Daytona Beach Cannabis Market Trails Larger Florida Cities Amid Industry Growth
Daytona Beach, FL – Florida’s medical cannabis industry has grown exponentially since voters approved medical marijuana in 2016, with more than 743,000 registered patients and over 460 dispensaries statewide. However, while major cities such as Orlando and Tampa have rapidly expanded their cannabis presence, Daytona Beach’s market remains relatively modest in comparison.
State Regulations and Local Market Presence
Like other Florida cities, Daytona Beach operates under the state’s stringent medical marijuana laws, which require all cannabis businesses to be licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs). These centers are responsible for cultivation, processing, and retail operations. Local regulations also mandate that dispensaries maintain a 500-foot buffer from schools and adhere to limited operating hours.
Daytona Beach is home to several dispensaries, including national brands like Trulieve, Curaleaf, and VidaCann. VidaCann’s Holly Hill location, for example, provides express pickup services for patients. Despite this presence, the city lacks the density of dispensaries found in larger metropolitan areas.
Comparing Daytona Beach to Orlando and Tampa
Industry analysts point to Daytona Beach’s smaller population and lower patient demand as primary reasons for its relatively limited cannabis market. In contrast, Orlando—home to a larger and more diverse population—has cultivated a much broader network of dispensaries, making it one of the state’s top cannabis hubs.
Tampa has also experienced significant industry expansion, driven by strong consumer demand and a growing medical cannabis patient base. Unlike Daytona Beach, these cities benefit from a combination of higher population density and a greater number of dispensary locations, allowing for increased consumer access.
Industry Concentration and Market Trends
Florida’s cannabis market is dominated by a small number of large-scale operators. As of early 2023, only 22 licensed companies control nearly 500 dispensaries statewide. Trulieve alone operates more than 120 locations, accounting for over 25% of the state’s market share. This high level of consolidation limits opportunities for smaller, independent businesses to enter the market.
Consumer trends also reflect Florida’s shifting cannabis landscape. A recent study found that about 12% of Florida’s medical cannabis patients are first-time users, a figure 37% higher than in other U.S. medical marijuana markets. While smokable flower remains the most popular product, with 64% of patients opting for it, edibles—especially gummies—have gained traction, with 54% of patients incorporating them into their treatment plans.
Future Outlook
As Florida’s medical cannabis program continues to expand, Daytona Beach’s market may see gradual growth. However, given the city’s size and the state’s stringent licensing process, Daytona is unlikely to match the pace of larger cities like Orlando and Tampa in the near future.
Industry experts suggest that statewide legalization of recreational marijuana, which remains a hot-button issue in Florida, could be a game-changer. If approved, a broader market could encourage more investment in smaller cities like Daytona Beach, potentially reshaping the region’s cannabis landscape.
For now, Daytona Beach remains a small player in Florida’s booming cannabis industry, with steady but measured growth in an increasingly competitive marketplace.