Florida voted for the legalization of medical marijuana in 2016, and more than 450,000 Florida residents have met the eligibility for a medical marijuana card. The legalization passed, increasing access, resulting in a rise in the number of people qualified for medical marijuana.
If you are a Florida resident and live with painful symptoms, you might be wondering if you can get a medical marijuana card. There are specific conditions that qualify for medical marijuana usage, and many more have similar symptoms that allow patients also to be eligible. Read on to know how you can get a medical marijuana card in the state of Florida.
Do you qualify?
The first step is checking if you qualify for medical marijuana. There are two steps to know if you are eligible. Steps include reviewing the state outlined conditions to see if you have one of them. If your condition is not listed, do not get discouraged as many others can be compared or enumerated to the main ones. The state outlined conditions include chronic diseases like cancer, epilepsy, ALS, Cohn’s disorder, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, there are other diagnosable exhausting illnesses like depression, migraines, anxiety, and other terminal conditions diagnosed by a certified physician that can qualify. All these diseases have chronic symptoms that last longer than usual. You also need to be a resident of Florida for at least 31 days a year. To prove your residency, you need to provide either a copy of the deed/lease agreement, passport, state ID or driver’s license, or utility bill not less than two months old, along with your photo ID.
Medical Marijuana Doctors Appointment
Once you have met the first conditions, you must set an appointment with a qualified physician. What you carry for the meeting depends on individual doctors, but the most common requirement is prior medical records. Once the physician clears you, you can apply for a Florida registry identification card online. The physician is required to sign the consent form, which is usually very detailed.
How Much Does It Cost?
The medical marijuana provider cost usually ranges between $200- $300, but it also varies with individual doctors. Before settling for a particular physician, look around at different clinics or websites to see how various doctors are charging. Inquire on the cost of follow up appointments and the frequency required. The law states their doctors should follow up every seven months once the patient starts medical marijuana. If you seek smokable pot or whole flower, you may be charged an additional fee by some practices, and it is sometimes only recommended if other delivery methods have failed. Additional charges are an annual $75 medical marijuana card application fee paid to the OMMU.
How Long Will Your Card Take?
The process takes around ten business days. Five for the payment to process and another five days for the OMMU to review your application and email an approval to you. It’s encouraged to apply for your medical marijuana card online, but some print and email their application. Their cards take longer. You will need to renew your card annually to keep it active. The renewal cost is $75 and should be done 45 days before your card’s expiration date.
Where to Purchase Your Medical Marijuana
Once you receive your medical marijuana card, you will want to get the best grade of medical cannabis. Buy from dispensaries that are licensed by the state marijuana medical treatment center. As a patient, you are allowed to possess 4 ounces of medical marijuana at any given time and purchase 2.5 ounces per 35-day period.
The process of applying for a marijuana medical card in Florida is swift once you know what they require. There are many certified doctors where you can go for an assessment. Confirm you selected a provider without any ongoing or hidden fees before setting an appointment.
