Fort Myers, Florida, has seen a significant shift in cannabis consumer demographics since the legalization of medical marijuana statewide in 2016. With recreational cannabis still prohibited in Florida, most users in Fort Myers are registered medical marijuana patients seeking relief from a range of health conditions.
As of late 2024, Florida’s medical marijuana registry includes nearly 900,000 patients. In Fort Myers, a city well-known for its large retiree population and active senior communities, the demographics reflect broader trends across the state—with a surprising majority of consumers being middle-aged and older adults rather than the stereotypical younger user.
Age is the most defining demographic factor in Fort Myers’ cannabis scene. Statewide data shows that individuals aged 45 and older make up nearly half of all registered medical marijuana patients. In Fort Myers, where retirees represent a substantial portion of the population, this figure is likely even higher. Many older adults turn to cannabis as a substitute for or supplement to prescription medications, particularly when managing chronic conditions like arthritis, neuropathy, insomnia, and anxiety. As cannabis products become more refined and education efforts expand, older consumers feel more comfortable exploring their options in a legal and controlled environment.
Seniors often gravitate toward non-inhalable products such as tinctures, capsules, and topicals, which are easier to dose and perceived as safer than smoking. These preferences have shaped local dispensary menus in Fort Myers, where many shops now feature senior-friendly offerings and customer service that includes wellness consultations and educational support.
While older adults lead usage in volume, younger consumers in Fort Myers still play a notable role. Individuals aged 25 to 44 comprise a significant percentage of medical patients. Their product preferences often skew toward edibles, flower, and vape cartridges—forms seen as more recreational and socially acceptable among younger age groups. Many in this age range use cannabis for both wellness and lifestyle reasons, such as managing stress, enhancing sleep, or easing post-workout recovery.
In terms of gender, the split among cannabis consumers is nearly even, though slight differences in purchasing patterns emerge. Women in Fort Myers tend to lean toward wellness-centric products like CBD-rich formulations, edibles, and topical creams, often seeking relief from conditions such as migraines, hormonal imbalances, and anxiety. Men are more likely to purchase traditional flower and concentrates, reflecting longstanding habits and familiarity with legacy consumption methods.
Overall, the cannabis consumer base in Fort Myers is diversifying, with demand no longer driven by just one type of user. The increasing interest from older adults signals a cultural shift in how cannabis is perceived—less about recreation and more about wellness and quality of life. Dispensaries in Fort Myers are adapting by offering more personalized service, curated products, and educational events tailored to the needs of this expanding demographic.
As Florida continues to evaluate the potential for recreational legalization, Fort Myers provides a compelling case study on how cannabis can evolve from a niche product into a widely accepted tool for health management across multiple age groups.