Florida’s capital city is Tallahassee. Some of its famous sites are St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and the Antique Car Museum. Aside from these tourist spots, the city is also known for Florida’s Department of Health.
Ever since medical marijuana was legalized in November 2016, Florida’s Health Department became busy with implementing guidelines regarding the use and administration of the drug. Based on statistics from the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU), there are now 333,810 qualified patients as of April 2020. All of whom already have a medical marijuana card in Florida. This card allows them to purchase medical marijuana legally from designated dispensaries.
If you are suffering from a medical condition and are interested to know more about getting one for yourself, here are some things you should consider.
The Card Is Approved Only for Specific Illnesses
First of all, your medical condition should be on the list of qualifying conditions. In Florida, the following are some of the illnesses that are qualified:
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV
- Parkinson’s disease
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Crohn’s disease
- Several types of Cancer
To get an updated list, check the OMMU website.
The medical marijuana card in Florida will show personal details like the patient’s name and ID, address, birth date, card issuance and expiration dates, and caregiver’s name, if any.
However, the card does not show the illness for reasons of privacy. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) created policies to ensure the confidentiality and security of health-related information.
You Need To Submit Documentation
If your medical condition is on the list, you will need the following documents in applying for a medical marijuana card in Florida:
- Patient Attestation Form or Consent Form
- Valid IDs like a driver’s license or passport
- Proof of age
Applicants should be 18 years and above. However, if the patient is a minor, there are additional requirements – recommendations from two doctors and the consent of the minor’s legal guardian.
- Proof of being a residency in Florida
You can submit your Florida driver’s license, voter’s card, or any recent utility bill and bank records showing your name and address. However, if you are a seasonal resident of Florida, bring along your property deed or lease contract.
- Medical records
- Passport ID photos
Make sure that the photo clearly shows your entire face.
A Doctor Will Interview You
Only doctors who passed the required training in Florida are certified to evaluate applicants. Also known as medical marijuana (MMJ) doctors, they will check your documents, evaluate your medical condition, and answer any questions about marijuana treatments. They will also ask for your medical history and look at laboratory results, if necessary.
Other states allow certification through telemedicine. However, in Florida, the patient has to be physically present in the same room as the doctor before a medical marijuana card can be issued.
You can check Florida’s OMMU website for a list of certified physicians. The site will also show whether the doctor’s MMJ license is still active. Avoid doctors that are under disciplinary action or have evidence of public complaints.
Your Details Should Be Accurate
Once the doctor approves your application, the next step is to encode your details into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry.
An important tip: Make sure that your name and address exactly match what shows in the Registry. Otherwise, dispensaries will not allow you to purchase.
In Florida, the medical marijuana card is only valid for 210 days. You will need a recertification every 70 days. However, you can consult a certified doctor online to ensure that your card stays valid.
