Applying for a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida

Those who have medical conditions that are chronic and have a debilitating effect on their everyday lives may benefit from Amendment 2, the law that was passed in November of 2016 that allows some Florida residents to legally buy and use medical marijuana in Miami.

Previous to the passing of Amendment 2, only those who had terminal conditions could purchase medical marijuana and even then, they could only buy versions that were very low in THC.

The new law allows for many more individuals to qualify for the use of marijuana and allows them to purchase medical marijuana with higher levels of the psychoactive component THC, though smoked types of marijuana are still illegal.

The legal purchase of marijuana in Miami requires a valid ID card issued from the Florida Department of Health. To qualify for a Marijuana Card, Florida residents must have an in-person appointment with a licensed medical marijuana doctor like our physicians at MMJ Doctors in Miami.

If you are interested in qualifying for an ID card, here is what you need to know about the process.

Step One: Qualifying Conditions

Only those who have a condition that is covered under state law can apply for and receive a medical marijuana card in Miami. These conditions generally feature chronic pain, nausea, anxiety, or spasms and have a debilitating effect on the sufferer. Here are the specific conditions that qualify, though some other similar conditions may also qualify if approved by your physician.

Glaucoma

 Glaucoma causes excessive pressure in the eyes and can result in nerve damage that can eventually lead to blindness. Those with glaucoma often experience intense pain.

Multiple Sclerosis

 Multiple Sclerosis, also known as MS, causes damage to the nerve cell sheaths that is both progressive and irreparable. This autoimmune disease has symptoms of fatigue, numbness, lack of muscular coordination, and speech impairment.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

 PTSD is a condition that often affects those who are in combat or who have undergone intense trauma. Symptoms vary from individual to individual but often include flashbacks, insomnia, and severe anxiety and/or depression.

HIV/AIDS

 AIDS and the virus that causes AIDS, HIV, can both be treated with medical marijuana. The drug can help with the pain, nausea, and loss of appetite that is caused both by the virus and by the anti-viral drugs that are used to treat the condition.

Epilepsy

 Caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, epilepsy results in uncontrollable convulsions that range from mild to strong enough to cause loss of consciousness. Many of those with epilepsy cannot drive or perform other duties for fear of seizures.

Parkinson’s Disease

 Parkinson’s damages the body’s nervous system and the brain’s ability to regulate dopamine and causes tremors, movement problems, and speech impairment.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

 ALS is a progressive and fatal condition that affects the body’s central nervous system. As the disease progresses, it affects the individual’s control over muscle movement and eventually results in a complete loss of muscle control.

Crohn’s Disease

 Crohn’s affects an individuals gastrointestinal system. This incurable disease is chronic and can cause pain, anemia, fatigue, and damage to the bowels and digestive tract.

Cancer

There are over 100 different types of cancer, all of which combine to form one of the deadliest and most widespread diseases on the planet. Caused by an overgrowth of malignant cells, cancer and the drugs that treat it can cause nausea, pain, lack of appetite, and wasting.

If you have seen a physician for one of these conditions or a similar condition, you may be able to qualify for the use of medical marijuana to assist with your treatment plan.

Qualifying for a Medical Marijuana Card in Miami

You must see a licensed medical marijuana physician such as our doctors at MMJ Doctors to verify your condition and get a recommendation for medical marijuana in Miami. During your appointment, our marijuana doctors will examine you and thoroughly go through your health records to determine more information about your condition, your symptoms, and your attempts at treating your condition in the past.

Many times, our physicians will want to see that you have tried lifestyle changes, other medications, or natural therapies before they will recommend the use of medical marijuana. If, after your examination, our physicians believe you would benefit from the use of marijuana in your treatment plan, a written recommendation will be issued.

Please note that no doctor can prescribe medical marijuana. They can only write a recommendation that can then be used to apply for an ID card with the Florida Department of Health.

Once you have received your written recommendation from our doctor, include it with your ID card application. Upon approval, you will receive your ID card in the mail within a few days.

How to Buy Medical Marijuana in Miami

With your ID card, you are legally able to purchase medical marijuana from any licensed dispensary in the state. Simply bring in your marijuana card and talk with the knowledgeable staff about your condition, symptoms, and goals for using medical marijuana in your treatment plan. This will help them recommend the right types and dosages of marijuana in the form of oils, pills, vapes, or tinctures.

At this time, smoked varieties of marijuana are not legal under state law. It is also illegal to grow your own marijuana, even if it is for personal medical use. The only legal way to purchase medical marijuana is from a licensed dispensary. You will be able to make your purchases on site and take them home so you can begin your treatment plan immediately.

If you have a chronic, debilitating health condition such as the ones listed above, you may be able to qualify for the legal purchase and use of medical marijuana in your treatment plan.

To learn more, schedule an in-person appointment with one of our licensed mmj doctors so you can find out more about qualifying and using medical marijuana to improve your quality of life.