MEDICAL MARIJUANA QUALIFYING CONDITIONS
Learning how to get a medical marijuana card in Florida is intimidating for some people, but it’s actually a lot easier than you might think. The program has already been open for a while now, which has given doctors and clinics plenty of time to streamline their processes. Only certain people can qualify for a medical marijuana card in Florida, though, so it’s important to meet with a doctor and determine if you meet the qualifying conditions.
People have turned to medicinal cannabis to address all kinds of different health reasons, and scientists are constantly turning out more research about this treatment. Since Amendment 2 passed in 2017, Florida residents have been able to follow the research and buy medical marijuana for certain conditions. Products can choose products that contain THC, CBD, or both, including smokable cannabis flower, marijuana edibles, and concentrates. Many patients combine multiple products as they look for the best way to maximize their wellness. Before you can visit a dispensary in Florida and select your products, though, you’ll have to get your medical marijuana card.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida?
There are certain conditions you must meet in addition to a diagnosis with one of the qualifying conditions. For example, to qualify for a medical marijuana card in Florida, you must be a Florida resident. Full-time Florida residents qualify, and part-time Florida residents may qualify as long as certain residency thresholds are satisfied. The potential patient must also be at least 18 years of age or have parental consent.
Next, all you have to do is schedule an appointment with your doctor. Bring your medical records from your primary physician when you visit the marijuana doctor. If you can’t access your medical records, mention that to the patient care team when you set up your medical marijuana doctor appointment. The licensed cannabis physician will be able to determine if you meet the requirements to qualify for medical marijuana in Florida.
Main Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Florida
When State Amendment 2 Passed here in Florida in 2017, it outlined nine key medical conditions that qualify for medical marijuana. The following conditions have been deemed terminal or debilitating enough that patients diagnosed with these will qualify for medical marijuana:
- ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
- Cancer
- Chrohn’s Disease
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/ AIDS
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson’s Disease
- PTSD
Other Qualifying Conditions in Florida
If you don’t see anything on the list above that’s relevant to your situation, don’t get disheartened. Florida’s Amendment 2 also opens the door for patients with similar conditions that could be considered diagnosable, debilitating, and in the same general category as those listed above. Talk to a Board Certified Doctor to determine if you have a condition that may qualify you for a medical marijuana card in Florida.
Some of the other conditions that could qualify, pending a diagnosis from a doctor, include the following:
- ADHD
- Alzheimer’s
- Anorexia
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Asperger Syndrome
- Autism
- Chronic Pain
- Cerebral Palsy
- Chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy Side Effects
- Dementia
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Diverticulitis
- Fibromyalgia
- Essential Tremors
- Hepatitis C
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS)
- Lupus
- Neuropathy
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Psoriasis
- Restless Leg Syndrome
- Seizures
- Lyme Disease
- Migraines or Severe and Persistent Headaches
- Muscle Spasms
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Nausea
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Tourette’s Syndrome
- Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
- Vertigo
How Do I Know if My Condition Will Qualify for MMJ in Florida?
- Schedule your appointment. You must be a Florida resident or seasonal resident to be eligible. You also must be at least 18 years of age or have the consent of your legal guardian.
- Bring medical records from your primary care physician when you meet with your medical marijuana doctor in Fort Lauderdale. If you don’t have a primary care doctor or don’t know how to get your records, reach out to us for guidance.
- Show up on the day of your appointment for an in-person exam with the physician. This is when you’ll find out if your condition qualifies for medical marijuana in Florida.
- If the doctor decides to make a recommendation for medical marijuana, they or their staff will enter you into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry.
- Submit an application for your Registry Identification Card once your doctor has you in the registry. This is your official medical marijuana card for Florida, and applying is convenient.
- You’ll receive a temporary medical marijuana card online immediately after your application is approved, and the physical medical marijuana card will be mailed to you shortly after.
- As soon as you have your temporary card, you can visit a Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (medical marijuana dispensary) in Florida.
- Keep your card by getting it re-certified every 30 weeks so it doesn’t expire.
What Happens After I Get Approved by a Doctor?
After you follow the process above, you’re ready to purchase medical marijuana in Florida. Your doctor and their patient care staff will tell you everything you need to know about buying cannabis in Florida:
- They’ll make sure you know how to find a dispensary in Fort Lauderdale and what to expect from the dispensary experience.
- They’ll talk to you about different products, how much you can purchase, and the types of medical marijuana products that are most appropriate for your condition.
- You can talk to your doctor about products with CBD, THC, or both.
- If you’re unsure, ask your doctor about how much of a given medical marijuana product you should consume.
- Where can you have medical marijuana in Florida?
- Your cannabis doctor and their patient care staff are up to date with the latest medical marijuana laws in Florida, so they can help answer any other questions you may have.
Get Your Medical Marijuana Card in Fort Lauderdale
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