Cannabis Carnival Combines Education, Fun and Free Medical Marijuana Cards

WEST PALM BEACH – Despite the failure of Amendment 3 last year, which would have legalized recreational marijuana, it’s become easier than ever for Floridians to qualify for medical cannabis cards. From military veterans to chronic pain patients, access is expanding. Despite recreational marijuana failing to pass the 60% threshold  – 56% of Florida voters said yes to the measure last November  – people are still finding ways to circumvent those issues with medical cannabis.

MMJ Health has been leading the charge by distributing as many medical cards as they can during their Cannabis Carnival events. Other cannabis events are growing in size, offering similar benefits of speaking with cannabis dispensaries and policy changes towards cannabis legislation. 

Held on April 5, MMJ Health's event blended festive energy with an educational mission: expanding awareness of medical cannabis and eliminating barriers to entry for Florida patients.

“[We]make cannabis more accessible by literally giving away as many cards as we possibly can in a six-hour period,” said Marshall Morgan, CEO of MMJ Health. “We've felt from the beginning that it's super important for patients to be able to get access to cards. We're already the lowest price in the state.”

Now in its second year, MMJ Health’s Cannabis Carnival is held quarterly, drawing hundreds of attendees and an expanding roster of brands and providers.

Morgan mentioned aspirations of having over a thousand in attendance at the event, and MMJ Health aims to host the Cannabis Carnival every three to four months. “So events like this, the amount of training we do with our staff, the amount of training we do with our doctors, the level of care that we try and keep is the best way and the best tool for us to remove that stigma against medical marijuana,” said Morgan.

Throughout the day, booths lined the event space, featuring major cannabis brands like Green Dragon, Trulieve, The Flowery, Jungle Boys and Weedmaps. Vendors handed out everything from apparel to stickers, and some offered coupons redeemable for free pre-rolled joints at local dispensaries. At MMJ Health’s booth, attendees took turns at a miniature claw machine stocked with cannabis flower samples.

Visitors had the chance to speak directly with industry experts and ask questions about medical cannabis legislation, safe usage, and how to navigate Florida’s medical marijuana program. Voters overwhelmingly chose in 2016 to legalize marijuana for medical use.

Last November, Florida voters considered Amendment 3, a ballot initiative aimed at lealizing recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and over. The proposed amendment sought to allow individuals to possess up to three ounces of marijuana and up to five grams of cannabis concentrate in the state of Florida. Gov. Ron DeSantis actively campaigned against the citizen-generated amendment and touted its failure to pass. Given that the measure missed the mark by only 4%, advocates for recreational marijuana legalization are making efforts to place a revised amendment on the ballot for the 2026 election cycle.

For some, the medical marijuana conversation is personal.

“I’ve had my card for three years, I’ve been in multiple car accidents, my lower back is messed up, and the lotions at the dispensary are amazing,” said Robert Molton, a retiree at the event. “I can actually walk around, before I couldn’t drive a car for longer than 20 minutes. I refused to take pain meds [but] his was life-changing,” he added.

Molton urged fellow Floridians to be more open minded. “As an adult, I’ve learned to smoke like it’s a pill to feel better enough.”

Matt Keller, an advocate for medical marijuana through Cureleaf, explained the benefits since he transitioned from pharmaceuticals to medical marijuana. He's found himself being social and playing pickleball, whereas previously he would have been riddled with anxiety. He felt like an introvert previously while using traditional pharmaceuticals. 

“This event is important to the community for easy access and education,” said Keller. “Education is lacking in the industry,” adding as an example that there needed to be better awareness about appropriate dosing. “Looking for the highest THC isn’t the best thing.”

Dr. Amanda Pruett, a spokesperson for MMJ Health, went into detail on how the company help each patient's unique journey through medical marijuana. “Listen to their concerns, teach them the science behind the medically active molecules in the cannabis plant, and help guide them towards strains that will treat their condition.”

Throughout the day, live music, food offerings and an unmistakable community spirit kept people smiling. Whether it was someone spinning a prize wheel or another walking out with their first medical card, the impact was real.

In a state where cannabis laws continue to evolve, events like the Cannabis Carnival serve as powerful reminders: awareness, accessibility and community are an integral part of moving the movement forward.