Florida's medical marijuana law allows qualified patients to use marijuana for the treatment of certain medical conditions. The law was signed into effect in 2016 and has since been expanded to include more qualifying conditions and allow for more methods of administration.
This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about Florida's medical marijuana law, including:
Who is eligible for a medical marijuana card in Florida?
florida medical marijuanas law
Here are 10 important points about Florida's medical marijuana law:
- Qualifying conditions: Cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, and more
- Registration: Patients must register with the state and obtain a medical marijuana card
- Dispensaries: Medical marijuana can only be purchased from licensed dispensaries
- Methods of administration: Smoking, vaping, edibles, tinctures, and more
- Purchase limits: Patients can purchase up to 2.5 ounces of medical marijuana every 35 days
- Home cultivation: Patients are not allowed to grow their own medical marijuana
- Public use: Medical marijuana cannot be used in public places
- Driving: Patients are not allowed to drive under the influence of medical marijuana
- Employment: Employers are not required to accommodate medical marijuana use
- Legal protections: Patients are protected from discrimination based on their medical marijuana use
For more information about Florida's medical marijuana law, please visit the Florida Department of Health website.
Qualifying conditions: Cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, and more
Florida's medical marijuana law allows patients with certain qualifying conditions to use medical marijuana for treatment. Here are some of the most common qualifying conditions:
- Cancer
Medical marijuana can be used to treat the symptoms of cancer, such as pain, nausea, and vomiting. It can also help to improve appetite and sleep.
- Epilepsy
Medical marijuana can be used to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in patients with epilepsy. It is especially effective in treating children with epilepsy who have not responded to other medications.
- Glaucoma
Medical marijuana can help to lower intraocular pressure, which can help to prevent vision loss in patients with glaucoma.
- HIV/AIDS
Medical marijuana can help to reduce the symptoms of HIV/AIDS, such as pain, nausea, and vomiting. It can also help to improve appetite and sleep.
- PTSD
Medical marijuana can be used to treat the symptoms of PTSD, such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. It can also help to reduce nightmares and flashbacks.
In addition to these conditions, Florida's medical marijuana law also allows patients with other debilitating medical conditions to use medical marijuana. A doctor can recommend medical marijuana for any condition that causes severe pain, nausea, seizures, or muscle spasms.
Registration: Patients must register with the state and obtain a medical marijuana card
In order to purchase and use medical marijuana in Florida, patients must register with the state and obtain a medical marijuana card. Here are the steps involved in the registration process:
- Qualify for a medical marijuana card
To qualify for a medical marijuana card, you must be a Florida resident and have a qualifying medical condition. You can find a list of qualifying conditions on the Florida Department of Health website.
- Find a qualified physician
Once you have determined that you qualify for a medical marijuana card, you need to find a qualified physician who can certify your condition. A qualified physician is a medical doctor who has completed a training course on medical marijuana.
- Register with the state
Once you have been certified by a qualified physician, you can register with the state. The registration process can be completed online or by mail. You will need to provide your personal information, medical information, and the name of your qualified physician.
- Obtain a medical marijuana card
Once your registration is approved, you will receive a medical marijuana card in the mail. Your medical marijuana card will allow you to purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries.
The registration process can take up to two weeks. However, once you have a medical marijuana card, you will be able to purchase and use medical marijuana legally in Florida.
Dispensaries: Medical marijuana can only be purchased from licensed dispensaries
Medical marijuana can only be purchased from licensed dispensaries in Florida. Dispensaries are regulated by the state and must meet strict security and quality control standards. To purchase medical marijuana from a dispensary, you will need to present your medical marijuana card and a valid ID.
Dispensaries sell a variety of medical marijuana products, including:
- Flower (buds)
- Edibles (such as gummies, cookies, and brownies)
- Tinctures
- Topicals (such as creams, lotions, and oils)
- Vaporizer cartridges
The prices of medical marijuana products vary depending on the type of product and the dispensary. However, you can expect to pay between $30 and $60 for an eighth of an ounce of flower, $20 to $40 for a package of edibles, and $20 to $60 for a vaporizer cartridge.
When choosing a dispensary, it is important to do your research and find a reputable dispensary that offers a variety of high-quality products. You can also ask your doctor or other healthcare provider for recommendations.
Once you have found a dispensary that you trust, you can purchase medical marijuana products by visiting the dispensary in person or by ordering online. If you order online, you will need to pick up your order from the dispensary.