In Florida, medical cannabis is legally available to patients with qualifying conditions. However, to access it, you’ll need a state-issued medical marijuana card. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get your card, including stipulations, possible restrictions, and the essential process of obtaining legal medical cannabis.
Step 1: Qualify for a Medical Condition
The first step in obtaining a medical cannabis card in Florida is to verify that you have a qualifying medical condition. Florida law has a specific list of medical conditions that qualify for medical cannabis use, which include:
- Chronic pain
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Crohn’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
In addition, terminal conditions, or conditions of the same kind or class as those listed, may also qualify. Your physician can help determine if your condition qualifies under these guidelines.
Source: Florida Department of Health
Step 2: Schedule an Appointment with a Qualified Physician
Not just any doctor can recommend medical cannabis in Florida. You must visit a licensed physician who is registered with the Medical Marijuana Use Registry. The physician will evaluate your condition and determine whether you’re eligible for medical cannabis treatment. This is a crucial step because only qualified physicians can approve you for a medical cannabis card.
During your visit, the doctor will:
- Review your medical history
- Discuss your condition and symptoms
- Determine if medical cannabis is an appropriate treatment
If your physician agrees that cannabis could help, they will enter your information into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry.
Step 3: Register with the Medical Marijuana Use Registry
Once your doctor has entered your information, you will need to register yourself or your legal representative in the Medical Marijuana Use Registry. This step is completed online, and you’ll be required to provide basic personal information, such as:
- Your full name and date of birth
- A Florida driver’s license or state-issued ID
- Proof of residency
You’ll also need to upload a photograph and pay the required fee, which is currently $75 for the card, plus a $2.75 processing fee. The card must be renewed annually.
Step 4: Await Approval
After submitting your application, you’ll need to wait for approval from the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU). Processing times typically take around 2-3 weeks, and you will receive your medical marijuana card in the mail once approved. During this time, you can use the email confirmation of your approval to visit a licensed dispensary, as the card itself may take some time to arrive.
Source: Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use
Step 5: Visit a Dispensary
Once you have received your card, you can visit a licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MMTC), also known as a dispensary, to purchase cannabis. There are numerous dispensaries across the state offering a wide variety of products, including flower, vapes, edibles, tinctures, and topicals. A dispensary staff member, known as a budtender, will guide you through the available options and recommend products that fit your treatment plan.
Stipulations and Restrictions
While medical cannabis is legal in Florida, there are some restrictions:
- No smoking in public: Medical cannabis may not be used in public places, including schools and workplaces.
- Possession limits: Florida law allows patients to purchase up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis flower every 35 days, with limits on other product types.
- No driving under the influence: Operating a vehicle while under the influence of cannabis is illegal and can result in serious penalties.
Additionally, while Florida allows medical cannabis, it remains illegal at the federal level. This means you cannot travel across state lines with cannabis, even if it’s prescribed.
Final Thoughts
Obtaining a medical cannabis card in Florida is a relatively straightforward process. From ensuring you have a qualifying condition to visiting a licensed physician and applying through the state’s online registry, patients can begin accessing cannabis legally within a few weeks. However, it’s important to be aware of the state’s stipulations, such as possession limits and where cannabis can be consumed, to ensure you remain compliant with the law.
Sources: