As more patients are turning towards Marijuana for their health issues, the need to have a large network of certified doctors is increasing. All patients who want to use Marijuana for their health conditions must see a state-certified doctor. Only Certified Medical Marijuana doctors can determine a patient’s eligibility and give them a recommendation for using Cannabis. With the expansion of medical marijuana programs, you might also be thinking, “What’s the difference between a medical marijuana doctor and a regular doctor?”.
On the surface level, they both are physicians, but for medical marijuana patients, the distinction truly matters. This article explores the legal, procedural, and practical differences between regular and Medical Marijuana doctors.
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Medical Marijuana Doctor vs. Regular Doctor
The basic difference between an MMJ doctor and a regular doctor lies in their authority to recommend Marijuana to a patient.
A medical marijuana doctor is a licensed physician who is authorized to prescribe medical marijuana after a patient evaluation.
On the other hand, a regular doctor or physician cannot prescribe marijuana the way they prescribe other drugs.
Thus, both the medical marijuana and the regular doctor are qualified to practice medicine. However, the MMJ doctor has added expertise in cannabis based medicine.
Key Differences between an MMJ Doctor and a Regular Doctor
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Who Qualifies as a Certified Medical Marijuana Doctor in Florida?
To become a certified medical marijuana doctor in Florida, you must have an unrestricted medical license, complete a specific 2-hour course, and pass the subsequent examination offered by the Florida Medical Association (FMA) or the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association (FOMA).
Remember, you have to repeat this 2-hour course and exam every 2 years to maintain certification.
Now, once you complete the course and the subsequent exam, you will be entered into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR) by the state, and you can start assessing patients with qualifying conditions.
According to Florida Statutes section 381.986, a qualified physician may not be employed by or have any direct or indirect economic interest in a medical marijuana treatment center or marijuana testing laboratory.
Can a regular doctor without a Marijuana License prescribe Marijuana?
No, a regular doctor cannot prescribe medical marijuana as it’s still classified as a Schedule I Substance under federal law. You must see a state-certified Marijuana doctor to determine your eligibility and to get a tailored prescription.
Marijuana has the potential to affect people differently, so the patient must take the right strain in the right potency that suits them. Regular doctors who are not trained in Marijuana cannot determine which strain will be useful for which symptom. Hence, regular doctors cannot prescribe Marijuana without completing training and certification.
How can a Patient Receive Medical Marijuana?
Every patient who wants to use Marijuana for medicinal purposes must complete a Marijuana certification. The first step is to get evaluated by a certified medical marijuana doctor. If you get diagnosed with a medical marijuana qualifying condition, your physician will enter your information in the Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR).
Once registered, you can apply for your medical marijuana card. Once approved, you can purchase marijuana products from any of the licensed dispensaries in Florida.
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What are the qualifying conditions for Medical Marijuana in Florida?
The qualifying conditions for an MMJ card in Florida include:
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Crohn’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Beyond these explicitly mentioned conditions, Florida law also allows for the medical conditions of the same kind or class, or those comparable to the listed conditions.
How to get a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida?
The process starts by checking whether you are eligible for a medical marijuana card. The criterion is rather simple:
- 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. If you qualify, the doctor will provide you with a state-required recommendation.
Your medical marijuana doctor will then enter your information in the Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR) and required documents, including your Florida driving license or state ID, proof of Florida residency (e.g., utility bill, lease, etc.), a recent passport-size photo, and the doctor’s 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.
Still confused about how to get a medical marijuana card in Florida? Our in-depth guide will surely be helpful.
Taking Medical Marijuana with legal guidance
The key difference between an MMJ doctor and a regular doctor lies in the fact that the former can prescribe medical marijuana to patients with qualifying conditions, while the latter can’t.
Medical marijuana certification in Florida requires possessing an unrestricted medical license, completing a specific 2-hour course, and passing the subsequent examination offered by the Florida Medical Association (FMA) or the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association (FOMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why see a MMJ Doctor instead of a Regular Doctor?
Only a registered MMJ doctor can legally certify you in the state registry and issue a recommendation for obtaining medical marijuana from a state-licensed dispensary.
Do I need a special doctor for medical marijuana in Florida?
Yes, you need a certified medical marijuana doctor who has completed the 2-hour course, passed the subsequent exam of FMA or FOMA, and is registered with the Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR).
Can my primary care doctor prescribe medical marijuana in Florida?
They cannot prescribe medical marijuana unless they have completed the mandatory training and registered to issue recommendations in the Medical Marijuana Use Registry.
