How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida: Everything You Need to Know
Emmanuel Foret
Writer, Editor, Social Media Manager
December, 16 2024
Photo credit: iStock
Key Takeaways:
- Simple Process: Patients need a certified physician evaluation, MMUR registration, and an ID card. Renewals are required every 7 months, with telehealth available.
- Expanding Access: Florida enforces purchase limits but offers over 625 dispensaries statewide, including major brands like TruLieve and Curaleaf.
How to Get Medical Marijuanas Card FL: Everything You Need to Know
Since Florida voters passed Amendment 2 in 2016, legalizing medical marijuana with an overwhelming 71.3% support, the medical marijuana landscape has transformed across the state. While the initial rollout faced some challenges, including a brief ban on smoking cannabis, legal updates have expanded access and made obtaining medical marijuana more straightforward. If you’re considering applying for a Florida medical marijuana card, here’s a guide to help you navigate the process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Medical Marijuana Card
Step 1: Get Diagnosed by a Qualified Physician
To begin, you must be evaluated by a qualified physician to determine if you meet the criteria for medical marijuana use. The Florida Department of Health maintains a list of physicians certified to evaluate patients for medical marijuana eligibility. During the consultation, your doctor will review your medical history and determine if your condition qualifies under Florida law. Some of the qualifying conditions include:
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Crohn’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Terminal conditions, as diagnosed by a physician other than the one issuing the medical marijuana recommendation
- Chronic nonmalignant pain related to one of the above conditions, or pain that persists beyond the usual course of the condition
Additionally, conditions of the “same kind or class” as the above can also be eligible. This gives physicians some discretion when evaluating unique health circumstances.
Step 2: Physician Enters Your Information in the Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR)
If your physician determines that you qualify, they will enter your information into the Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR). This is an online system managed by the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU), which tracks patients and ensures compliance with Florida’s medical marijuana regulations.
Step 3: Apply for Your Medical Marijuana ID Card
Once your physician has entered you into the registry, you’ll need to apply for a Medical Marijuana ID card. This can be done online or by mail:
- Online Application: Log in to the MMUR portal and follow the prompts to submit your application electronically.
- Mail-in Application: Print the application from the MMUR website, complete it, and mail it to the address provided.
In both cases, you’ll need to provide a copy of your valid Florida driver license or ID card as proof of residency. If applying online, you can use the photo associated with your driver license or ID card. For mailed applications, you’ll need to include a passport-type, full-face photo taken within the last 90 days.
Once your application is processed, you’ll receive your card in the mail. At this point, you’re eligible to purchase medical marijuana from any licensed dispensary in the state.
Qualifying Medical Conditions
To qualify for a medical marijuana card in Florida, you must be diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition. These conditions include:
- Chronic pain
- Depression and anxiety
- Insomnia
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- ALS
- PTSD
- Crohn’s disease
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Migraines
- Muscle spasms
- Nausea
If you have been diagnosed with one of these conditions, you may be eligible for a medical marijuana card in Florida. Consulting with a qualified physician can help determine if medical marijuana is a suitable treatment option for your specific medical condition.
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How to Find a Qualified Physician
Finding a qualified physician is a crucial step in obtaining a medical marijuana card in Florida. Here are some practical steps to help you locate a certified medical marijuana doctor:
- Check the Florida Department of Health’s Website: The Florida Department of Health maintains a comprehensive list of qualified physicians who are certified to recommend medical marijuana.
- Ask for Referrals: Your primary care physician may be able to refer you to a qualified medical marijuana doctor.
- Search Online: Use online resources to find medical marijuana doctors in your area. Websites and directories often list certified physicians.
- Consult Your Insurance Provider: Some insurance providers may have a list of qualified physicians who are covered under your plan.
Once you find a qualified physician, schedule an appointment to discuss your medical condition and explore whether medical marijuana is an appropriate treatment for you.
Initial Clinic Appointment Costs
The cost of an initial clinic appointment for a medical marijuana card in Florida can vary. On average, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300 for the initial consultation. It’s a good idea to check with different clinics, as some may offer discounts or promotions.
In addition to the cost of the initial appointment, there is a $75 application fee for the medical marijuana card, which is paid to the Florida Department of Health. This fee is necessary to process your application and issue your medical marijuana card.
“According to Florida law, medical marijuana cardholders must renew their certification with a physician every seven months (210 days). Telehealth renewals are now available, following recent updates, but only for patients who have previously been certified in person. It’s essential to keep track of these appointments to ensure your certification remains valid.”
Who Qualifies to Purchase Medical Marijuana?
To qualify for medical marijuana in Florida, you must be:
- A permanent or seasonal Florida resident.
- Diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition by a certified physician.
