A Step by Step Guide on How to become a Legal Cannabis Patient in Florida

Since the coming to effect of Amendment 2 in January 2017, Florida residents are legally permitted to purchase cannabis for a variety of approved conditions. The law comes with the clause that they’ll have to obtain a medical marijuana card before they can exercise this right. Current records show that about 254,000 residents have been able to navigate the process of obtaining a medical marijuana card. However, there are still many more potential patients that do not quite know how the process works. We hope that this comprehensive guide would be able to answer all your questions about obtaining a medical marijuana card.

Step 1: Find a Licensed doctor

There’s no way you can become a legal cannabis patient in Florida without a proper evaluation from a recommending physician. And not every doctor in Florida is qualified to recommend you for a medical marijuana card. In addition to being an M.D. or D.O, a qualifying doctor must be duly certified by the Florida Medical Marijuana board after taking the necessary course and test. If you’re looking for a qualified physician, you should look no further than KindHealth Florida. Our licensed marijuana doctors are always available to evaluate your case and help you with the fast processing of your medical marijuana card.

Step 2: Book an Appointment with your Physician

Once you are ready to be evaluated, you can give us a call at KindHealth Florida in order to book an appointment. Florida medical marijuana laws require a ‘full review of the patient’s medical history’ before issuing a medical marijuana card. That is why it is important you get your accurate medical history before your visit to the physician. Due to the requirements, there’ll be a great deal of paperwork to fill out. But we are always ready to help you if you can obtain your medical history and forward it to us ahead of the appointment.

Step 3: Visit your Florida Medical Marijuana Doctor

After you might have scheduled a consultation, you should visit your medical marijuana doctor for evaluation. Your medical marijuana doctor would use their knowledge and discretion to determine if you’re qualified for a medical marijuana card or not. While coming for your consultation, you’ll need your:

Photo ID
Prof of Florida residency
Medical records

If your physician decides you’re qualified for a medical marijuana card, they would enter your name and other necessary details into the Florida Marijuana Use Registry. Unless your name is entered into this registry, you would not be able to apply for a Florida Medical Marijuana Card.

Step 4: Complete your Application and Apply for Your ID

Once your name is entered into the registry, you would receive the information required to complete your application via email. As part of the application process, you’ll need to upload your proof of residency and pay the required fees.

After you might have completed the online application, all you have to do is wait for the state to review and authorize your application. If all your paperwork is in order, this process should not take more than 2 - 3 weeks. You would receive another email from the state to inform you your listing has been activated. Although your physical card would take another two or three months to arrive, you can purchase medical marijuana card from a licensed dispensary once you receive this email.

All you have to do is go to the dispensary with your photo ID and the email. The dispensary staff would be able to look up your listing in the state registry and attend to you as appropriate.

Step 5: See Your Doctor Whenever you Need To

At KindHealth Florida, we believe a medical marijuana doctor should do more than help you get a medical marijuana card. We would like to know if you have started using your medical marijuana and how well you are responding to the drug. Our doctors are in the best position to advise you concerning the available strains, the ideal dose for your condition and how best to use your drug.

How Much does a Florida Medical Marijuana Card Cost?

If you’re a first-time patient, the cost of obtaining a medical marijuana card include:

The state’s application fee of $75
KindHealth Florida’s evaluation fee of $185

Our rates are about the cheapest you can get in the whole of Florida. And our service is twice as efficient.

Can I Start Growing Marijuana Once I have my Card?

The current marijuana laws in Florida do not give room for growing your own marijuana plants. If you have a medical marijuana card, you would be able to purchase your supply of cannabis in a registered dispensary. There is a limit on the amount of cannabis a cardholder may purchase.

How do I Know if I’ll Qualify?

The qualifying conditions for medical marijuana in Florida include:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS / Lou Gehrig’s disease)
Cancer
Crohn’s disease
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
HIV / AIDS
Seizures
Chronic muscle spasms
Multiple sclerosis
Parkinson’s disease
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Any ailment/condition “of the same severity/symptoms” (as determined by the recommending physician)

Even if you do not have any of the obvious conditions listed, the law gives room for patients suffering from medical conditions that are comparable to them. And the recommending physician can use their discretion to determine if you qualify or not.

Most patients who may benefit from making marijuana do not even book an appointment because they worry they may not qualify under the law. If you’re one of them, it’s high time you took the plunge as schedule an appointment with us. As long as you have a chronic and debilitating condition, you are likely to qualify for medical marijuana in Florida. And there’s no way you can be sure unless you see a qualified medical marijuana doctor.

How Long Does my Card Last?

Your medical marijuana card has a 12-month validity period. The expiry date would be stated on your card and you’ll need to apply for a renewal when your card expires. It is advisable you start the renewal process one or two months before the expiry date so you’ll still be able to use your drug if there’s any delay in processing.

In addition to renewing an expired card, the law mandates you to visit your doctor for a face-to-face evaluation every 210 days. Your marijuana listing would be rendered inactive if you fail to keep this appointment.

Can I Take my Medication to Another State?

If you’re carrying a Florida medical marijuana license, you cannot take your drug outside the state of Florida. You could face criminal charges if you violate this law, even if the other state is cannabis-friendly.

Although the whole process may appear confusing, getting your medical marijuana card in Florida should be stress-free as long as you have all the requirements. Remember, you are not legally permitted to smoke cannabis in Florida if you do not have a medical marijuana card. If you wish to stay on the right side of the law while enjoying the numerous therapeutic benefits of this amazing drug, you should get in touch with us at KindHealth Florida today. We’ll be glad to help make you a legal cannabis consumer.