WRE News: First Medical Marijuana Dispensary Opens in Miami After Decade-Long Fight

Miami, FL – January 11, 2025 – After nearly a decade of delays, Miami has finally welcomed its first medical marijuana dispensary, breaking a long-standing barrier in Florida’s largest city.

Ayr Wellness opened its Midtown location at 3160 N. Miami Ave. on January 10, marking the end of years of legal and bureaucratic roadblocks that kept dispensaries out of Miami despite statewide legalization in 2016.

For years, city leaders cited federal law and voiced fears about marijuana’s impact, delaying progress while neighboring municipalities embraced dispensaries with zoning regulations. Legal battles, including a pivotal lawsuit by entrepreneur Romie Chaudhari, eventually forced the city’s hand. Even then, vocal opposition from Commissioners Joe Carollo and Manolo Reyes persisted, with concerns about youth access and social harm.

Despite these hurdles, Ayr Wellness executives highlight the significant need for medical marijuana access in Miami, where dispensary availability lags far behind demand. Their arrival signals a long-awaited shift in the city’s stance on cannabis.