Indica, Sativa, hybrid, edibles, marijuana cards, state, and federal laws all add barriers for access to medical cannabis. Many states have legalized marijuana as a medicine in the last few years. For patients who think medical cannabis could be right for them, gaining access can be confusing.
The Medical Marijuana Policy Project found that over 200,000 patients are now registered as medical marijuana patients across the state of Florida. With each state producing tailored, state-by-state legislation, navigating these laws can feel overwhelming and impossible.
Since January 3, 2017, Floridians with qualifying conditions have been eligible to access medical cannabis. New industries create innovation. Marijuana Doctor is that innovation in the Florida medical cannabis space.
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 new legislation in Florida, determine whether they’re eligible for a medical marijuana card, and connect them with dispensaries.
A brief history of medical cannabis
Medical cannabis has a 6,000-year history going back to 4,000 BC. At that time, it was farmed as a food crop in China. By 2737 BC, scholars found the first reference of cannabis as a treatment for physical ailments in, The Herbal.
Medical historians trace marijuana as medicine from ancient China to the Scythians, who used the plant in steam baths, and the Egyptians when archeologists found cannabis pollen in the grave of Ramses II.
Later, in the 11th century, while Europe struggled through the fear of science, Persia thrived as an area of philosophical, scientific, and medical innovation. The famous Canon of Medicine by Abu ʻAli al-Husayn Ibn Sina, known in the West as Avicenna, dedicates a section to cannabis and for which ailments he recommended its use. European scholars regarded Avicenna’s Canon as a preeminent medical source until the 17th century.
Tracing medical cannabis throughout the history of human civilization, each successive scholar, ruler, and civilization interacted with cannabis pharmacologically.
Modern medicine transformed the global understanding of illness and health outcomes, and, in turn, cannabis for good health became extinct across the West.
More about medical marijuana prescriptions
In 1996, Californians voted to legalize medical marijuana, despite conflicts with federal laws. Soon after, in 1999, the state began a medical cannabis research program designed to understand the impact of cannabis on the body, scientifically.
Today, 33 states permit medical cannabis for patients who suffer from any of the qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card.
Federally, the drug remains illegal primarily due to the lack of medical studies and trials, like the one California began 10 years ago. The popularity of CBD, the non-psychoactive component of cannabis, and medical marijuana pushed the FDA to start public hearings and information gathering.
With a lack of approval from the FDA and varying state-based guidelines on medical cannabis eligibility, it can be difficult to know who is eligible for a medical marijuana script. Marijuana Doctor is here to help.
Asking a doctor whether medical cannabis is right for you
Marijuana Doctor makes it easy to dive into the idea of finding out whether you are eligible to receive a medical marijuana card.
The site acts as a patient-to-doctor-to-product gateway, which walks consumers step-by-step through the process of qualifying for a medical marijuana card to finding the right medical facility and dispensary.
The first step is to know whether you are eligible for a medical cannabis prescription. You can visit your primary care physician if you have a diagnosis that matches the Marijuana Doctor list, which includes Crohn's disease, migraines, terminal conditions, and more. If you’re not sure whether your condition warrants a medical marijuana card, schedule an appointment with Marijuana Doctor.
For those just testing the waters, Marijuana Doctor provides patient resources on how to get a medical marijuana card, how to renew one, and what steps to take to get a prescription.
Meet the Marijuana Doctors
Getting in control of your medical situation can sometimes leave you feeling helpless and powerless.
Add in the medical marijuana laws to an already challenging process can feel like a barrier. However, unlike other medications and treatments, membership with Marijuana Doctor is an inclusive and step-by-step process.
Schedule an appointment with one of our medical professionals today. Our doctors will walk you through the physical exam and evaluation of medical marijuana eligibility. If you aren’t eligible, Marijuana Doctor has a no-risk policy, meaning you won’t have to pay any fees for the consultation.
What comes after approval?
Once your eligibility has been determined, your doctor will get you registered with the Medical Marijuana Use Registry required by the Florida Department of Health. After this, we will help you apply for your medical marijuana card. Upon approval of your application, you will be mailed a temporary medical marijuana card and will be able to contact a medical marijuana treatment center and have your order filled by a qualified physician.
Finding a dispensary that tailors their offerings to each patient’s specific needs is essential. The medical marijuana product market includes oils, flower, edibles, and more. Finding a dispensary through Marijuana Doctors ensures that each patient is finding a tailored opportunity for their specific needs.
Contact our offices today to schedule your appointment and see how we can assist you along your path to medical well-being.
