Since the lelgaization of Marijuana in Florida, many patients suffering from symptoms of cancer and side effects of its treatment are seeking relief from Cannabis. Many new patients who don’t know about the healing potential of Marijuana want to know if ” People use cannabis for cancer in Florida?” People looking for alternative therapies for managing their debilitating cancer symptoms are curious to find out how they can use Marijuana legally.
The state of Florida has developed and implemented a structured Marijuana certification process and guidelines for users, but these laws can still confuse some. This article gives details of the legalities surrounding the medicinal use of Marijuana and explores the legal aspects of cannabis for cancer in Florida.
Schedule your appointment today for Medical Marijuana Card in Florida with My Florida Green’s certified doctors.
Legal Status of Cannabis for Cancer in Florida
In 2016, voters approved a constitutional amendment that essentially stated, “Medical marijuana should be accessible if it benefits people. The Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) was given the full regulatory authority. They developed a method to monitor physicians, patients, and medical marijuana dispensaries. This allows for the safe use of Marijuana.
Wondering if a cancer patient is eligible for medical marijuana legally? Cancer is clearly listed as one of the qualifying conditions. There’s no argument. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you are already on the state’s qualifying conditions list.
Is Medical Marijuana Actually Legal for Cancer?
The short answer is “Yes.” However, every cancer patient who wants to use Marijuana must complete the state’s medical marijuana program.P eople misinterpret the term “legal” to mean that they can take everything they want from any source, and it will be legal. Florida safeguards patients who:
- Consult an approved doctor.
- Register with the state system.
- Buy from licensed dispensaries.
- Follow the dosing rules.
Stick to those, and you’ll be covered by state law. It is worth mentioning that Florida permits the use of medical marijuana for cancer, but marijuana remains illegal under federal law.
It is still categorized as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Federal Controlled Substances Act.
So, using medical marijuana on federal premises or its interstate transport is still a big “No.”
How Does Medical Marijuana Help with Cancer?
Many cancer patients have reported that medical marijuana helped them treat the side effects of chemotherapy. It helped them reduce nausea, prevent vomiting, boost appetite, alleviate pain, and reduce anxiety.
Early clinical studies also suggest that medical marijuana is an effective option for nausea and vomiting. The active compounds present in marijuana, especially THC and CBD, interact with the endocannabinoid system of the body and regulate the signals responsible for nausea and vomiting.
You might be asking, “What is the endocannabinoid system?” So, ECS is a messenger and receptor system that plays a major role in homeostasis. It regulates mood, appetite, pain, and more. And in the case of marijuana, it is the CB1 and CB2 receptors that the cannabinoids interact with.
Thus, THC and CBD regulate nausea by interacting with the brain and gut receptors responsible for vomiting and digestive discomfort.
Therefore, while medical marijuana cannot cure cancer, it can help manage some of its symptoms.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card for Cancer?
This is the portion that many overthink, but once you walk through it, it’s actually quite simple.
The process starts by checking whether or not you are eligible for a medical marijuana card. Follow this simple criterion to understand if you qualify:
- You must be a permanent or seasonal resident of Florida.
- Must be 18 years or older (exceptions are there for minors).
- Must have a qualifying medical condition.
If you fulfill the requirements, it’s time to set up an appointment with a certified medical marijuana doctor. During your appointment, they review your medical history and discuss your symptoms.
If you qualify, the doctor will provide you with a state-required recommendation.
He will then enter your information and requisite documents in the Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR) along with his recommendation confirming your qualifying condition.
At the time of application submission, you’ll have to pay a $75 application fee to the state.
After payment, your application will be reviewed by the Florida Department of Health. If approved, you will receive your medical marijuana card by mail. You can then buy from any of the state-licensed dispensaries.
Medical Marijuana Qualifying Conditions in Florida
According to the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU), the following are the medical marijuana qualifying conditions in Florida:
- Chronic pain
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- Epilepsy
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Crohn’s disease
- HIV/AIDS
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Health issues that are similar in nature or severity to the qualifying conditions already recognized by Florida’s medical marijuana program.
What Types of Cannabis Can Cancer Patients Use?
Florida medical marijuana laws permit the use of a variety of marijuana products as recommended by the doctor, including edibles, tinctures, and smokable cannabis flowers.
If you are thinking, “Wow, that’s a lot of options,” you are not wrong. Each of us is built differently, so there isn’t a “one size fits all” option. Some swear by tinctures, while others benefit from edibles to improve their appetite.
The law also regulates how much patients can buy in a certain time frame, which is typically 35 or 70 days.
Don’t know how to legally buy and use cannabis for cancer in Florida? Reach out to My Florida Green today. They can help you connect to a qualified state-certified medical marijuana doctor and get your medical marijuana card without any hassle.
It is important to take Marijuana legally.
Medical marijuana for cancer is not about miracle cures or outrageous claims. It is about softening the harsh edges of treatment in a way that is both manageable and legal. And, despite its difficulties, Florida has created a framework that allows patients to investigate cannabis as a legitimate part of their treatment.
If anything, the system is more approachable than individuals realize. The pillars consist of a doctor visit, some paperwork, and regular follow-ups. Once you grasp them, everything else becomes much less intimidating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
1. Is medical marijuana legal for cancer treatment in Florida?
Yes, cancer is officially recognized as a qualifying condition under Florida law.
2. How can cancer patients obtain a medical marijuana card in Florida?
A cancer patient needs to set up an appointment with a qualified physician and get added to the Medical Marijuana Use Registry. Then, the patient must provide all personal and health details and pay the application fee. Once approved, cancer patients can purchase cannabis products from state-licensed dispensaries.
3. Are there any restrictions on using cannabis for cancer care in Florida?
There are some restrictions on using cannabis for cancer care in Florida. Restrictions include possession limits, public use, no driving under the influence, and more.
