Is Marijuana Legal in Miami Florida
In Miami, medical marijuana is legal for residents who have a qualifying medical condition and a medical marijuana ID card. However, recreational marijuana remains illegal in Miami and throughout Florida. The medical program is open only to persons who can prove they live in Florida, either full or part time. There is an initiative on the November 2024 ballot to legalize recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older, but for now, it is still prohibited.
What are the Qualifying Conditions for Using Marijuana?
In Florida, a patient must have one or more of the following medical conditions to qualify for a medical marijuana card:
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Crohn's disease
- Parkinson's disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
In addition, the law allows medical marijuana access to anyone suffering from other severe medical conditions that are of the same kind or class as those listed above or any terminal condition diagnosed by a physician.
How Can I Apply for a Medical Marijuana ID Card in Miami
If you want to apply for a medical marijuana ID card in Miami, follow these steps:
- Get Diagnosed: Visit a qualified physician who can diagnose you with a qualifying medical condition.
- Physician Certification: Our Miami physicians enter your information into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR).
- Complete Application: Log into the MMUR using the credentials sent to your email and complete your application. You can also print the form and mail it in.
- Submit Documentation: Provide proof of Miami residency and a full-face color photograph, and pay the $75 application fee.
- After submitting your application, the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) usually approves it within ten business days.
What are the Benefits of Using Legal Marijuana in Miami?
Medical cannabis has been found to offer several benefits for various medical conditions. Some of the key benefits include:
- Pain Management: Cannabinoids in marijuana can help reduce pain by altering pain perception pathways in the brain. Lowering pain can be helpful for conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, and migraines.
- Reduced Inflammation: CBD in marijuana helps to reduce inflammation, which can benefit conditions such as Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome.
- Control of Nausea and Vomiting: Medical marijuana can help control nausea and vomiting, especially in people undergoing cancer chemotherapy.
- Improved Sleep: It may improve sleep in the short term for people with conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, or multiple sclerosis.
- Increased Appetite: It can increase appetite and decrease weight loss in people with HIV/AIDS.
- Muscle Spasm Relief: It can reduce muscle spasms in people with multiple sclerosis.
The active chemicals in medical marijuana, such as THC and CBD, combine with the body's endocannabinoid system to give us its well-known benefits.
Is there a Possession Limit for Legal Marijuana in Miami Florida?
For patients in Florida with a valid medical marijuana card, it's important to know that you can legally possess up to 4 ounces of medical marijuana in Florida obtained from state-licensed dispensaries. The total purchase amount is 2.5 ounces in any given 35 day period.
How Do I Renew my Medical Marijuana ID Card?
The Florida medical marijuana ID card must be renewed annually, with the window for the renewal process opening 45 days before your card expires. When it's time to renew, the process is straightforward. Here's /what you need to do:
- Log into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR): Visit the MMUR website and log in using your email address and password.
- Begin Renewal: Click on the "Your Card" option and select "Begin Renewal."
- Update Information: Verify and update your personal information if necessary.
- Submit Documentation: Provide a passport-style photo and proof of residency. You can use your driver's license photo from the Florida DMV (FLHSMV) or upload your image.
- Pay the Renewal Fee: The renewal fee is $75. You can pay online after submitting your application.
If you have any questions about how to apply for a medical cannabis card, call KindHealth at 786.953.6838.
