Stoned in Sunny St. Pete's Florida!
Share
Oh the weather outside is frightful… I know its’ only January but I’m already done with this winter and have a bad case of the travel bug, 2026 savings resolutions be damned. Who’s with me? So where does an American go to thaw out under palm trees without breaking the bank? Florida? Arizona? Texas? But wait – can I enjoy my little THC trees while enjoying palm trees? Yes, yes, and yes! Let’s start with Florida, specifically St. Petersburg, aptly nicknamed “The Sunshine City!”
Medical cannabis: Florida is one of 40 US states with legalized medicinal cannabis (as of January 2026). Qualifying for a medical card in Florida is fairly easy (be over 18 years old, have $75 for the application, have a qualifying medical condition which is fairly broadly defined) but the difficult part for vacationers is the residency requirement. You must either be a permanent or seasonal Florida state resident; seasonal meaning you live in Florida for more than 31 consecutive days but less than 183 days out of the year. If you’re in that snowbird club, great (wanna adopt a 30-something?! I’m a great cook…) but if not, let’s move on to how the rest of us get high in the sunshine state.
Recreational cannabis:
· Effective decriminalization: Recreational cannabis is not yet legal in Florida as of January 2026, although it is on the ballot again this year! Florida has also not passed measures to completely decriminalize recreational cannabis, but its making strides in the right direction. Since medical legalization in 2016, several major counties have reduced personal possession under 20 grams to a civil penalty rather than criminal, and a first offense is typically a monetary fine. Further, popular police sentiment is that personal possession and use are not worth their effort to prosecute. Basically, they’ll only exercise the ability to cite you for use if they need to address other offenses (public intoxication, fighting, etc.) so just don’t be excessive or flashy about your use.
· Legal under federal legalization: Since the 2018 Hemp Act, hemp-derived products with <0.3% THC by dry weight have been federally legal and thus legal in states that don’t yet have legal recreational cannabis. It’s under this legal nuance you’ll find products with labels of “Delta 9” and “HHC” being sold recreationally in St. Pete’s. If you’ve been burned in previous years by legal Delta 8 products (often heavily synthesized and not recommended by me), you might be a little weary to try these, especially on vacation, when you don’t want to waste a moment of your trip and you’re so many miles from your own bed. Let me guide you…
My St. Pete’s Recommendations:
- The Hemp Spot! (Dispensary / Lounge): I was so impressed by this cute shop/café. Immediately inside the door, you’re welcomed with several laminated signs explaining cannabis terminology (Marijuana vs. Hemp, Delta 8 vs. Delta 9 and HHC). This is crucial for the 420-jetsetter, since different jurisdictions not only vary in what products are legal, but also how they are required to be labeled, creating a lot of confusion for consumers crossing state or country lines. Not to fret – the owners and staff at the Hemp Spot know their weed and are there to help you have the best time. They offer a wide range of products from low-dosed CBD forward options to full spectrum hemp-derived cannabis that will have you orbiting planets. Their offerings include a wide variety of form factors (loose flower, prerolls, vapes, oils/waxes, edibles and drinkables). And since openly consuming your smokables in public is not yet completely kosher, the Hemp Spot includes a cute little dab bar as well as a lounge area. Tell them @PuffPuffPassports sent you for 10% off your next purchase (Follow @puffpuffpassports and @thehempspotflorida, LIKE THIS POST and show it at check out). They have locations in St. Pete Beach and Tampa, too!
- Hotwax Smoke Shop (Headshop): This spot reminded me of an old school headshop, focused more on glass pipes and other smoking accessories but did have a small selection of legal hemp-derived products including edibles, prerolls and vapes. This store is not as informative, so you need to know what labels to look for (hemp-derived Delta 9) to get a quality high, but it’s also fun to shop their accessories and 420-themed gifts.
- The Lure (Sushi and Cocktail Bar): At some point during your vacation, you’ll need to eat, and nothing screams “We’re literally right by the water!” than sushi. They have a lively indoor bar scene and a cute sidewalk outdoor bistro dining area, but best yet – they serve a cannabis seltzer that you can enjoy right along with your boozing travel buddies so you no longer have to be segregated based on your substance choice. As of January 2026, they’re serving COOL OUT, a 0 calorie, 0 carb refreshing seltzer with 5mg THC (D9) per can which provides a relaxed body high similar to a mild indica. THC Drinks & Delta-9 THC Seltzer | Cool Out Cannabis Beverages
- Ferg’s (Massive Sports Bar): Not a sports bar, but THE sports bar, Ferg’s is ideal for playoffs and conference championships with seemingly endless screens, indoor/outdoor seating and tons of fan energy. Of course any good sports bar has an ample beer selection, but I was happy to see something for us stoners, too! Ferg’s carries several flavors of DRIP, a 0 calorie, 0 carb flavored seltzer with 10mg THC (D9) per can, great for the vacationer who wants to party as hard as their team played (or fall asleep immediately after the game lol). Fair warning – the Tropical Passionfruit flavor has 56mg of caffeine. DRIP Beverages
I don’t know about you, but I can already feel the sunrays on my face and the soft sand under my toes…
References:
History of the Legalization of Medical Marijuana in Florida
Marijuana Policy Project - Florida