Top 5 FAQs from Florida Medical Marijuana Patients

Applying for a medical marijuana card in Florida is a straightforward process, but if this is your first application, there may be some parts you are unsure about. How much cannabis can you buy at a time? Are you allowed to grow your own plants? Which doctors are qualified enough to certify your condition?

You have questions, the Sanctuary Wellness Institute has answers. Read on to learn more about the most common questions we receive about the Florida medical marijuana process.

1: How Can You Apply for A Florida Medical Cannabis Card?

The Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) oversees cannabis card applications for the state of Florida. To apply, you will need to follow these steps.

• Check that you have a qualifying medical condition
• Visit a licensed Florida physician to evaluate your condition
• Wait for the OMMU office to email you your Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR) login credentials
• Complete your application online or send it to the OMMU office via mail.

You will need to supply proof of Florida residency, identification, and a $75 fee with your application.

You will also need to renew your card annually, which can be done at least 45 days before the expiration date. You can submit your renewal application online or via mail. You can view the OMMU’s renewal application instructions here.

2: Where Can You Buy Medical Marijuana?

You can buy medical cannabis at any medical marijuana treatment center (MMTC) licensed by the OMMU. You can search for an MMTC near you by using the OMMU’s online search tool. Remember to bring your ID, cannabis card, and cash with you each time you buy!

3: Can You Grow Your Own Marijuana Plants?

Florida law prohibits patients from growing their own marijuana, even if they have a cannabis card. Only licensed MMTCs may grow and dispense this substance. You can face legal consequences if you grow your own cannabis plants.

4: How Much Cannabis Can You Buy at a Time?

You can purchase up to a 70-day supply of low-THC and medical marijuana products at a time, as well as a 35-day supply of smokable marijuana(whole flower). You can purchase both of these allotments at the same time, and licensed MMTCs will have allotment trackers to ensure you don’t go over your limit.

Your doctor will create the terms of your recommendation, so speak to them about any concerns you have regarding the amount and type of cannabis you buy. Ask about how the state imposed aggregate works.

5: Where Can You Use Medical Marijuana in Florida?

Florida has very strict rules regarding where you can consume or smoke cannabis. In most cases, the only place you can safely consume marijuana is in a private residence.

You cannot use marijuana:

• In any public place
• On a school campus
• In the workplace, unless your employer allows you to
• While in a car, public bus, train, plane, or boat

Driving while under the influence of cannabis is also illegal and highly dangerous, and MMTCs do not permit marijuana use on their properties. Stay safe and use your medical cannabis in the privacy of your home.

6: How Do I Become an MMJ Caregiver in Florida?

To become a caregiver in Florida, you must be 21 years of age or older and a Florida resident. Agree in writing to help with the qualified patient’s use of medical marijuana.

Be registered in the Medical Marijuana Use Registry as a caregiver for only one qualified patient, unless otherwise permitted. You must also complete a training course.

Once you submit a caregiver application to the state and are approved, you will be able to purchase medical marijuana from dispensaries in Florida.

7: How Long After a Visit Does it Take to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida?

After you have been evaluated by a qualified doctor and complete your state application, it usually takes about two weeks to get your medical marijuana card in Florida. However, the process may take longer if you need to get additional medical records or have any other issues.

8: How Much Does a Medical Marijuana Card Cost in Florida?

The Florida Department of Health charges $75 for an official state medical marijuana card. Note that you will also have to pay for your appointment with a medical marijuana doctor. In addition, your annual renewal fee for the card would be $75.

9: How Much is Medical Marijuana in Florida?

The cost of medical marijuana in Florida can vary depending on the type of marijuana product that is purchased.

10: Is Insurance Accepted?

In all likelihood, you will not be able to use your health insurance to purchase a medical marijuana card or medical marijuana products since marijuana is still illegal under federal law. However, you can always check with your insurance provider before you purchase anything just to make sure.

11: Can You Get a Medical Card While on Probation in Florida?

Yes, you can get a medical marijuana card while on probation in Florida. The Florida Medical Marijuana program has many qualifying conditions, and being on probation does not disqualify you from getting a card.

12: How Do I Renew My Florida Medical Marijuana Card?

If you are a Florida resident and have a current Florida medical marijuana card, you can renew it online or by mail. If you choose to renew it online, you will need to create an account on the Medical Marijuana Use Registry website. Once you have created an account, you can renew your card by following these steps:

Step 1: Log into your account and click on the "Renew Card" tab.

Step 2: Enter your name, date of birth, and ID number.

Step 3: Review your information and click on the "Renew Card" button.

13: Does Florida Allow Reciprocity?

The state of Florida does not offer reciprocity. Cannabis remains a Schedule 1 substance under both state and federal law. The 22 currently licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers only dispense orders to qualified Florida patients, and their caregivers, who have had an order added to the Medical Marijuana Use Registry by their qualified physician. To learn more about becoming a qualified patient in Florida, please visit our Patients page.

If you are traveling to another state in which medical marijuana is legal, you will need to contact that state regarding their laws on reciprocity.

14: If I am a Patient, May I Also Serve as a Caregiver for Someone Else?

Yes, medical marijuana patients in Florida are allowed to serve as caregivers for other patients. This means that they can provide assistance with medicating and managing patients' health conditions. Caregivers are also allowed to possess and administer medical marijuana to the patient(s) they are caring for.

15: Which Agency Oversees Medical Marijuana in Florida?

The Department of Health (DOH) oversees medical marijuana in the state of Florida. They are responsible for regulating and issuing licenses to dispensaries and cultivation facilities, as well as ensuring that patients have access to quality medical marijuana.

16: When Will Medical Marijuana Edibles Be Available in Florida?

The Florida state government legalized the sale of medical marijuana edibles in 2020. If you have an official Florida medical marijuana card, you can purchase edibles from state-licensed dispensaries.

17: What is the Difference Between a Recommendation and a Prescription?

A prescription is a legal document that is issued by a physician which allows the patient to obtain specific drugs from a pharmacy. A prescription must be filled by a licensed pharmacist and must be accompanied by a valid ID.

A recommendation is an authorization from a physician that allows the patient to possess and use medical marijuana. A recommendation does not require a valid ID, but it must be renewed every year.

18: Can a Minor Enroll in the Florida Medical Marijuana Program?

Yes, a minor can enroll in the Florida Medical Marijuana Program if they have a qualifying medical condition and their parent or legal guardian consents to their participation.

19: What are the Qualifying Conditions for the Florida Medical Marijuana Program?

The qualifying conditions for the Florida Medical Marijuana Program are cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Crohn's Disease, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, and chronic pain.

20: Can Any Doctor in Florida Certify a Patient for Medical Marijuana?

All Florida patients will need to visit a certified medical marijuana doctor when applying for a cannabis recommendation. Finding the right doctor can be a challenge; Florida requires physicians to complete a certain course with each license renewal, and these doctors must be in good standing with the state.