F.A.Q.
Medical Marijuana - Frequently Asked Questions
Medical Cannabis is quickly expanding in Florida. Our clinic works hard to stay up to date with the ever changing laws and regulations so our patients stay in compliance with Florida State law. Here's the answers to some of your most frequent questions.
DO I NEED MEDICAL RECORDS?
Yes. To be eligible for Medical Marijuana, you must have medical records documenting your qualifying condition(s). Unless discussed with us otherwise, these records must be from within the last year. We can request your records on your behalf, but we strongly prefer that you bring them to the evaluation appointment. Our doctor cannot certify a patient or submit a medication order without proper documentation.
WHAT KIND OF MEDICAL RECORDS DO I NEED?
The good news is that we don't need extensive records - a office notes documenting your condition & dated within the last year will suffice. Office notes are copies of the medical charting from your doctor visits and evaluations. We do not need the actual labs and/or imaging.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS?
We have easy pricing. You pay one price for all your medical marijuana physician services during the 7 month treatment period. There are no hidden or unexpected cost.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA PROGRAM
Complete Program - $199
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Evaluation and Examination with the Doctor
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Registration in the Officer of Medical Use Registry
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Medical Cannabis Treatment Plan
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Certification for Medical Qualification for 210 days (Maximum Allowed)
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Three (3) 70-day orders of Medical Marijuana
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Recertification is required every 7 months – that visit is $159
Re-certification is required every 210 days and the cost for that visit is $159. The recertification visit will cover all your medical marijuana orders for the next 210 day treatment period.
The Office of Medical Marijuana Use requires patients to submit a completed application and obtain a Medical Marijuana Registry ID card. The application fee is $75 and paid directly to the State of Florida.
Medication costs vary by dispensary.
IS INSURANCE ACCEPTED?
No. While legal on a state level, medicinal cannabis remains illegal on a federal level. This prevents insurance companies from providing reimbursement for any type of cannabis treatment.
HOW DO I GET MY MEDICAL MARIJUANA ID CARD?
Florida requires that patients obtain a certification from a qualifying physician during a face to face medical evaluation. Qualifying physicians have completed training specific to medicinal marijuana. After obtaining a certification (and being entered into the registry), a patient must submit an application to the Office of Medical Marijuana Use to obtain an ID card. Once a patient receives their temporary (via email) or permanent ID card and an order from their physician they may purchase medication at a licensed dispensary.
WHAT CONDITIONS QUALIFY?
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Cancer
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Epilepsy
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Glaucoma
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HIV+
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AIDS
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Post-traumatic stress disorder
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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
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Crohn's disease
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Parkinson's disease
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Multiple sclerosis
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Medical conditions of the same kind or class as or comparable to those listed
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Terminal illness
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Chronic nonmalignant pain
WHAT ARE MEDICAL CONDITIONS OF THE SAME KIND OR CLASS?
State law allows doctors the ability to certify patients for medical cannabis who are suffering from conditions that have similar symptoms, processes, or debilitating nature as those listed. This may include a wide array of chronic illness and symptoms. If you have a medical condition that you believe may benefit from medical cannabis contact us to discuss further.
HOW MUCH MEDICAL CANNABIS CAN I PURCHASE?
Our doctor will work with you to decide on the best dosing and delivery methods for your needs. An order can be submitted for up to 70 days of medication at a time, but you do not have to purchase your entire order at once. We recommend experimenting with different products and strains to find the best fit before making a large purchase. You will know within the first few days of use if a product is effective for your needs.
WHERE DO I PURCHASE MY MEDICATION?
Medical marijuana patients must purchase their medication from a licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Center, also called a dispensary.
A list of qualified dispensaries can be found here. You can purchase directly at the dispensary or through a delivery service. We recommend that patients go to the dispensary for their initial purchase, if possible. The dispensary staff will guide you through their product lines and help you choose medication tailored to your needs.
What must I do to get a Medical Marijuana Card?
You must be examined by the doctor who is certified to prescribe medical marijuana, and be have been diagnosed with one of the qualifying conditions . You will need to have a copy of your medical records that supports your diagnosis. We can obtain copies of your records for you by signing a medical release to have them sent to our office. Once the doctor determines that you have a qualifying condition, and that the potential benefits of taking medical marijuana outweigh the risks, the doctor then registers you in the Medical Marijuana Use Registry so that you can apply for medical marijuana card.
What is a Medical Marijuana Card and how do I obtain one?
A medical marijuana card is a photo ID card issued by the Florida Department of Health. When you go to a medical marijuana treatment center, you must provide a Medical Marijuana Use Registry identification card to obtain medical marijuana, or a marijuana delivery device. The card may also be used to verify that a patient or legal representative is in the Department of Health’s Medical Marijuana Use Registry.
Once your doctor has registered you with the Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry, you can apply for a medical marijuana card. You will receive an email with a link to fill out the application on the Office of Medical Marijuana Use website. Your application will be reviewed and, if approved, a medical marijuana card will be sent to you through the mail.
Allow 30 days for the review of your application. There is a $75 application fee.
Medical marijuana cards expire after one year, and must be renewed. To avoid delays in filling your medical marijuana orders, apply for the renewal 45 days before your card expires.
What is the Medical Marijuana Use Registry?
The Medical Marijuana Use Registry is a secure, online database of ordering physicians and qualified medical marijuana patients. It is maintained by the Florida Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use.
It is accessible to ordering physicians, law enforcement, dispensing organization staff, and Office of Medical Marijuana Use staff.
What is the difference between low-THC marijuana and Medical Cannabis?
Low-THC marijuana is defined as containing 0.8 percent or less of the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and more than 10 percent of cannabidiol (CBD). Low-THC marijuana typically does not produce the euphoria (high) often associated with medical cannabis.
Some medical conditions, like seizures, anxiety, pain, and insomnia, respond best to low-THC, high CBD marijuana. Conditions characterized by chronic pain, depression, fatigue, nausea, wasting, and gastrointestinal disorders respond to high-THC medical cannabis.
When ordering marijuana for a patient, the doctor must specify whether the order is for low-THC marijuana or medical cannabis.
Where can I buy medical cannabis?
Only a licensed medical marijuana treatment center is authorized to dispense medical marijuana to qualified patients and their caretakers. Medical marijuana clinics and doctors who prescribe medical marijuana are not allowed to sell it. A list of medical marijuana treatment centers is posted on the Office of Medical Marijuana Use website.
If you can not go to a dispensary you can have your medical marijuana order delivered by courier. This is a service is offered by most dispensaries.
What are the medical marijuana requirements for a “seasonal resident” in Florida?
The term “seasonal resident” means any person who temporarily resides in this state for a period of at least 31 consecutive days in each calendar year, maintains a temporary residence in this state, returns to the state or jurisdiction of his or her residence at least one time during each calendar year, and is registered to vote or pays income tax in another state or jurisdiction.
