Florida Medical Marijuana Trends
Medical marijuana became legal in November of 2016, and the industry has already changed a lot since then. Even compared to just a few years ago, there are many more resources to Florida residents who are interested in medical marijuana.
As the industry evolves and some rules are updated, some patients are concerned that they’re missing out on valuable information about recent trends. Here at Calm Effect, we’re completely committed to helping our patients stay up to date with all the latest news about medical marijuana in Florida.
History of Medical Marijuana in Florida – Florida Medical Marijuana Trends
The history of Florida medical marijuana trends began in 2016 when voters passed the Florida Medical Marijuana Initiative with more than 71% of the vote. Florida legislators wrote the bill into law in 2017 but banned smoking it. That ban was quickly challenged in the circuit court. Under the ban, patients are only allowed to consume marijuana via vaporizers, pills or capsules, cannabis oil, edibles, suppositories, and topical marijuana.
In 2019, under Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida legislators voted to repeal the 2017 smoking ban from former Governor Rick Scott. Senate Bill 182 now allows qualified patients to receive up to 2.5 ounces of smokable cannabis flower every 35 days. Patients who qualify for medical marijuana in Florida now have more freedom to enjoy their products as they choose.
Florida Could Be Moving Toward Recreational Marijuana –Â Florida Medical Marijuana Trends
Medical marijuana in Florida has received so much support from residents that the state may move to allow adult-use cannabis to everyone over the age of 21. Florida voters may get a chance to weigh in on this decision as early as the 2020 election. Early polls show that Florida residents support the idea of recreational marijuana (aka adult-use), but there is still some work to be done before this can become a reality. The issue will need 766,200 voter signatures to make the ballot, and the state Supreme Court will need to approve the language for the ballot.
More Patients Are Interested in Medical Marijuana – Florida Medical Marijuana Trends
In 2018, the number of patients in Florida’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use registry grew from roughly 65,000 to over 167,000. Then, from 2018 to 2019, the number of patients consuming medical marijuana in Florida doubled. That means Florida’s medical marijuana community is growing faster than every other state’s besides one. Hundreds of thousands of patients in Florida have turned toward natural marijuana instead of other prescription medications. As a result, people are starting to learn more about medical marijuana in Florida and the industry is starting to become less stigmatized than it once was.
Get Approved for Medical Marijuana Florida
Before you can visit your local Florida dispensary, you’ll have to obtain your medical marijuana card. The process doesn’t have to be stressful. It can be as simple as following three easy steps:
- Schedule an exam to visit a state-licensed medical marijuana doctor. This physician will be able to determine if your condition or conditions qualify you for medical marijuana.
- Register on the Medical Marijuana Use Registry and pay the required fee.
- Receive your card and start visiting local marijuana dispensaries in Florida.
When you come to visit us at Calm Effect for your appointment, we’ll be able to answer all of your questions about medical marijuana in Florida. Whether you’re looking for ways to save money at the dispensaries, information about current trends, or new products, we want to help. Contact us today if you have any additional questions, and someone from our friendly patient care team will assist you.
OMMU Florida Medical Marijuana Trends
Updated 8/25/19
Medical Marijuana Patients
Patients in the Registry: 258,153*
Active IDs Cards: 350,624*
*Note, not all patients entered into the medical marijuana use registry apply for medical marijuana use identification cards
Physicians who can Recommend Medical Marijuana
Qualified Physicians: 2,449
Medical Marijuana ID Card Processing Time
Processing Time for Complete Application: 5 business days (Applications are not deemed complete until payment has successfully cleared- up to 5 business days)
Processing Time for ID Card Printing: 5 business days
* CalmEffect patients are getting approved in 7 to 10 business days after their appointment
Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers/Dispensaries
Approved Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers: 13
Approved Retail Dispensing Locations: 155
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