Since the legalization of Marijuana, its use among the senior population has grown significantly. According to the Office of Medical Marijuana Use, there are a total of 882,438 registered medical marijuana patients in Florida. And nearly 15% to 18% of them are older adults. So it’s pretty clear that senior citizens in Florida are showing a growing interest in medical marijuana.
Recent research and patient testimonials have shown the healing benefits of Marijuana for managing symptoms of pain, stress, anxiety, severity of tremors and others. Hence, many new patients are turning towards Marijuana for improving their health conditions, especially seniors. Many seniors want to know how they can legally apply for a Medical Marijuana Card so they can take Cannabis to improve their health and well-being.
If you are a senior curious about medical marijuana, don’t worry. This article will help you understand which qualifying medical conditions are manageable using it and how to get your medical marijuana card in Florida.
Schedule your appointment today for Medical Marijuana Card in Florida with My Florida Green’s certified doctors.
How can medical marijuana help seniors?
Recent research is showing the potential of Marijuana in improving the symptoms of many health conditions, from cancer to mental health issues. It can manage symptoms by impacting the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS regulates mood, emotional memory, appetite, sleep and inflammatory responses. By impacting ECS, Marijuana strains can interact with ECS receptors to manage and improve many symptoms of chronic pain, insomnia, side effects of cancer treatment, including nausea and appetite.
Chronic pain and arthritis are the two most common reasons for which older adults prefer medical marijuana. In a Northwell Health survey, patients who used medical marijuana for one month reported that their average pain scores dropped from 9.0 to 5.6. Another research focused on 200 patients at the University of Colorado’s Spine Center with chronic back pain. About 89% said medical marijuana helped reduce their pain, either greatly or moderately.
Medical marijuana can also help improve sleep in senior citizens. Researchers from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry studied 124 patients with insomnia. They monitored sleep quality before and after marijuana treatment and found that medical cannabis helped improve sleep and reduce anxiety.
A review by the Institute of Medicine found that cannabinoids and marijuana can help with several symptoms of cancer treatment. They can reduce nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Cannabis may also stimulate appetite in people with severe weight loss and help relieve pain or anxiety in some patients.
What are the qualifying medical conditions for medicinal use of Cannabis?
Here are some of the medical conditions that qualify a patient for medical marijuana 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
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Anxiety
- Migraine Headaches
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Muscle Spasms
- Sickle Cell Anemia.
- Chronic Nonmalignant Pain
The Florida law allows physicians to certify patients who have a medical condition that is similar in nature or severity to the listed qualifying conditions. So, if your condition is not listed but you believe you qualify for medical marijuana, you must consult licensed medical marijuana doctors in Florida.
How to get a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida?
We have seen that medical marijuana can offer medicinal support to help the aging population. So now, let’s talk about how seniors can get a medical card. All seniors must apply for a Medical Marijuana Card to legally buy cannabis from licensed Florida dispensaries. The State of Florida has implemented a comprehensive Marijuana certification process. The process becomes much easier when you are working with My Florida Green. Our experienced team will take all the weight off your shoulders and will help you apply for a Medical Marijuana Card. The certification process includes:
Step 1: Schedule an Appointment with a Licensed Doctor
The first step is to book an appointment with a certified medical marijuana doctor. The appointment would be in-person, but for card renewals, you can do it online.
Don’t forget to bring your health records with you. The doctor will evaluate your condition and review your health records to determine whether you qualify for a medical cannabis card.
Step 2: Enter Information into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry
Once the doctor gives you a recommendation, the next step for you is to enter your details into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry. The doctor will enter all your details, including personal information and health records, and upload any required documents. After the doctor creates your profile, you will receive an email from the Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use with instructions on how to complete your application.
Step 3: Complete the Application
Open the email and click on the link to log in to your profile. It is necessary to have up-to-date information and documents, including proof of residency. Apply by paying a $75 state application fee.
Step 4: Wait for Approval
And that’s all, you’re done. Now just wait for 10 to 14 business days. Once your card is approved, you’ll get an e-card by email, and your physical card will arrive a few days later at your mailing address.
Seniors can take the healing benefits of Marijuana legally in Florida.
Medical marijuana is getting popular with older adults. A growing number are using it, and it isn’t disappointing them. Studies and research also back the benefits of medical marijuana. Seniors can use cannabis to treat a variety of health conditions.
But first, they need to see a certified medical marijuana doctor to get evaluated and certified for a card. Only after that can they get cannabis from senior-friendly dispensaries in Florida. Seniors can also take advantage of dispensary discounts to manage their health without stressing about the cost.
Looking to take the first step toward your best self? Get in touch with a certified medical marijuana doctor at My Florida Green. We guide you, help you figure out if medical marijuana is right for you, and make the complete process of a medical marijuana card simple for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is medical marijuana legal in Florida?
Yes, medical marijuana is legal in Florida. It was legalized in 2016 through a constitutional amendment known as Amendment 2.
Does health insurance cover medical marijuana in Florida?
No, health insurance doesn’t cover medical marijuana in Florida. It is because medical marijuana is considered a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law. This means cannabis has no accepted medical use under federal law.
