While state laws still prohibit its recreational use, medical marijuana is a viable option for residents of Florida who qualify for and seek an alternative to the more traditional treatment options available for their conditions. The appeal of medical marijuana comes from its ability to relieve anxiety and improve moods, reduce nausea and vomiting, relieve chronic and acute pain, relieve skin irritations, improve sleep and relaxation, and reduce joint pain and inflammation. These benefits come without the typical side effects associated with more traditional medication.
Currently, Florida has one of the fastest-growing medical marijuana markets, with over 213,000 patients enrolled in the program and tens of thousands more signing up each month.
Amidst all its popularity, the medical marijuana program and the qualifications and steps for receiving a medical marijuana card still remain a mystery for some. Additionally, while it is now an official and vetted medical solution, there still remains a stigma associated with marijuana due to the years-long prohibition on the substance.
At Marijuana Doctor, we’ve supported thousands of patients in helping them to receive medical marijuana consultations and cards. Our clinic network is designed to help patients navigate the legislation in Florida, determine whether they’re eligible for a medical marijuana card, and connect them with dispensaries.
To get you started, we've gathered a list of our most frequently asked questions to use as a guide. Additionally, please feel free to visit the FAQs section of our website for further information.
1. What conditions make me eligible to get a medical marijuana card?
In the state of Florida, patients may qualify for a medical marijuana card upon being diagnosed with following conditions:
- ALS
- Cancer
- Crohn's disease
- Chronic nonmalignant pain (that is either caused by or originates from a qualifying medical condition)
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson's disease
- PTSD
- Seizures
- Terminal illness (patients diagnosed with no more than 12-months to live)
- Other debilitating medical conditions comparable to those stated above
2. How can I find a registered practitioner for my medical marijuana card evaluation?
In order for a doctor in Florida to certify a patient, the doctor must complete the required training and register as a marijuana doctor with the Florida Department of Health. Our board-certified physicians can evaluate you to determine if you may benefit from a medical marijuana card. Once you’ve received your recommendation, our helpful staff will assist you with every step of the process necessary to obtain your medical marijuana card in Florida, from registering with the Florida Department of Health to locating the nearest medical marijuana treatment centers in your area. To locate a Marijuana Doctor office near you, click here.
3. Once I've received my medical marijuana card, where can I find a qualified dispensary?
While each dispensary carries a unique array of products and strains, they must each make available at least one brand that has an equal ratio of THC to CBD, and one brand with a low-THC-high-CBD ratio, along with other products that have varying ratios of THC to CBD. For information on dispensaries throughout the state of Florida, please check out our blog post: Getting Medical Marijuana Flower Legally in Florida.
4. Can I obtain a Florida medical marijuana card as a part-time resident?
If you’re a part-time resident of Florida and you’re hoping to take advantage of the legal protections and relief provided by the state’s medical-marijuana program, you’re in luck. As it turns out, according to the law, you only need to have resided in the state for 31 days to be eligible. Acceptable proof of residency includes: a current utility bill, a recent mortgage statement, mail from a financial institution from the past two months, mail from a government agency from the past two months, other documents such a lease might be acceptable, but if you don’t supply one of the above documents, there is a chance you’ll need to provide more evidence. But, assuming you’re getting your mail delivered to your Florida residence, and assuming you get usual bank statements and utility bills, then you’re good to go. To learn more, click here.
5. Can Marijuana Doctors help me obtain my medical marijuana card if I live outside of Florida?
Marijuana Doctor offers telemedicine evaluations for patients living in Oklahoma, New York, Maine, Missouri, and California, which means you can check your eligibility to experience the benefits of medical cannabis from your computer, laptop, tablet, or mobile device. That means that prospective patients can be evaluated online in the comfort of their own homes, saving them time and money. No more waiting weeks for an appointment. No more trudging to a doctor’s office only to spend more time in the waiting room than in the examination room. And no more time lost or money spent getting to and from your appointment. Learn more about our telemedicine process here.
6. Will health insurance cover the expense of my medical marijuana prescriptions.
Currently, health insurance plans in Florida do not cover any kind of medical marijuana treatments whatsoever (although here at Marijuana Doctor we do offer a payment plan to assist our patients with the consultation fees). There is a possibility that things may soon be changing for some residents here in the Sunshine State. To learn more, click here.
7. Once I obtain my medical marijuana card, must I purchase my medicine at a dispensary?
While medical marijuana is legal in the state of Florida, in order to adhere to the law you must obtain your marijuana from an authorized dispensary. Please note that recreational marijuana is still prohibited under Florida's drug possession laws, and can carry hefty fines and possible jail time. The best way to protect yourself from the potentially devastating consequences of a drug possession conviction is to get your very own medical marijuana card. Although there are some limitations, such as which products you can purchase and how much you can possess, they are not unreasonable and are a small sacrifice for the protection provided by obtaining a Florida medical marijuana card. Learn more about protecting your rights, here.
8. Can I purchase medical marijuana in Florida with a medical marijuana card from another state?
The state of Florida does not have reciprocity with other states. To obtain your cannabis card within this state, and be able to purchase cannabis from a Medical Marijuana Treatment Center, you would need to be evaluated by a certified-physician who can register you in the Florida State Medical Marijuana Use Registry.
9. Is medical marijuana a good option for senior citizens?
In many cases, senior citizens have reached out to us due to pain and discomfort from common age-related conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia and found relief after treatment. Cannabis is a natural anti-inflammatory which could potentially replace other harmful medications commonly prescribed for many of these age-related conditions. Learn more, here.
10. Do I have to be 18 or older to qualify for a Florida medical marijuana card?
No. A minor can enroll in the Florida medical marijuana program as long as they have the written consent of the parent or legal guardian and obtain a marijuana certification from two doctors instead of one.
