people staying in hotels or out on the go,” said an employee at Trulieve, another prominent Florida dispensary chain. “We’re making sure our inventory is stocked well in advance.”
Marketing and Compliance Challenges
While dispensaries are eager to capitalize on the influx of visitors, they must navigate strict advertising and regulatory guidelines. Florida law prohibits recreational cannabis sales and restricts how medical cannabis can be marketed. Dispensaries must focus their outreach on Florida residents and medical tourists who hold valid medical marijuana cards from other states that have reciprocity agreements.
“We can’t advertise the way other businesses do, so word-of-mouth and location visibility are huge,” said a representative from Curaleaf. “A lot of customers visiting for events find us just by looking up dispensaries near them once they arrive.”
A Sign of Things to Come?
With Florida voters set to decide on adult-use legalization later this year, the success of dispensaries during major events like the Daytona 500 and Bike Week could foreshadow the future potential of a fully legal cannabis market. If Florida joins the growing list of recreational states, dispensary sales could skyrocket during tourism-heavy periods, similar to trends seen in Las Vegas, Denver, and Los Angeles.
For now, Daytona Beach dispensaries are focused on serving the influx of medical cannabis patients expected to arrive over the next few weeks. “We’re ready,” said a dispensary employee. “These events bring so much energy to the city, and we’re proud to be part of that experience for visitors.”
Event Details & Dispensary Information
- Daytona 500: February 16, 2025 – Daytona International Speedway
- Bike Week: February 28th – March 9th, 2025 – Various locations across Daytona Beach
For those traveling to Daytona Beach who hold valid medical marijuana cards, dispensaries such as Sunnyside, Trulieve, and Curaleaf will be open throughout the events, ensuring access to legal cannabis products.
Read more news on cannabis in the state of Florida.