With the legalization of medical marijuana in Florida, many people have started considering this as a potential option to manage their symptoms. To legally use marijuana for medicinal purposes, you need to get a medical marijuana card. Many patients want to know how to obtain a card and how much the medical marijuana card costs? Doctor appointments and state fees may add up to a high upfront cost. But when you consider long-term savings, legal protection, and access to medical-grade cannabis, the benefits outweigh the costs.
In this article, we break down the costs and benefits of having a medical marijuana card and discuss whether or not it’s worth the hype.
Medical Marijuana Card Cost
The initial medical marijuana card cost includes:- In-person doctor evaluation fee: $150–$250
- State registry fee: $77.75 in Florida
- Re-evaluation fee (required every 210 days): $99 to $150 or more
- Annual MMJ card renewal fee (paid to the state): $77.75 in Florida
Get or Renew Your Medical Marijuana Card
Schedule your appointment today for Medical Marijuana Card in Florida with My Florida Green’s certified doctors.
Medical Marijuana Card Benefits
1. Financial Savings Over Time
Medical marijuana costs might seem like a lot at first, but over time, an MMJ card can save you a lot of money on marijuana as compared to recreational users. How so? Taxes. Recreational cannabis comes with a multilayer of taxes, including local, state, and excise taxes, which significantly increase the cost. On the other hand, medical marijuana is subject to significantly lower taxes or exemptions. Research also shows that medical patients can save 15-40% annually, depending on the state. There’s more for Floridians. Medical marijuana purchases in Florida are exempt from both local surtaxes and the state’s 6% sales tax, resulting in lower out-of-pocket costs. The marijuana card allows you to buy from licensed dispensaries. These dispensaries offer discounts and loyalty programs, which are cost-effective for long-term cannabis users.2. Legal Protection
With a medical marijuana card, your cannabis purchases, possessions, and usage are legal, well-documented, and protected under the state’s medical law, thereby providing you with legal backing. For many patients, this peace of mind alone is worth the cost. Always follow your state’s marijuana laws. Breaking medical marijuana laws can lead to penalties, criminal charges, or revocation of your medical card.3. High-Quality Products
Medical dispensaries sell more than simply cannabis; they are selling treatment options. This means that the marijuana products that you purchase from state-licensed dispensaries have undergone rigorous lab testing and are duly labeled (clearly showing THC and CBD content). These products are formulated keeping specific conditions like pain, anxiety, nausea, etc., in mind. And this level of reliability is hard to replicate outside of a regulated medical system.4. Access to Medical Guidance
A qualified medical marijuana doctor can help you determine the appropriate dosage, cannabis products, and safe consumption methods. Instead of relying on trial and error or advice from strangers online, you’ll be guided by qualified professionals who understand both cannabis and your condition. That support alone can make marijuana use safer and more effective.Who Qualifies for a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida?
Medical marijuana isn’t just for everyone. You need to fulfill certain criteria, which include:- You must be a permanent or seasonal resident of Florida.
- Must be 18 years or older (exceptions apply to minors).
- Must have a qualifying medical condition.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card?
First, you need to schedule an in-person appointment with a state-licensed physician. He will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and decide whether or not your condition qualifies for medical marijuana. If he deems you eligible, he will then enter your details in the medical marijuana use registry (MMUR). Once entered in MMUR, you have to upload the required documents (proof of residency, a passport-style photo, or a DMV photo if it matches) and pay the application fee ($77.5 in Florida). Your application will then be reviewed by the Florida Department of Health. If approved, you will receive your medical marijuana card by mail.Medical Marijuana Card vs Recreational Cannabis
| Aspect | Medical Marijuana Card | Recreational Cannabis |
| Use | Used to manage or treat medical conditions. | Personal or recreational usage |
| Access Requirements | Requires a doctor’s evaluation and state registration. | 21+ adults in states where recreational marijuana usage is legal |
| Legal Protection | Stronger legal protections for registered patients. | Fewer legal protections and lower possession limits. |
| Medical Guidance | Access to certified medical professionals who can guide on appropriate dosages, products, and treatment plans. | No medical oversight. |
| Taxes | Tax-exempt or subject to a reduced tax rate. | Subject to several local and state taxes (15 to 40%) |
| Initial Cost | High upfront fee, including doctor evaluation and state application fees. | No doctor evaluation or state application fees |
| Overall Cost | Despite annual card fees, long-term costs are often lower because cannabis taxes are either lower or nonexistent. | Prices are typically higher due to sales and excise taxes. |
| Who Can Qualify | Patients with qualifying conditions | Restricted to adults only (18 or 21 plus, depending upon the state) |
Get Marijuana legally with a Medical Marijuana Card
A medical marijuana card is worth the cost for regular users, owing to large tax savings, access to a broader selection of potent products, and enhanced legal protection. However, for occasional recreational users, the cost of the card may not exceed the convenience of adult-use dispensaries. If you want to connect to the best doctors in Florida, My Florida Green is here to help. My Florida Green assists patients with everything from initial evaluations to renewals, with certified medical marijuana doctors who understand both cannabis and the patients’ needs. With offices in many convenient locations around Florida, including Naples, Melbourne, Jacksonville, St. Petersburg, Hialeah, Sarasota, and Fort Myers, My Florida Green makes the process pretty straightforward, supportive, and transparent, allowing you to focus on your health rather than paperwork.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the benefits of having a medical marijuana card?
Benefits of an MMJ card include lower cannabis costs, legal protection, access to medical-grade products, increased purchase limits, and physician oversight.
How much money can I save with a card vs buying illegally or recreationally?
Studies show that medical patients can save up to 40% on cannabis each year, primarily by avoiding taxes and taking advantage of dispensary discounts.
Do the benefits outweigh the costs?
Yes, the benefits often outweigh the costs in the long run for regular users and patients with chronic conditions.
