Florida Medical Marijuana
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Florida Patients Eligible For Medical Marijuana Card
CBD
CBD is another name for Cannabidiol which is found within the Marijuana plant. CBD is a key ingredient in cannabis CBD is one of over 60 compounds found in cannabis that belong to a class of molecules called cannabinoids. Of these compounds, CBD and THC are usually present in the highest concentrations, and are therefore the most recognized and studied. CBD and THC levels tend to vary among different plants. Marijuana grown for recreational purposes often contains more THC than CBD. However, by using selective breeding techniques, cannabis breeders have managed to create varieties with high levels of CBD and next to zero levels of THC. These strains are rare but have become more popular in recent years.
THC
What is THC? The technical term is Tetrahydrocannabinol which is the intoxicating element of Cannabis. Most people know of THC because of its ability to induce euphoria, or a high. Interesting enough, THC does not always have this effect on its own. That’s because THC is mostly present in the cannabis plant as THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), its acidic precursor. THCA is not psychoactive, which is why ingesting cannabis raw is unpopular among recreational users. On the other hand, medical users commonly take raw preparations, since THCA possesses some of the same therapeutic benefits as THC. THCA is typically converted to THC when exposed to heat, through a reaction known as decarboxylation. However, when plants are stored, small amounts of the acid may be converted to THC over time.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida
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).
These are the steps you should take:
Consultation with a Qualified Physician: Find a state-licensed marijuana doctor in Florida who is qualified to prescribe medical marijuana. These doctors must have an active, unrestricted licence as a physician or osteopathic physician in the State of Florida and have completed a state-mandated 2-hour course and examination.
Medical Evaluation: 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.
Physician Certification: 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.
Application to OMMU: 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. If mailing, it’s advisable to send the application via certified mail, ensuring it reaches the appropriate department.
Waiting for Approval: 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.
Purchasing Medical Marijuana: After receiving your card, you will be able to purchase medical marijuana from any of the licensed dispensaries in Florida. Remember that each patient’s order will expire after 210 days, and you’ll need to have a follow-up consultation with your physician to renew your order and continue using medical cannabis.
Types of Marijuana
