Licensing Software for Doctors in November 2016
I licensed the software to a few doctors in November 2016 and began working with patients by connecting them with doctors licensed to incorporate medical marijuana into their care plans. At that time, Florida law governing the use of medical marijuana was included under the “Compassionate Care Act,” a law meant for “terminally ill” patients.
The Challenges of the Compassionate Use Registry
At that time, a doctor had to document an established relationship with a patient for at least 90 days before the patient could be listed on the Compassionate Use Registry. I have seen first-hand the frustration of patients due to this cumbersome process. Most of these patients were at the end of life and suffering considerably from symptoms that could have been eased by medical marijuana. Some gained access, but many did not, as they took their last breath during the waiting period.
Overcoming Stigma and Misconceptions
The current law was implemented out of fear of the unknown and an enduring stigma from the disastrous “War on Drugs.” Unfortunately, it’s people who could benefit from medical marijuana who pay the price. At the same time, society and lawmakers are beginning to understand that cannabis can not only treat a condition but also help a patient heal.
A Personal Connection with Patients
I established a deep, personal connection with the patients, extending beyond typical professional boundaries. It filled me with motivation to help as best I could. I wanted not only to help them get what they needed but also to help them improve their quality of life. The progress I witnessed was incredible, so I went all in.
A Personal Reflection on Cannabis
Cannabis was never a thing for me. I used it a couple dozen times in my 42 years in casual settings, but I never really enjoyed the feeling. THC – the plant’s psychoactive compound – disagrees with me. Having seen first-hand the effect medical marijuana can have on some people who are very sick, I’m grateful that I didn’t let my personal experience with cannabis hinder my ability to recognize that it truly is a medicinal plant.
Building on Initial Success with New Platforms
The software I launched in 2016 is now in the past. I’ve built three more platforms since then, including an app for patients to control their profile and monitor progress. The data my team has gathered from patients and healthcare professionals has proven invaluable.
My Florida Green: A Revolutionary Patient Management Platform
My Florida Green is a patient management platform licensed to compassionate physicians who believe in cannabis as a medicinal alternative. It provides a tool that allows them to facilitate patient engagement, prescribing, and follow-up.
The software is also intended for patient use to improve their ability to properly document their response to treatment and better communicate with their physician. Physicians and patients are provided with a robust set of tools and applications that meet their specific needs and improve their contact and collaboration in the patient’s care.
