Medical Marijuana in Florida: Your Complete Guide to Cards, Doctors & Treatment

Is Medical marijuana in Florida? Is it legal to use? Can you consider it to treat your health condition? How can you buy cannabis in Florida? These questions, and many others like them, are common among people who are considering medical cannabis treatment for the first time.

If you have these or similar questions, don’t worry. We have developed a complete guide to raise awareness among patients on the laws and use of medical marijuana in Florida. 

Legal Status of Medical Marijuana in Florida

Medical marijuana is legal in Florida. After an unsuccessful attempt to legalize it in 2014, another attempt was made in 2016. 

Medical marijuana became legal in Florida after voters approved Constitutional Amendment 2. According to Amendment 2, a patient can buy and use medical cannabis after getting a recommendation from certified Florida marijuana doctors.

Some of the common methods of cannabis consumption are:

• Smoking
• Vaporization
• Sublingual
• Ingestion
• Topicals
• Suppositories

Bear in mind that you must use the consumption method recommended by your Florida medical marijuana doctor. You don’t have the option to choose any method.

Florida statute restricts specific methods of consuming medical cannabis. These prohibited methods include:

• Injections
• Home-grown cannabis
• Cannabis products bought outside Florida’s licensed MMTCs.

Who Can Get a Florida Medical Marijuana Card: Conditions and Requirements

It is necessary to know that not everyone can get a Florida cannabis card. A patient must meet the following requirements to qualify for the same-day medical marijuana card:

• Must be a seasonal or permanent Florida resident.
• Age must be above 18. Minors need a recommendation from two state-certified physicians.
• Must be diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.

Have you ever wondered what the qualifying conditions are for a medical card in Florida? Some of the explicitly listed health conditions are:

• Cancer
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Crohn’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Here, we want you to understand that these are not the only approved conditions for an MMJ card. Florida law also allows the use of medical marijuana for:

• Similar or comparable conditions to the ones explicitly listed
• Terminal conditions diagnosed by a physician other than the certifying doctor
• Chronic non-cancer pain that results from a qualifying condition and lasts beyond its usual course

Don’t see your condition listed? Book an appointment with a state-certified Florida marijuana doctor to understand if you qualify.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida: Step-by-Step Process

The first step is often the hardest. Many patients considering medical cannabis treatment in Florida are unsure where to start. Questions like: What does the process of getting a medical marijuana card in Florida look like? What should a patient expect? always remain at the top of their head.

Here is a step-by-step guide explaining how a patient can obtain a Florida medical marijuana card:

1. Book an Appointment

Start the process by booking an appointment with a certified medical marijuana physician in Florida. You can also contact us at 239-350-0266 to set up an in-person evaluation.

The doctor will evaluate your symptoms, review your medical history and previous treatment plans, and determine if you qualify for medical cannabis treatment in Florida.

2. Registering in the Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR)

If the Florida marijuana doctor finds that marijuana could help your condition, they will provide you with a state-required recommendation. 

The doctor will also enter your details in the Medical Marijuana Use Registry. If you have a caregiver, their information will also be entered in the registry. You will receive two emails from the Office of Medical Marijuana Use, one containing your “username” and the other with a temporary password.

3. Complete the Application

Gather and upload all the required medical reports and documents. Fill in all the necessary information on the application form. 

Make sure the information is accurate and complete. Incomplete or incorrect information may lead to card denials or delays. Apply and pay the application fee to complete the process.

4. Wait for Approval

The application approval takes 10 business days. You will receive your temporary medical marijuana card via email and a permanent one at your mailing address.

You are all set after the approval. Now, you can buy cannabis through licensed Florida dispensaries using your marijuana card. Keep in mind that your medical marijuana certification is valid for 210 days. After that period, you must visit your doctor for certification renewal.

How much does a medical marijuana card cost in Florida?

Patients often ask about the cost of getting a Florida medical marijuana card. Whether it’s uncertainty, comparing prices, or avoiding unexpected expenses, here’s what you can expect to pay:

The Florida state application fee is $75, with an additional $2.75 for online submissions. This fee goes directly to the state. The cost charged by medical marijuana treatment centers (MMTCs) is separate and varies by provider.

At My Florida Green, we charge $169 for first-time patients. For existing patients who want to switch doctors, the fee is $149, and $99 for recertifications.

Where can you find certified Florida marijuana doctors?

Are you in search of certified medical marijuana doctors in Florida? My Florida Green can connect you with a doctor who helps you walk through the complete process of getting a medical marijuana card in Florida.

Our doctors are compassionate advocates for medical marijuana. They understand what patients go through because they have lived it themselves. We don’t just look in and pass on to the next patient. The doctors at My Florida Green are attentive, take the necessary time to understand each patient’s condition, and recommend the most effective treatment.

You can find us at different locations across Florida, including Melbourne, Sarasota, Jacksonville, Naples, Fort Myers, and St. Petersburg.

Florida Medical Marijuana Patient Laws

Never think that having a medical marijuana card means you can possess unlimited amounts or consume it anywhere. You cannot. Doing so can create legal problems for you. 

Here’s what you need to know about Florida medical marijuana laws, particularly about possession limits and where you can legally use it.

Medical Cannabis Possession Limits

• Cardholders can purchase up to 2.5 ounces every 35 days.
• Total possession cannot exceed 4 ounces at any time.
• Patients may have up to 24,500 mg of THC for a 70-day supply, depending on their doctor’s recommendation.

If you possess medical marijuana beyond the legal limits, you could face fines, suspension of your medical card, or even imprisonment.

Where you can and cannot use medical marijuana in Florida

Florida law allows the use of medical marijuana at home or on private property. You cannot use it in public, including on public transportation, on streets, on sidewalks, in workplaces, or while driving.

Get your Marijuana Card Today 

We have tried covering everything a patient needs to know, from Florida laws and qualifying conditions to certification steps. You can learn about the legal status of cannabis, who qualifies, and how to get a Florida medical marijuana card.

You must have a medical marijuana certification before buying marijuana from dispensaries. And that’s exactly where My Florida Green steps in. We educate patients and walk them through the complete process of obtaining a card in Florida.

Ready to start your journey toward a healthier you? Schedule your medical marijuana evaluation appointment now!