Getting a medical marijuana card in Florida is pretty simple and straightforward; however, many patients find that their application has been denied. Even when you have consulted a state-certified doctor, who has given you a recommendation, and you have filled out the application carefully, you still find that your application was not approved.
It’s both frustrating and confusing. You may start asking yourself, ‘What did I miss? ‘ or ‘How do I fix it? ‘You must remember that you must meet all the requirements set by the State. A small misinformation or incomplete documentation may lead to delays or the denial of your Florida MMJ card by the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU).
However, it’s not the end of your options. Application denials are uncommon, but they do happen. The good news? In most cases, the mistakes are minor and can be easily corrected.
That’s why it is necessary to understand why an application might be rejected and what steps you should take next to get a medical marijuana card in Florida. This article will look at the most common reasons MMJ card applications get denied and what you can do about them.
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6 Top reasons for Florida MMJ Card Denial.
Let’s not waste any more time and look at the reasons behind medical marijuana card denial in Florida.
1. You don’t have a qualifying condition.
Every state with a medical marijuana program has a list of qualifying conditions. You must have one of those conditions in order to get a doctor’s recommendation. If you don’t have a qualifying condition, you are not eligible for an MMJ card in Florida.
2. You don’t meet the legal age limit.
Another reason people are denied an MMJ card is because of age. You must be at least 18 or older. Minors can also apply, but only with the written consent of a parent or guardian.
3. Medical marijuana might not be good for you.
You went through the list of qualifying conditions for a medical card in Florida, applied, and still got denied. That’s because your doctor didn’t find medical marijuana treatment suitable for you.
The doctor may think that your current treatment or another option would be more effective and safer, even if you feel that cannabis could help. According to Florida law, the doctor has the final say.
4. Pregnancy or breastfeeding
A medical marijuana card can be rejected if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The reason is the limited research on how cannabis may affect fetal and infant development.
Some states make it clear that medical cannabis shouldn’t be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. And in states where it’s not explicitly mentioned, certified medical marijuana doctors play it safe and don’t recommend it for pregnant or nursing patients.
5. Incorrect or incomplete information on the application:
Mistakes on the application form can lead to delays or denial of your MMJ card application. Some common reasons are:
- Missing details
- Incorrect information
- Invalid documents
- Missing signatures in the doctor’s recommendation
The application is the official record that the state uses to approve your card. A minor mistake here may lead to your card denial. It is recommended to double-check your application and documents before submitting them to avoid errors.
6. You have a history of substance abuse.
Patient safety is the priority of every doctor. A physician may not recommend medical marijuana for patients who have a history of abusing alcohol, prescription drugs, or illegal substances.
However, it varies from state to state. It is best if you stay honest with your doctor about your medical and substance use history. If you’re in recovery, bring your progress reports to the doctor.
What to do if your Medical Marijuana Card gets denied?
Let’s say your medical marijuana card gets denied. What now? Is it the end? Definitely not. Here is what you should do if your application doesn’t get approved:
1. Get a second opinion
You must get a second opinion from a different provider if your medical card application is denied. Sometimes, a medical judgment is the only reason behind a card denial. You must bring all relevant medical history, past and current, with a list of medications to your appointment. It’s important that the doctor has all the information before they can make an informed decision.
2. Correct errors
Sometimes, even minor mistakes like name not matching or spelling mistakes can cause errors leading to denials. Check your application carefully, and reapply.
3. Explore other treatments
If your card is still denied, even after a second opinion and correction of any errors, you should consider alternative treatment options. Being denied twice is tough, but it doesn’t mean there are no options. Medical marijuana may not be the safest and most effective treatment for your condition. Explore other options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would a medical marijuana card be denied?
A medical marijuana card might not get approved if you:
- Don’t have a qualifying medical condition
- Don’t meet age requirements
- Are you pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a health condition that makes marijuana unsafe
- Make errors in the application.
- Have a history of substance abuse
What do I say to get my medical card in Florida?
You don’t have to misrepresent anything. Be honest and clear with your doctor. Explain your symptoms, what you feel, and how cannabis may help you improve your day-to-day life. To improve the chances of medical marijuana carTo improve the chances of receiving medical marijuana approval, please bring all necessary documents and health records with you.
