How to Obtain a Medical Card in Florida
When voters in Florida took to the polls in 2016, their collaborative vote to approve “Amendment 2” paved the way for many people in Florida to begin using marijuana as a form of treatment to help with a wide array of ailments. From chronic pain all the way to epilepsy, people can benefit by utilizing medical marijuana for treatment.
How to Obtain a Medical Card in Florida
In Florida, there are requirements that must be met in order to get a medical marijuana are to treat an illness:
- The patient must be at least 18 years old.
- The patient must be a legal resident of Florida.
- The patient must have medical records showing a qualifying illness.
After obtaining proof of the above, the person seeking a medical marijuana care must have a consultation with their regular physical, and then a medical evaluation to determine eligibility. During the evaluation, a medical professional will look at the risks vs. the benefits when it comes to the individual in order to determine if medical marijuana is the right form of treatment when looking at them and their condition.
If the patient brings all of the required paperwork to their evaluation, and they have deemed a good candidate for medical marijuana usage, a recommendation can be made the same day. After the recommendation is made, a certificate will be sent to the Florida Department of Health. All certificates are processed in the order that they are received, and certain times are busier than others.
When it is determined that a card will be issued, the Florida Department of Medical Marijuana Use is notified, and given the basic identifying information of the person requesting the treatment. The medical history and diagnosis of the patient is not shared with the registry The Florida Department of Health will issue the card directly to the patient and is the only valid medical marijuana card issued in Florida. The application fee for the card is $75.00 and a passport photo is also required. After submitting the application, it can take up to six weeks to receive the card.
Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers, law enforcement, and license marijuana producers use the state-issued medical marijuana card to verify that the patient is legally allowed to purchase and utilize cannabis. If the patient is stopped while carrying medicinal marijuana, they just need to show their registry number to avoid legal action.
Florida law requires that medical marijuana recommendations be reviewed every 30 weeks to determined continues eligibility. The process of applying for a medical card in Florida involves more paperwork and processing fees that in most other states, where the medical marijuana field is more developed. But, as it becomes more widely accepted, this may change.
If you feel that you have a condition that has not been successfully treated with pharmaceuticals that were prescribed, it may be worth your while to look into medical marijuana treatment options. It has shown to help with the treatment of many different conditions, and a professional will be able to determine if it is the best fit for you. We hope you have enjoyed reading about how to obtain a medical card in Florida. Stay connected with CalmEffect for the most up-to-date information.