Can You Renew Your Florida Medical Marijuana Card Through a Telehealth Appointment?

A recent update to Florida medical marijuana legislation has made it easier for patients to maintain their right to purchase and use cannabis.

In the past, the state prohibited doctors from issuing medical marijuana certifications using telehealth services. The original intent was to hold physicians accountable and protect patients. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the wake of Hurricane Ian, the Florida Department of Health issued emergency orders permitting virtual appointments for renewals.

Patient advocates called for amended legislation based on the success of the temporary orders. After months of debate, the legislature passed said legislation and Governor Ron DeSantis signed the bill.

This article details the new law, its effective date, and how to renew your medical marijuana card. Keeping current on developments to your state’s medical marijuana program will help you maintain your rights as a patient.

What Does the Law Say?

The recently signed law, HB-387 Medical Use of Marijuana, requires doctors to conduct an initial in-person examination when issuing a medical marijuana certification but otherwise authorizes them to provide renewal certifications using telehealth services.

As before, patients must obtain an updated certification every seven months to continue shopping for cannabis at state-licensed dispensaries.

This new legislation makes it more convenient for patients to maintain their ability to purchase and use medical marijuana. The law will benefit all cardholders, particularly those with mobility challenges and those not close to an authorized medical marijuana doctor.

The amended legislation maintains the focus on patient safety while expanding access to medical cannabis. While the law extends how doctors can evaluate their patients for recertification, they remain obligated to weigh the benefits and risks to their patients when determining if medical marijuana is a viable option for them.

Telehealth renewal appointments function the same as in-person visits. Your doctor will ask about your experience with medical marijuana and the nature of your symptoms. You should raise any potential concerns you may have about cannabis use and ask any questions you may have about strains or dosing to ensure you get the most out of your treatment.

When Does the Law Go into Effect?

The new law took effect on July 1, 2023. Established patients with MMJ cards that have expiration dates that fall after the effective date can use telehealth services to secure their renewal certifications. It’s best to check with your provider to ensure they offer telehealth services.

Most expect this change to take effect smoothly because the state offered telehealth renewals for about eight months under the emergency order in 2020 and did not experience significant issues.