In Florida, since the legalization of Marijuana in 2016, more and more patients are turning towards Cannabis as a preferred alternative therapeutic method. Many Florida residents are choosing Cannabis as a safe and effective option to manage many conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and other qualifying medical conditions. Patients who want to use Cannabis as an alternative therapy must obtain a Medical Marijuana Card. A valid Medical Marijuana Card is legal proof that you are a Marijuana patient and can legally purchase it. However, one of the most common questions new patients ask is: “Can I get my Florida medical marijuana card the same day as my appointment?”
The answer to this question is not a simple one; it depends on several factors. The factors include your eligibility to use Cannabis for medicinal purposes, your doctor’s certification process, and the Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR) approval timeline.
This article explains everything you need to understand about the Medical Marijuana Card Florida process, how to apply, and what to expect after your evaluation.
Schedule your appointment today for Medical Marijuana Card in Florida with My Florida Green’s certified doctors.
Understanding the Florida Medical Marijuana Card process
Florida legalized the medical use of cannabis in 2016 under the Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative (Amendment 2). The program is regulated by the Florida Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU).
To legally purchase and use marijuana for medical purposes, every patient must:
- Be diagnosed with a qualifying condition. You must be diagnosed by a licensed Marijuana doctor.
- Get evaluated by a state-licensed Marijuana doctor. This is done by a physician’s appointment. Once the doctor determines that you qualify, they will give you a recommendation.
- Be registered in the MMU Registry (mmuregistry).
Complete the online application, add all relevant documents and pay the online portal fees.
Once you have completed all the required steps developed by the State, you can get a Medical Marijuana Card. If you want to legally buy Cannabis, you must follow all these steps. If you need assistance in completing this process, you can reach out to experts at My Florida Green.
Can you get a same-day Medical Marijuana Card in Florida?
Technically, you can get certified by a doctor and apply for your card on the same day, but you won’t receive the physical card immediately.
Here’s how it works:
After your evaluation, your doctor submits your details to the MMU Registry the same day.
You will receive an email from the state with a link to complete your medical marijuana card online same-day application.
The electronic approval usually comes within 7 to 10 business days. This email approval acts as temporary proof and allows you to purchase marijuana from a dispensary immediately while waiting for your physical card.
So, while you can’t physically hold your card that same day, you can start the process and even purchase cannabis within days, making it essentially a same-day Medical Marijuana Card near me experience for many patients.
What are the steps to get a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida?
As mentioned earlier, you cannot get evaluated and apply for the card on the same day, but you cannot receive the card on the same day. There is an approval process that can take up to 7 days. If you want to start the process, this is what you have to do:
Step 1: Search for a state-licensed medical marijuana doctor near you. Only physicians certified by the Florida Board of Medicine can recommend patients for medical cannabis. There are many physicians in different Florida cities who are offering same-day appointments.
Step 2: Get a comprehensive physical evaluation by the doctor. During the appointment, the doctor will review your medical history and symptoms and confirm if you have a qualifying medical condition. They will ensure that Cannabis will not interact with your current medications. If you have any apprehensions and questions, the certified doctors will explain the potential benefits and risks of using medical marijuana.
Step 3: Get a recommendation from the physician on the same day. If a licensed physician determines that Marijuana will improve your symptoms. They can give you a recommendation on the same day.
Step 4: You will receive an email from the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) with a direct link to the medical marijuana card online Florida application portal. The online application is completed when you upload the documents and pay the fees
Step 5: Once the OMMU verifies your application, you’ll receive electronic approval. This approval can come within a few days. You can then legally purchase cannabis from any licensed medical marijuana dispensary near you while waiting for the physical card to arrive.
If you are getting overwhelmed with these steps, you can reach out to experts who can help you. Services like My Florida Green and other certified clinics simplify the Florida medical marijuana card process. They have a huge network of licensed Marijuana physicians across all Florida cities.
What makes you eligible for a same-day Medical Marijuana Card?
To qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card Florida, you must:
- Be 18 years or older (or have parental consent if under 18).
- Be a Florida resident with proof of address (or seasonal resident).
- Have a diagnosis of one of the qualifying conditions, which include:
- Anorexia & Eating Disorders.
- Anxiety.
- Cancer.
- Back Pain.
- Cachexia.
- Diabetes.
- Hepatitis C.
- Epilepsy.
- Chronic pain.
- Insomnia & Sleep Disorders.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
- Migraine.
- Muscle spasms.
- Muscular dystrophy.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Spasticity.
- PTSD.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS).
- HIV/AIDS.
Florida law allows physicians some flexibility in recommending cannabis for conditions not explicitly listed, as long as they are deemed debilitating or comparable in severity. You must see a licensed physician who can evaluate your condition.
How long does it take to receive your Medical Marijuana Card in Florida?
While you can start the process and apply for the card on the same day, the official approval timeline depends on the OMMU’s processing speed. However, if you do not submit the right documents, the timelines can increase.
- 1–2 days: Application review and verification by OMMU.
- 5–10 days: Email approval with temporary authorization.
- 7–21 days: Physical card arrives by mail.
If you want to ensure that there is no delay in the certification process, you can complete all the steps carefully. To ensure a smooth Medical Marijuana Card experience:
- Florida ID or proof of residency.
- Relevant medical records or prescriptions.
- Choose a doctor who submits certifications immediately.
- Apply and pay the $75 fee as soon as you receive your email link.
- Check your inbox regularly for OMMU approval notifications.
Can you really get it the same day?
You cannot get the card on the same day but you can absolutely start the Florida medical marijuana card process the same day you meet with a certified doctor.
While you won’t receive the physical card instantly, the electronic approval usually arrives within a few days, allowing you to buy medical marijuana almost immediately.
By booking an appointment with a certified marijuana doctor near you and completing your Medical Marijuana Card online, same-day, you’ll be well on your way to safe, legal cannabis use in Florida.
