Florida patients with qualifying conditions may be eligible for a Medical Marijuana Card. Learn about your options and how to get started today.
Patients with cancer or a condition that causes chronic seizures or chronic muscle spasms may qualify to receive CBD and low-THC cannabis. CBD and low-THC cannabis has very low amounts of the psychoactive ingredient THC and does not usually produce the "high" commonly associated with cannabis. It is known to be effective in treating chronic pain.
If a patient is suffering from a condition that the physician finds high THC medical cannabis useful in their treatment plan, this may be ordered for the patient. This product can contain sufficient levels of the psychoactive ingredient THC to produce the "high" commonly associated with cannabis. It is also known to be very effective in treating pain.
CBD is another name for Cannabidiol, which is found within the marijuana plant. CBD is one of over 60 compounds found in cannabis that belong to a class of molecules called cannabinoids. CBD and THC are usually present in the highest concentrations and are therefore the most recognized and studied. By using selective breeding techniques, cannabis breeders have managed to create varieties with high levels of CBD and next to zero levels of THC.
THC stands for Tetrahydrocannabinol — the intoxicating element of cannabis. THC is mostly present in the cannabis plant as THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), its acidic precursor. THCA is not psychoactive. THCA is typically converted to THC when exposed to heat, through a reaction known as decarboxylation. Medical users commonly take raw preparations, since THCA possesses some of the same therapeutic benefits as THC.
Obtaining a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida involves a series of steps in compliance with the regulations set forth by the Florida Department of Health's Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU).
Find a state-licensed marijuana doctor in Florida who is qualified to prescribe medical marijuana. These doctors must have an active, unrestricted license as a physician or osteopathic physician in Florida and have completed a state-mandated 2-hour course and examination.
During your online consultation, the physician will determine whether you have a qualifying condition. Florida qualifying conditions include but are not limited to: cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, ALS, Crohn's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Multiple Sclerosis.
If your condition qualifies, the physician will enter your information and their recommended order into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry — a secure, online database for physicians and patients.
After your certification, you or your legal representative will need to apply for your Medical Marijuana Use Registry Identification Card through the OMMU. The application can be completed online or mailed in and must include a $75 processing fee.
Once you've applied, the state will review your application. This process can take several weeks, but once approved, your card will be sent out via mail.
After receiving your card, you will be able to purchase medical marijuana from any licensed dispensary in Florida. Each patient's order expires after 210 days, and you'll need a follow-up consultation to renew your order.
Sativa plants are tall, loosely branched and have long, narrow leaves. They are usually grown outdoors due to their longer growth cycle and can reach heights of up to 20 feet. Sativa strains are typically associated with uplifting, energizing effects.
Indica plants are short, densely branched and have wider leaves. They are typically grown indoors and have a shorter growth cycle. Indica strains are generally associated with relaxing, body-focused effects.
Hybrid cannabis strains provide the best of both worlds. Expert breeders select the top Sativa and Indica strains and combine them into super strains that maintain the best aspects from both parents. Hybrids can be Sativa or Indica dominant and have the effects to match.
An additional $50 will be charged if the patient is qualified for a condition other than one listed as a named condition by the Florida Department of Health.
Schedule Your AppointmentA medical marijuana doctor can evaluate your medical condition and determine whether you qualify for the Florida medical marijuana card program. Our doctors can guide you through every step of the process.
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