Florida Medical Marijuana Program: Telemedicine

Update: As of 2017, Florida lawmakers have approved legislation that prevents doctors from using telemedicine to prescribe medical marijuana. Physicians must conduct a full physical examination and assess the medical history of the patient before prescribing medical marijuana. For follow up visits, physicians must conduct an in person physical examination, in the same room as the qualified patient they previously certified, at least once every thirty (30) weeks. (Physician Requirements)

For More Information on Rule 64B8-9.0141 – Standards For Telemedicine Practice please visit the Florida Administrative Code & Florida Adminstrative Register.

All out-of-state health care practitioners intending to provide telemedicine services, to patients geographically situated in the state of Florida, must first obtain a valid medical license, from the Florida Medical Board, prior to commencing service — however, physician-to-physician (P2P) exemptions apply.

Using Medical Marijuana Telemedicine Services in Florida

Qualified medical marijuana patients please be advised that for the purposes of using medical marijuana telemedicine services online, in Florida:

• The State of Florida requires that, in order for a marijuana doctor to conduct a medical marijuana evaluation, the physician must first conduct a patient examination, in-person.
• A certified physician must conduct an in person physical exam while in the same room as the previously certified qualified patient at least once every thirty (30) weeks.

Useful Resources

• The Florida Board of Medicine Policy on Telemedicine
• Florida Administrative Code Notice: 17199863
• American Telemedicine Association — Florida
• Center For Connected Health Policy — Florida
• Physician Requirements – Florida Department Of Health: Office Of Medical Marijuana Use Low-THC Cannabis & Medical Marijuana

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