First medical marijuana dispensary opens in Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The wait is over in Tallahassee for patients who need medical marijuana.

Florida's first marijuana dispensary opened its doors Tuesday.

Now patients suffering from seizures, epilepsy and other diseases can get some relief, without getting high.

The Trulieve dispensary opened in Tallahassee, but it can only sell to qualified patients statewide.

"We are really overwhelmed and so proud to be this pioneer," said Trulieve CEO, Kim Rivers.

Truelieve will distribute Charlotte's Web, and other low-THC and medical cannabis strains for patients suffering from cancer, epilepsy, chronic seizures and chronic muscle spasms.

The medical marijuana eases symptoms of those conditions without getting patients high.

In Central Florida, Knox Nursery of Winter Garden will provide a similar service.

Owner Bruce Knox gave Channel 9 a look inside the operation back in March.

"We are focused on high-CBD medical cannabis at this point, and helping families,” Knox said.

According to the state's website, nearly 80 physicians have completed the required eight-hour training to qualify as an ordering physician.

"A lot of doctors are worried about this, and it is understandable. It still is illegal from a federal standpoint, although the federal government has defunding any type of prosecution of physicians who operate under the legal guidance of their state laws,” said Dr. Ken Brummel-Smith, a Trulieve doctor.

The Office of Compassionate Use approved six organizations to dispense medical marijuana.

Knox Nursery said it's on track to start distributing this year.

Cox Media Group