Suffering from HIV/AIDS, cancer, or another condition that leads to pain, muscle spasms, nausea, and other debilitating symptoms? Medical cannabis may be right for you. If you live in Florida, you may be eligible for the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) cannabis program -- but to receive a cannabis card, you will need to visit a doctor and file an application. Here’s what you need to know before you apply.
To qualify for the OMMU’s medical marijuana program, you will need to have a qualifying medical condition. Florida doctors can prescribe cannabis to patients with the following conditions:
You may also qualify if you have a terminal illness diagnosed by a physician other than the doctor who certified you for medical marijuana. Chronic, nonmalignant pain may be eligible for a cannabis prescription if the pain is caused by or originated from a qualifying condition.
If you don’t have a condition on the state’s approved list, Florida does allow patients to seek medical marijuana if they have a condition comparable to those on the pre-approved list. Speak to a licensed physician to determine if your health issue qualifies.
Your first step in applying for a Florida cannabis card is to seek a certification from a qualified doctor. The OMMU has stricter regulations than many states when it comes to these physicians; your doctor must be in good standing and complete a 2-hour course through the Florida Medical Association or Florida Osteopathic Medical Association.
When you find a physician, they will need to conduct a full examination and ask you questions about your medical history. At the end of your appointment, your doctor will determine whether you have a qualifying condition and, if you do, enter your information into the Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR).
Once your doctor enters your information into the MMUR, they will provide you with a patient ID number. Save this number for your records -- you’ll need it for the next step in the application process.
When you receive your ID number, you can apply for a registry identification card online or via mail. You can download the printed application and mail it to the OMMU office in Tampa.
Applying online is often the easiest process. Here’s how to do it:
1.Find your login credentials from the email your physician sent you with your ID number. 2.Log in to the MMUR and click on the “Your Card” tab. 3.Fill out the application, supply the necessary documents, and pay the $75 fee.
After you receive your cannabis card in the mail, you can visit any state-licensed medical marijuana treatment center to fulfill your prescription.
The OMMU application process may seem complex, but applying for a medical marijuana card in the Sunshine State is simple with the right physician. However, finding a cannabis doctor that meets Florida requirements can be a challenge -- but the Sanctuary Wellness Institute is here to help.
We advocate for the rights of medical marijuana patients across the country, and our friendly staff members will gladly connect you with a certified Florida cannabis doctor. Contact the Sanctuary today to schedule your evaluation.
(484) 346-5140