If you are new to the world of medical marijuana, the process to get started can seem a bit complicated. Getting a Florida medical marijuana card does take some effort, but once they have navigated the process, patients have found a significant amount of symptom relief for conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A professional medical marijuana practice such as Neurology of Cannabis can help simplify the process for year round and seasonal Florida residents.
To help clarify the process here are some frequently asked questions about Florida medical marijuana cards along with their answers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Medical Marijuana Cards
Why Do I Need a Medical Marijuana Card?
When medical marijuana was legalized in Florida in 2016, the law included specific provisions to ensure that it was only used for medical purposes. Obtaining a medical marijuana card is a part of this process. It is especially important to follow the process specified by Florida law because medical marijuana is still illegal on a federal level.
How Do I Get a Florida Medical Marijuana Card?
Your first step in getting a Florida medical marijuana card is to visit a qualified physician, such as Dr. Daniel P. Stein at Neurology of Cannabis. Your qualified physician will determine whether you have one of the qualifying conditions. If you do, they will register you in the Medical Marijuana Use Registry. You will need to complete the registry application and submit payment. Once your application is approved, you will get an email with a temporary card, which you can use until you get your physical card in the mail.
Can My General Practitioner Help Me Get a Medical Marijuana Card?
Your general practitioner may be able to help you get a medical marijuana card if she has completed the requirements to become a qualified ordering physician. Many patients find that seeing a doctor who specializes in medical cannabis makes them feel more at ease. A doctor who frequently makes medical marijuana treatment recommendations will have more insight into the best strains and delivery options for you and your specific medical and lifestyle needs.
How Much Does a Medical Marijuana Card Cost?
The medical marijuana card itself costs $75.00 plus a small fee if you complete your payment online. Keep in mind, though that there are other costs involved in getting your card. Your qualified physician will charge a fee for your initial consultation. Depending on their policies, they may also charge you for additional cannabis order renewals and recertifications. Neurology of Cannabis uses a simple pricing model with an annual fee of $250, which includes all your medication renewals, both annual certifications and access to office staff for medication adjustments.
How Often Do I Have to Renew My Card?
Your card must be renewed once per year. Your card will have your expiration date printed on the front, and you can renew by mail or online.
Can I Use Someone Else’s Card?
You must have your own card to obtain medical marijuana. If you are obtaining medical marijuana for someone else, you must be legal representative, and you must register as a caregiver.
Can I Grow My Own Marijuana?
Florida’s medical marijuana laws do not allow individuals to grow medical cannabis. License dispensing organizations are the only ones who can legally grow marijuana in Florida.
Can I Get A Card for Someone I Take Care Of?
If you are the legal representative or caregiver of someone who may benefit from medical marijuana, the process for getting a card is a little different. Both you and the patient will need to obtain cards from the Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry.
The patient will need to see a qualifying physician to ensure they meet the criteria for obtaining medical marijuana in Florida. The qualifying physician will need to add you to the registry as a caregiver for the patient. You will need to complete both the caregiver application and the patient application in the registry and pay the applicable fees.
To qualify as a caregiver, you must be at least 21 years old, and you must agree in writing to assist the patient with their medical marijuana use.
What Do I Need to Complete My Medical Marijuana Card Application?
To complete a medical marijuana card application, you will need:
- A photo: The registry may already have pulled your photo from the driver’s license system. If there is no photo, you will need to upload one.
- Proof of residence: You will need to upload proof that you are a Florida resident with your application. This could be a driver’s license, utility bill, a lease agreement, or something else that shows you are an established Florida resident.
- Proof of representation: If you are applying for a caregiver card, you will need to provide proof of representation instead of proof of residence. This could be a birth certificate if the patient is your child or a power of attorney form.
You can mail in your payment or you can pay online.
A Simple Path to Medical Marijuana
Obtaining a Florida medical marijuana card may seem complicated, but it does not have to be. At Neurology of Cannabis, we offer a clear path to obtaining medical marijuana. Dr. Stein is more than just a qualifying physician; he is deeply experienced in neurology and has been practicing for more than 25 years.
After your visit, you will be added to the registry, but his staff is always available to answer any questions you might have. Contact us today to make an appointment and get started on your path to better health.
