Details About the Medical Marijuana Process in Florida

Laws regarding medical marijuana treatment in Florida often change, leaving many patients unaware of the impact on their ability to quickly or conveniently access the cannabis they need to maintain their health.

To become a valid medical cannabis patient in Florida, residents must have ailments that cause symptoms similar to any of the conditions approved by the state’s Department of Health and Medical Marijuana Use Registry board.

Potential patients should also be of age. Though medical marijuana is typically reserved for adults over 18 with certain medical conditions, some minors qualify for access with a parent or guardian who meets eligibility requirements and is approved for a caregiver license.

Patients must also submit proof of residence and medical records with their applications. To apply, patients can either visit the state’s website to view and print the application to complete before sending it and all pertinent supporting documentation by mail or go online. The fastest way to get a medical card for cannabis in Florida is to use the Marijuana Doctors website, an online medical marijuana recommendation and evaluation network.

Patients can schedule and complete evaluations and applications on the same day. The processing time for applications is typically 10 business days. Application fees are processed within five days. Then it takes an additional five days for the state to review applicants and issue a decision. The state does not accept or review applications until after payments are posted.

Locate Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Florida

Florida is home to 432 licensed marijuana treatment centers, so there’s no shortage of licensed dispensaries for patients to visit for the cannabis they need to manage their health concerns. Patients and caregivers can shop for cannabis products in any of the following consumption forms:

• Inhalation>
• Sublingual
• Topical
• Oral
• Suppository

To find the closest location nearest them or visit medical marijuana treatment facilities across the state, simply use our interactive Florida marijuana dispensary locator.

Where Do I Find a Real Florida MMJ Doctor?

With 2,135 actively licensed cannabis physicians throughout the state, finding an affordable yet trustworthy medical provider for health evaluations and certifications may seem time-intensive.

Fortunately, Marijuana Doctors does all the vetting for patients so they can quickly find and see a qualified marijuana doctor. For the nearest MMJ-friendly doctor nearest you, or to find a particular physician, click the link to use our Find a Doctor Locator for marijuana physicians in Florida.

Florida Medical Marijuana Card Frequently Asked Questions

Getting a medical marijuana card is a pretty straightforward process. However, Florida laws are constantly changing. It’s not unusual for many first-time and long-time patients to have additional concerns about medical marijuana and low-THC cannabis patient access. Below are some common questions and answers for patients to use for reference throughout their medical marijuana journey.

Florida medical marijuana cards are valid for 12 months from the date of approval. To retain the right to legally procure and use cannabis medicinally for their ailments, patients must renew their marijuana health evaluations every seven months and medical cards every year. Additional considerations for patients include short-term certification (valid for 70 days) for two refills and a 35-day certification for smokable cannabis patients.

What Kind of Marijuana or Cannabis Products Can I Buy as a Medical Patient in Florida?

Patients and caregivers with medical marijuana licenses can go to any state-approved marijuana treatment center to purchase cannabis for medicinal purposes. Dispensaries carry a wide variety of the following types of medical marijuana and low-THC cannabis products for Florida patients:

• Flower or raw form cannabis
• Vape cartridges
• Prerolls
• Transdermal patches
• Edibles*
• Distillates
• Capsules
• Dart syringes*
• Extracts

Caregivers are only allowed to purchase marijuana products for their patients. Personal access is prohibited.

Is There a Limit on Florida Medical Cannabis Purchases?

As of April 2022, there is a 35-day rolling cap on medical marijuana and low-THC cannabis purchases. Patients and caregivers can purchase up to 2.5 ounces of smokable flower within a 35-day period. Patients who do not smoke marijuana can purchase up to a 70-day supply of non-smokable cannabis products.

Daily dosage is determined by the patient’s certifying physician and applies to acceptable forms of marijuana. Once a physician informs the OMMU, the state calculates the amount of cannabis necessary for the patient’s 70-day supply. Regardless of the consumption form, the 70-day cap is 4 ounces. Anything over is subject to license forfeiture and legal consequences.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Medical Card in Florida?

Most patients receive their physical cards within 4-6 weeks. Approved patients do not have to wait until they receive their physical cards to start going to local treatment centers. Digital copies of approvals are sent via email and accepted at many dispensaries and medical cannabis treatment facilities across the state.

How to Renew My Florida Medical Marijuana Card

The state notifies patients by email when their medical cannabis licenses or cards are close to their expiration date which is 12 months from date of approval. Patients should complete the renewal process at least 45 days ahead of time to avoid potential delays in processing and prevent interruptions in their medicinal cannabis treatment regimens.

Failure to renew certifications or medical card licenses on time can result in higher application costs, lost medical cannabis privileges, and dispensary access.

What to Do If You Lose Your Medical Card in Florida

Patients who misplace or have their cards stolen are not authorized to purchase medicinal cannabis products from any state-licensed medical marijuana treatment center. To replace lost or stolen medical marijuana cards, patients must complete a change, replacement, or surrender form on the OMMU website. The fee for replacing missing or stolen medical marijuana treatment cards is $15.

Why Choose Marijuana Doctors

Marijuana Doctors’ is on a mission to be a one-stop resource for the cannabis community. We work with professional and compassionate marijuana-approved physicians to ensure patients get the information, recommendations, and professional guidance they need for medical marijuana cards and therapeutics to improve their lives with cannabis.

Talk to a Doctor

Medical cannabis patients have more control over their conditions and care plans with the continuous guidance and support of approved, board-certified, and licensed medical marijuana physicians all over the state and country. Anyone with a qualifying condition or who experiences symptoms that impair their daily bodily functions or ability to enjoy life can find relief with medical cannabis. Take the first step to learn how medical cannabis can improve your quality of life by getting a formal diagnosis.

Marijuana Doctors is here to help put potential and current patients in touch with approved marijuana physicians for evaluations and complete the recommendation process to get their medical marijuana cards and start their healing transformation with cannabis today.