If you’re a caregiver for a patient who meets these requirements, you can also apply for a Medical Marijuana Caregiver ID Card. Caregivers must be at least 21 years old, complete a caregiver certification course every two years, and may need to pass a background screening if they’re not a close relative of the patient. Caregivers are permitted to order, purchase, and transport medical marijuana for the patient but cannot use it themselves.
Special Considerations for Minors
While there’s no minimum age requirement, minors must receive approval from two qualified physicians and have written, informed consent from a parent or legal guardian. However, minors are generally not allowed to smoke medical cannabis unless diagnosed with a terminal condition.
Maintaining Your Medical Marijuana Certification
According to Florida law, medical marijuana cardholders must renew their certification with a physician every seven months (210 days). Telehealth renewals are now available, following recent updates, but only for patients who have previously been certified in person. It’s essential to keep track of these appointments to ensure your certification remains valid.
Patient Education
Patient education is a vital component of the medical marijuana process in Florida. Understanding how to use medical marijuana safely and effectively is essential for achieving the best therapeutic outcomes. Here are some resources to help you get started:
- Florida Department of Health’s Website: The website offers a dedicated section for patient education, including information on usage, dosing, and potential side effects.
- Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR): The MMUR website provides educational materials on applying for a medical marijuana card, finding a qualified physician, and using medical marijuana.
- Medical Marijuana Clinics: Many clinics in Florida offer patient education resources such as brochures, videos, and online tutorials to help you understand how to use medical marijuana properly.
Taking the time to educate yourself on the use of medical marijuana in Florida ensures that you are using it safely and effectively, maximizing the benefits of your treatment.
Florida’s Medical Marijuana Dispensaries: What to Expect
Medical marijuana treatment centers, also known as dispensaries, have proliferated across Florida. As of 2024, the state has 22 cannabis companies operating, with over 625 licensed dispensaries, including TruLieve, MüV, Ayr Cannabis, and Curaleaf. Each of these companies has multiple locations, ensuring patients across the state have access to nearby dispensaries. Notably, national cannabis brand Planet 13 is also set to open locations in Florida soon, further expanding options for patients.
Once you have your card, you can visit any licensed medical marijuana treatment center in the state to purchase medical marijuana. Dispensary staff will register your purchases with the MMUR to ensure that you stay within your legally allowed limits.
Medical Marijuana Purchase Limits in Florida
The Florida legislature has established guidelines for the amount of medical marijuana patients may purchase:
- Smokable Marijuana: Limited to three 70-day supplies, with a maximum of 2.5 ounces every 35 days.
- Edibles: 60 mg THC per day, with a 4,200 mg THC limit over 70 days.
- Inhalation (Vapes): 350 mg THC per day, up to a 24,500 mg THC limit over 70 days.
- Oral (Capsules, Tinctures): 200 mg THC per day, with a 14,000 mg THC 70-day limit.
- Sublingual Products: 190 mg THC per day, up to 13,300 mg THC over 70 days.
- Suppositories: 195 mg THC per day, with a 13,650 mg THC limit over 70 days.
- Topicals: 150 mg THC per day, totaling 10,500 mg THC over 70 days.
For smokable marijuana, patients may not possess more than four ounces at any given time. However, if warranted by medical need, a physician may request exceptions to the daily dose and supply limits. At this point, you’re eligible to buy medical marijuana from any licensed dispensary in the state.
Finding a Dispensary in Florida
Patients can locate dispensaries using the search tool on the OMMU website or through dispensary-specific websites. Additionally, many dispensaries offer delivery services, allowing patients to receive their medicine at home, depending on their location.
Reciprocity and Traveling with Medical Marijuana
Florida does not currently recognize medical marijuana cards issued by other states, nor does it offer reciprocity. Therefore, only Florida residents with an active Medical Marijuana ID Card are permitted to purchase and possess medical cannabis in the state. While traveling within Florida, patients must keep their ID card with them to ensure compliance with local laws.
Medical Marijuana vs. CBD Products in Florida
CBD products derived from hemp containing less than 0.3% THC are widely available and can be purchased at licensed retail stores without a medical marijuana card. However, products with higher THC content are restricted to licensed dispensaries and are only available to patients with a medical marijuana card.
Recreational Marijuana in Florida: What the Future Holds
Although recreational marijuana remains illegal in Florida, there is increasing support for broader legalization. There is speculation that a recreational marijuana amendment may appear on the ballot in 2024, which could potentially change the legal landscape further.
Final Thoughts on Florida’s Medical Marijuana Program
Navigating Florida’s medical marijuana program can seem complex, but the process has become increasingly accessible for qualifying patients. By working with a certified physician, understanding state guidelines, and adhering to purchase limits, patients can safely and legally access medical marijuana as part of their treatment plan. With potential legal updates on the horizon, the future of medical—and possibly recreational—marijuana in Florida is one that many are watching closely.
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How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida: Everything You Need to Know
Marijuana Guides
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida: Everything You Need to Know
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