Marijuana has been used throughout history to treat and relieve many health conditions and illnesses. Although marijuana is generally known as a recreational drug, it does not mean there are no other uses. Many states, including Florida, have legalized the use of medical marijuana for certified patients.
The Florida Legislature passed the Compassionate Use Act in 2014, making it the first legal cannabis program in the state’s history. The chatter about medical marijuana cards has been around for years, but people still have many questions and concerns related to the program.
Here are some important things to know that can prepare you to apply for your medical marijuana card in Florida.
Eligibility for Application
The Florida Legislature passed the “Right To Try” Act in 2016, allowing people with terminal health conditions to access full-potency cannabis. This act reflects the state’s concern and compassion for even the most desperate patients. However, it does not mean there are no eligibility criteria in place.
According to the eligibility criteria for medical marijuana, the patient must be at least 18 years of age or older. Patients under the age limit must obtain consent from a parent or guardian to treat their qualifying health condition. Here are some qualifying health conditions in Florida for eligibility for a medical marijuana card.
- Cerebral Palsy
- Cancer
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- HIV/AIDS
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Epilepsy
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Terminal Illness
- Seizure Disorder
- Muscular Dystrophy
In addition to being of age and having a qualifying health condition, you must also be a permanent resident of Florida. You must also be prepared to show proof of residency, such as a Florida driver’s license or an ID card.
Application Procedure
It is not the easiest process to purchase medical cannabis from any dispensary. One must go through a long and detailed procedure to get medical marijuana recommended for their health condition. There are no shortcuts on this route.
First, you must visit a licensed physician for your assessment. If they deem your health condition suitable for medical marijuana use, they will forward your application to the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU).
Once the recommendation from the physician reaches the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU), you will receive an email containing the unique details for the Medical Marijuana Registry. This process can take up to three weeks.
Once you receive the email, you can log in and complete the necessary information. You may also be required to attach a copy of your driver’s license or ID. In addition, you must also pay an application fee of $75. You can pay this amount through your card or money order.
Once you complete and submit this process, you will receive another email for confirmation. You can use this email to get your medical marijuana by printing it out. Just make sure that you can send your personal ID to a state-licensed dispensary to identify yourself.
Caregiver Conditions
Patients with mobility and safety issues often have caretakers with them. The state of Florida realizes that not every patient can purchase, store, and use medical marijuana by themselves. Hence, they will need help from a cannabis caregiver.
The responsibility of being a caregiver for a minor falls on the parents and guardians. However, adults can serve as a caregiver for each other. There are some conditions for an adult to qualify as a caregiver for someone who cannot move or administer the medicine themselves.
You must be at least 21 years of age and above and a permanent resident of Florida. You must also provide a written agreement to assist the patient in using medical cannabis. In addition, you must also take a course for caregiver certification by the Florida Department of Health.
However, a caregiver cannot be a qualified physician or an employee of the medical marijuana treatment center and must have no relevant economic interest. You may also need to pass a background check if you are not the patient’s close relative.
Renewal Process
Florida medical cards are valid for up to one year after their date of approval. You must renew your Florida medical marijuana card for continued use. While many people wait for the card to expire for renewal, it is best to apply sooner to avoid any hassle or delays.
You can easily submit the renewal application for a Florida medical marijuana card 45 days before its expiration. You can submit the renewal application online or by mail at your convenience. It costs $75 to renew your Florida medical Marijuana card and an additional $2.75 convenience fee if you are paying online.
You can also apply for renewal by mail by completing the patient application. Your mail must contain a passport-style image, proof of residency, and a check or money order for the application fee. Once completed, you can send the complete package to PO Box 31313, Tampa, FL 33631-3313.
Renewal Requirement
You cannot get a renewal simply based on your previous record. Every patient in Florida must see a qualified physician every 210 days to re-evaluate their eligibility to use low-THC cannabis. The good news is that you can get your recertification examination via telemedicine services from the comfort of your home.
Your physician can access your healthcare condition and see how medical marijuana has helped your condition. This meeting also makes them see if there is any need for change in the treatment plan or if things are better to remain as it is.
Renewal Cost
The cost to renew your medical marijuana card in Florida is $75. However, people who complete the process online through credit cards, debit cards, or e-checks are required to pay an additional amount of $2.75, leading to a total of $77.75.
However, patients and caregivers applying through mail can send a check or a money order of $75 to the Florida Department of Health with your patient identification number.
It is also important to remember that declined or returned applications also get an additional charge of $15 to process the application.
