If you’re interested in medical marijuana laws in Florida, you should know that it all comes down to state Amendment 2. Before this, the only cannabis allowed was low in THC and high in CBD, and even that was only accessible to a very small group of people. Now, thanks to the passing of Amendment 2, many more people have access to medical marijuana. In addition to the availability of cannabis for more medical conditions, it’s also possible to obtain medical marijuana containing significant THC levels.
Have Questions About Florida Medical Marijuana Law?
Take advantage of Florida’s Medical Marijuana Program and get access to quality cannabis products that can help you manage a variety of health conditions. Our dispensaries offer a wide range of products that are fully compliant with the Medical Cannabis Act and are specifically designed to treat qualifying conditions.
WHAT AMENDMENT 2 DOES FOR FLORIDA MEDICAL MARIJUANA LAWS?
There have been numerous pieces of legislature called Amendment 2 in Florida, which may be confusing for some. The Amendment 2 we’re talking about here was approved by voters on November 8, 2016, which is why it’s also referred to as the 2016 Florida Amendment 2. Now that we’ve cleared that up, you’re ready to dig deeper into the origin of medical marijuana in Florida.
This constitutional amendment, which was voted on and passed, legalized the use of medical cannabis beyond the previous law. As you may recall, the previous law limited access to a very small group of individuals and limited the products to those that were low in THC. Amendment 2 opened the door to cannabis with high THC levels and made it accessible to a whole range of patients with various medical conditions. These conditions include the following:
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- PTSD
- HIV or AIDS
- Conditions related to aging
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Crohn’s Disease
With one of those conditions, a patient can receive a certified doctor’s recommendation that they are permitted to purchase, possess, and consume medical marijuana. You don’t even necessarily have to be diagnosed with one of the conditions above to be considered eligible for medical marijuana. A medical marijuana doctor in Florida may also recommend that you be permitted to use medical cannabis for debilitating conditions that are of a similar kind or class to any of the ones listed above. You can find more information about potential qualifying conditions here.
WHAT IS THE MEDICAL MARIJUANA USE REGISTRY?
The Florida MMU (short for Medical Marijuana Use Registry) is the online database created to keep track of everyone approved for medical marijuana in Florida. In addition to these qualified patients, it also contains all of the registered medical marijuana doctors in Florida. Only the Office of Medical Marijuana Use staff, law enforcement members, dispensary staff, and certified physicians can access this database.
It might be surprising to you that law enforcement professionals can access the database. They’re not involved in approving people for medical cannabis or distributing medical cannabis like the rest of the people listed are. The reason law enforcement officers are included is to determine if a patient is legally permitted to have access to cannabis.
HOW TO GET MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN FLORIDA?
The process for receiving medical marijuana in Florida involves several steps. You can find complete information about getting qualified for medical marijuana in Florida here, but we’ll also run through some of the basics below:
- The first step is to set up your evaluation appointment for medical marijuana. This is what starts the whole process, so some people find that intimidating. The truth is, though, that the rest of the process is straightforward after you do this. That’s because, as soon as you contact our office, our patient care team will guide you the rest of the way. Simply reach out to start the conversation, and we’ll help you along from there.
- Next, you’ll need to gather your medical records. If you’re not sure how to do this, or if you don’t have a primary care physician, just let us know. We’ll be able to answer all of your questions about this stage and make sure you’re ready.
- Now comes the big step. It’s time for your medical marijuana consultation. Make sure you show up on time and bring your medical records on the day of your appointment to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Your doctor will review everything with you and talk to you about the conditions that may qualify you to become a medical marijuana patient. If your doctor decides that you aren’t eligible for medical marijuana, this is where the process ends. If your doctor determines that you do qualify for MMJ in Florida, though, it’s time to proceed to the next steps.
- This is where things get exciting. Your doctor will register you in the Florida MMU, and you’ll receive a temporary version of your Florida MMJ card almost immediately. All you’ll have to do is apply for your Registry Identification Card (your MMJ card) and pay the associated application fee of $75. You’ll get your permanent card in the mail not too long after.
- Buy medical marijuana in Florida. You did it! You have your card, and now you’re ready to visit the patient care centers (which some may refer to as medical dispensaries in Florida). Just make sure you don’t forget about the next step when it’s time.
- Renew your card. Your Florida medical marijuana card must be renewed every 30 weeks, so it doesn’t expire. This process is simple, and your Florida MMJ doctor or the patient care staff will make sure you know what you have to do.
TYPES OF PRODUCTS ALLOWED UNDER FLORIDA MMJ LAWS
One of the most significant changes to Florida marijuana laws since 2016 has to do with the types of products available. At first, medical marijuana patients only had access to the following:
- Cannabis Concentrates: These cannabis products are simple to use with a vaporizer or inhaler. They’re usually administered in cartridges that make it easy to consume measured doses. Make sure you’re choosing options that match what your doctor recommended for the best experience.
- Marijuana Topicals: If you only want to apply cannabis to one specific part of your body, or maybe a few different parts, cannabis topicals are the products for you. These rubs are designed to penetrate your skin and reach the joints, muscles, and other tissue below. They’re popularly applied to areas like the hands, knees, and lower back.
- Tinctures and Cannabis Oils: Typically administered in dropper bottles, it’s easy to get a precise amount of your choice when you buy cannabis tinctures. Mix it with food or drink, or put it straight under your tongue.
- Capsules: Cannabis capsules or soft gels make it as simple as swallowing a pill.
Since then, smokable flowers and edibles have both been added to the mix. Cannabis flower is a classic way to enjoy the plant, which makes it popular among many people. Edibles are also in high demand since they taste so great and make the cannabis routine fun.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN FORT LAUDERDALE
If you have any other questions about the latest Florida marijuana laws, feel free to contact Nature’s Greenhouse at any time.
Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is happy to answer all of your questions and walk you through the entire process.
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