In 2016, Florida joined all of the states where medical cannabis is legally accessible. Today, the state boasts 647 licensed dispensaries, as designated by the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU), serving a growing number of registered patients.

Essential Guidelines for Obtaining Your Medical Cannabis Card in Florida

Understanding the Basics: Eligibility and Application

To obtain a medical cannabis card in Florida, you must be at least 18 years old. For adults who meet this age requirement and have one or more recognized qualifying medical conditions, no parental consent is needed to apply.

For Minors: The Caregiver Program

Minors under 18 can access medical cannabis through a registered caregiver—typically a parent or legal guardian—who must be over 21. The caregiver is responsible for managing the purchase and administration of the cannabis, following recommendations from healthcare professionals. Registration for minors includes confirmation of diagnosis from two qualified physicians and written consent from a legal guardian.

Residency Requirements

You must prove your residency in Florida to qualify for a medical cannabis card. Permanent residents can use a Florida driver’s license or state ID as proof. Seasonal residents, or snowbirds, need to show a form of residence, like a lease or utility bill, for at least 31 consecutive days within the state, plus proof of their primary out-of-state residence.

Certification Process: Steps to Getting Your Card

·  Medical Evaluation: Start by scheduling an appointment with an OMMU-registered physician who can certify your condition as qualifying under Florida law. During your visit, the physician will assess your medical history and current health to confirm eligibility.

Qualifying health conditions include:

• Cancer
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Crohn’s Disease
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Chronic nonmalignant pain (caused by a qualifying condition).
• Terminal conditions diagnosed by another physician (end-of-life care).
• Other medical conditions of the same class at the discretion of the certifying physician.

Application Submission: If certified, the physician will enter your details into the Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry. You can then apply for your card online, including a recent passport-style photo, proof of residency, and a $75 application fee. If your application is approved, you’ll receive a temporary ID by email to use at dispensaries before your physical card arrives.

After Certification: Your Next Steps

Once certified, you’ll need to wait approximately ten business days for card approval and issuance. In the meantime, keep any correspondence from the health department handy in case further information is needed.

Visiting Dispensaries:

With your temporary or permanent medical card, you can purchase prescribed cannabis products from any of Florida’s licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs).

Legal Compliance and Continued Care:

It’s crucial to adhere to Florida’s cannabis laws, including those regarding consumption and possession limits. Be mindful that using medical cannabis does not protect you from federal laws against transportation across state lines or consuming on federal property.

Maintaining Your Medical Cannabis Card

To maintain the benefits and legal protections of your medical cannabis card, ensure it does not expire:

• Renewal Requirements: Your card is valid for twelve months, but you need a physician’s recertification every seven months, which can now be done via telemedicine if it’s the same physician who initially certified you.
• Non-Renewal Consequences: An expired card means losing legal protections and access to medical cannabis, possibly interrupting your treatment.

Financial Aspects and Future Considerations

The cost of obtaining and renewing a medical cannabis card includes a $75 application fee and varies depending on the certifying physician. If recreational cannabis becomes legal, having a medical card might still offer cost benefits, such as tax exemptions not available to recreational users.

Conclusion

While the process might seem detailed, obtaining a medical cannabis card in Florida is straightforward with the right information and preparation. By keeping informed and compliant, you can harness the therapeutic benefits of cannabis effectively and safely.

Ready to get your Florida med card? Click here to start your journey with Doc Mj!