Medical marijuana is an option for many Florida residents with qualifying conditions. Studies show that it helps alleviate pain, stress, anxiety, nausea, and other symptoms associated with cancer, ALS, Parkinson’s disease, Crohn’s disease, and more. While medical marijuana is legal in Florida, you need a medical marijuana (MMJ) card to purchase and consume it legally.
Once you apply for and obtain your medical marijuana card, you need to remember to renew it every year. This definitive guide covers all you need to know about the renewal process for your Florida medical marijuana card.
MMUR aka Medical Marijuana User Registry Cards for Florida
When Florida launched its medical marijuana program back in 2016, the state established a set of guidelines for patients looking to use medical marijuana. One of those guidelines is the use of a medical marijuana card.
In Florida, patients and caregivers must have an active Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR) identification card to purchase and possess medical marijuana. Your Florida medical marijuana card allows you to buy a range of cannabis products from state-licensed dispensaries such as FLUENT Cannabis Care.
Your medical marijuana card is valid for 12 months from the date it’s approved. You will also need to renew the card annually if you intend to continue buying medical marijuana in Florida. Luckily, the renewal process is usually straightforward. First, you’ll need to have a medical marijuana evaluation with a doctor and send a renewal application to the Florida Department of Health Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) online or via mail.
Medical Marijuana Card Renewal Tips
Renewing your medical marijuana card allows you to purchase marijuana legally without a hassle and gives you consistent access to quality cannabis products. Here are three tips to bear in mind when applying for an MMJ card renewal in Florida:
Tip: Apply Before the Expiration Date
Suppose it’s getting close to the 1-year date since you got your medical marijuana card. In that case, chances are you’ve received a reminder from the state urging you to make an appointment for renewal. We recommend starting your MMJ card renewal process 45 days before the renewal deadline expires. That way, you won’t experience a lapse in medication and continue to get the benefits of your medical marijuana without interruption.
Tip: Documents Needed
You will also need to update any information that has changed in the last 12 months when applying for MMJ card renewal. Here are the required documents:
1. Photo ID: When applying online, you can choose to use your state ID or driver’s license photo, or provide your passport-style photo.
The MMUR registry connects to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) demographic database. By clicking the “CHECK STATE ID PHOTO” button when applying, your state ID or driver’s license photo will add automatically to your application.
Clicking “SUPPLY MY OWN” will allow you to upload a photo from your device, but this may increase your processing time. For mail applications, you will need to provide a full-face, 2×2 inches in size, passport-style, color photograph taken in front of a plain white background within the last 90 days.
2. Proof of residence: To renew your medical marijuana card in Florida, you must be a resident of the state. You will need to provide proof of residency status, such as a valid Florida driver’s license or Florida identification card.
If you’re a seasonal Florida resident, you need to provide any two of these documents:
- 2-month-old utility bill.
- Deed, monthly mortgage statement, mortgage payment booklet, residential rental, or lease agreement.
- Mail from a financial institution or state, county, federal, or municipal government agency (not more than two months old).
- Proof of residential address and a statement from the person you’re residing with verifying residency.
Tip: Have Funds Available
The renewal process for a Florida medical marijuana card isn’t free. The annual application fee is $75, and you’ll have to pay an additional $2.75 convenience fee if you’re renewing online. You also need to factor in the cost of your doctor’s visits since you can’t renew your MMJ card without a doctor’s recommendation. The fees will vary depending on your doctor, so be sure to have enough money to cover the renewal fees and the doctor’s visits when making your renewal application.
FLUENT Can Help with Your Medical Marijuana Card Renewal
Getting a medical marijuana card allows you to buy, possess, and use marijuana legally in Florida. However, it’s important to note that the card isn’t valid forever. You need to apply for an MMJ card renewal every year because, without an active card, you can’t access state-licensed dispensaries. To find out if you are eligible for a Florida medical marijuana card, FLUENT Cannabis Care can help.
You can use our physician locator search bar to find certified medical marijuana providers in your area. Set an appointment today to determine if medical marijuana is right for you. If you qualify, you can apply for a medical marijuana card and start enjoying the transformative benefits of medical marijuana.
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