Daytona Beach has always been a city in motion. From the roar of engines at the Daytona 500 to the steady waves welcoming surfers and sunseekers, change has never been a stranger here. But in 2024, one shift is causing mixed reactions among locals: the increasing presence of cannabis dispensaries.
With Florida’s medical cannabis program expanding and a potential vote on recreational legalization looming, Daytona Beach finds itself at the center of a statewide conversation. Some see dispensaries as a step forward—an opportunity for economic growth and improved healthcare access—while others worry about how they might reshape the city’s identity.
Dispensaries on the Rise
Over the past few years, Daytona Beach has seen a steady increase in cannabis dispensaries. Companies like Trulieve, MÜV, and Sunnyside have established locations, catering to Florida’s growing population of medical marijuana patients. What once seemed like a niche industry has now become part of daily life, with dispensaries nestled between surf shops and seafood restaurants.
For those who rely on medical cannabis, this change has been overwhelmingly positive. “In 2022, I had to drive to Orlando just to get my prescription filled,” says Jason, a local veteran who uses cannabis for chronic pain. “Now, I have multiple dispensaries within a few miles of my home. It’s made a huge difference.”
Beyond patient access, the economic benefits are also hard to ignore. The dispensaries have brought jobs, increased tax revenue, and even sparked new discussions about cannabis tourism—a concept that’s already thriving in other parts of the country.
Community Concerns and Pushback
Not everyone in Daytona Beach is on board. While medical cannabis has been legal in Florida for years, the idea of recreational use—and the potential for expanded dispensaries—has drawn criticism from some residents.
“I just don’t want Daytona to become another Miami or Los Angeles, where weed is everywhere,” says Linda, a longtime resident who worries about how the industry could affect the city’s reputation. “We have a unique vibe here, and I don’t want that to change.”
Some business owners also have mixed feelings. While dispensaries can bring foot traffic, others fear they may discourage family-friendly tourism. Daytona Beach has always been a place where spring breakers and families coexist, and some worry that too much emphasis on cannabis could tip the scales in the wrong direction.
What’s Next for Daytona Beach?
With the possibility of full legalization on the horizon, Daytona Beach is at a crossroads. Some see cannabis as a natural addition to the city’s evolving economy, while others believe its presence should remain limited to medical use.
One thing is certain: the conversation isn’t going away anytime soon. Whether Daytona Beach fully embraces cannabis or maintains a cautious approach, 2024 is shaping up to be a defining year for the city’s relationship with the industry. As dispensaries continue to grow and laws evolve, locals will have to decide—does cannabis fit into the future of Daytona Beach, or is it an unwanted shift in the city’s identity?