Since the legalization of medical marijuana, its use has become common among adults to manage symptoms of various health conditions. Florida has a list of qualifying conditions that serve as an eligibility criterion for patients to use Cannabis medicinally. However, many are wondering about questions like, ” Can children also get certified?”, “Do states allow children to use medical marijuana?” or ” Is Medical Marijuana a good choice for minors?”.
Some states allow children to use cannabis, but only for qualifying medical conditions and under strict provisions. You must understand the laws of the State you reside in before applying for certification for minors. This article explores the conditions under which children can use marijuana, “how to get a medical marijuana card?”, and whether it’s a safe option for them.
Schedule your appointment today for Medical Marijuana Card in Florida with My Florida Green’s certified doctors.
What are the laws around Medical Marijuana use for children in Florida?
Florida law allows minors under 18 to use medical marijuana for treatment, but they must first meet certain requirements. These requirements include:
- The minor must have a qualifying medical condition.
- Minor’s condition must be evaluated by not one State-certified physician, but two physicians. Children under the age of 18 must get a recommendation and approval from two physicians.
- Written parental consent is mandatory.
- Caregivers must be assigned to administer the treatment.
- Both the minor and the caregiver must be registered in the Medical Marijuana Use Registry.
- Marijuana for smoking cannot be prescribed to a minor unless they have a terminal condition.
The state of Florida allows medicinal use of Marijuana, but only to patients who legally qualify. You must get assistance from experts who understand the laws completely to ensure there are no legal issues.
What are the conditions that may qualify children for Medical Cannabis?
Florida law allows medical marijuana for children dealing with qualifying medical conditions. Here are some of the conditions that may qualify your child for cannabis treatment:
- Cancer
- Lyme Disease
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Crohn’s Disease
- HIV & AIDS
- Cachexia
- Anorexia & Eating Disorders
- Severe & Chronic Pain
- Spasticity
- Diabetes
- Back Pain
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- PTSD
- Hepatitis C
- Insomnia & Sleep Disorders
- Severe Nausea
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Anxiety
- Migraine Headaches
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Muscle Spasms
- Sickle Cell Anemia
Note that these are not all the conditions. Many more conditions may qualify your children for a medical card. So, it is recommended to consult a licensed medical cannabis doctor and start treatment with their guidance.
Medical Marijuana for Children: Is it Safe?
There is no definitive answer to whether medical marijuana is safe for children or not. It is because of the limited research on it. More research is required to determine how safe it can be for children. That being said, some research and studies suggest that CBD, a compound found in marijuana, may have positive effects in managing certain health conditions in children.
CBD has shown promise in reducing seizure rate by 50% in children dealing with Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes. A study of 60 children aged 5 to 11 found that CBD improved social interaction, reduced anxiety and restlessness, and helped children focus better.
So far, early research seems to be in favor of medical marijuana for children. However, it is important to note that it is still in the early stages. Nothing is certain. You must not give any minor Cannabis without consent and advise from an experienced Marijuana physician.
You must consult a qualified medical marijuana doctor to understand the risks and benefits.
Possible Side Effects of Medical Marijuana on Children
There is no denying the medical marijuana benefits for managing health. However, carelessness can cause some side effects. Parents must watch out for the following side effects of marijuana in their children:
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Appetite loss
- Mood changes
- Impaired memory
- Slowed reaction time
If parents notice any of the above-mentioned side effects, they should reach out to a certified doctor as soon as possible. Also, know that marijuana may react with other medications. So, parents must tell the doctor about any ongoing medication before starting medical marijuana treatment.
How can Parents apply for a Medical Marijuana Card for their children?
The process of getting a medical marijuana card in Florida for your child can be confusing for some. However, not anymore when certified medical marijuana doctors are guiding you.
Here’s how you can get a medical marijuana card for your child:
- Book an Appointment: The first step is to book an appointment with a certified medical marijuana doctor in Florida to have your child’s medical condition evaluated.
- Get Second Opinion: If your child is under 18, Florida law requires a second opinion from a board-certified pediatrician who must agree that medical marijuana is appropriate.
- Parental Consent: As a parent or legal guardian, you must submit a written consent form allowing your child to use medical marijuana.
- Designate a Caregiver: One or both guardians must be registered as caregivers in the Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR).
- Register with MMUR: If your child qualifies, the physician will enter their information into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry.
- Application Submission: Complete the online application and pay the fees.
Once you have completed all the steps above, you must wait 10 business days for state approval. On approval, you will get a medical marijuana card for your child.
Can children use Medical Marijuana legally and safely?
Yes, Florida law allows the use of medical marijuana for children to manage their health, but it must be under the care of a caregiver. The caregiver will administer the marijuana and purchase it for the minor. To get a medical marijuana card, you need a recommendation from a licensed doctor and a second physician’s recommendation that marijuana treatment is suitable for the minor.
The process is not complicated, but can be confusing for some parents. If you have questions and apprehensions, you can reach out to experts at My Florida Green. They can answer your questions, as parents have many queries, and they want to ensure that Marijuana can be safe for their children. Our experts can help you at every step, from scheduling an appointment to getting a tailored prescription.
