Budtender Compliance Checklist: Stay Inspection‑Ready Under Applicable Florida Medical Marijuana Regulations
Florida’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) sends inspectors to Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs) several times a year, often without warning (these are called “unannounced inspections”). A few practices can keep those visits short, stress free, (and fine‑free) while boosting patient safety and satisfaction.
1. Know Your MMTC’s SOPs and Keep Them Handy
Each MMTC must keep written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that mirror current Florida medical marijuana regulations. Make sure you can quickly produce the latest version (paper or digital) and walk an inspector through the steps for dispensing, labeling, record‑keeping, emergency management, etc. Know how to access transportation manifests and surveillance footage for inspectors’ review.
2. Protect Patient Privacy at the Point of Sale
Florida law requires MMTCs to safeguard all patient identifying information. Keep iPad or POS screens angled so only you and the patient can see the data. Lock your register when you step away, add privacy filters if the station faces the lobby, and never leave labeled pickup bags where another patient can read the name.
3. Label Products the Right Way
The patient label should be applied to the child‑resistant receptacle that actually holds the product, not on the exit bag.
Tips:
Print labels only after verifying patient data.
Affix each label before placing the receptacle into the exit bag.
Reprint any label that is torn or smudged, and do not overlap labels in a way that covers required information.
4. Verify Patient Identity With Multiple Data Points
Patients often share first and last names. To avoid accidentally dispensing to the wrong patient (which is a big source of fines - the patients call OMMU to complain!) Always check:
the state‑issued medical marijuana ID number,
the full legal name, and
the photo on the card or driver’s license.
Never rely on the name alone.
5. Keep Unapproved Advertising Out of Sight
The OMMU treats visible logos, flyers, swag, “Now Open” banners, and propped‑open doors that reveal the sales floor as unapproved advertising. Store any branded items out of view from outside of the store windows and remove signs and flyers from windows and doors unless the OMMU has approved them in writing.
6. Skip Snacks—Only Offer Water
MMTCs may not distribute or sell food or beverages other than complimentary water. That includes free mints, gum, lollipops, etc. It seems small, but MMTCs are fined for free candy dishes quite often.
7. Do Not Re‑Arrange the Floor Plan Without Prior Approval
Your facility’s floor plan—including waiting area, consultation room, and major fixtures—is part of the application on file with OMMU. Moving shelving, changing a room’s use, or storing items in the consultation room can be treated as a “deviation without approval”, an offense that carries fines up to $10,000.
Best practice:
Get written sign‑off from your corporate compliance team before moving or adding fixtures.
Keep the consultation room clear of inventory, displays, or break‑room supplies so it can always serve patients privately.
8. Maintain the Required Consultation Room
Each dispensing facility must have a separate waiting area and at least one private consultation room isolated from the retail floor. Inspectors can fine the MMTC if the room is missing, inaccessible, or has been repurposed.
9. Stay Current and Ask Questions
Rules change quickly and there is a lot of misinformation out there. Bring any questions or concerns to your MMTC’s compliance or legal team before taking action.