Florida Medical Marijuana Card Rules
Once you obtain your card, you can purchase marijuana as directed by your physician at any of Florida's medical marijuana treatment centers. These facilities are licensed and regulated by the state to ensure the safety of their cannabis products, their legal compliance, and their patient accessibility. You can only legally purchase marijuana at such state-approved facilities.
However, cardholders can have marijuana delivered to them from a dispensary if they have travel restrictions or do not live near a facility.
You are only allowed to possess legally obtained marijuana, and your possession limit will vary based on the delivery mechanism ordered by your physician. For instance, you can only obtain a 70-day supply of low-THC cannabis and medical marijuana products like inhalants and topical agents.
Smokable marijuana is permitted, but you can only obtain 2.5 ounces at one time. Doctors can only certify a 35-day supply. In addition, you can only possess a maximum of four ounces of smokable marijuana.
Qualified physicians can also submit additional documentation as a Request for Exception. This will allow the limitations set by the florida health department to be increased if approved. The Department approves or disapproves Requests for Exception within 14 days of receipt of the complete documentation.
Medical marijuana cannot be consumed in a public place, but there are exceptions for non-smokeable low-THC products. Finally, you cannot share cannabis with another individual, even if they’re a caregiver.
Florida Medical Marijuanas Card Renewal
Florida medical marijuana cards expire once a year. The expiration date is found on the card or on patient account under the "your card" tab. Cards can be renewed beginning 45 days before they expire. Applicants must reconfirm their residency and verify that all of the information on their account is correct in order to get their cards renewed.
The certification provided by the qualified Physician expires in 210 days from the issue date. This is a requirement from the Florida Health Department. The certification can be viewed on patient account under the “your profile” tab. You must have an active relationship with your medical marijuana doctor to maintain your certification. Applying for a renewal as soon as you're eligible reduces your risk of losing access to dispensaries
FAQs
How much does a medical marijuanas card cost in Florida?
The application fee for new cards and the fee for renewals are both $75.00. You can pay online with a credit card or eCheck. There is a $2.75 convenience fee.
If you submit your application by mail, you must include a check or money order made out to the Florida Department of Health. Be sure to include your patient ID number and date of birth on the memo line.
The state charges a $15.00 service fee if your payment is declined or rejected.
How long does it take to get a medical card in Florida?
On average, it takes about 15 days from receipt of your electronic application or 20 days from receipt of your paper application. Times may vary if the OMMU experiences increased volume, your application requires corrections, or postal delivery is delayed.
How can I become a caregiver in Florida?
Patients over 18 can designate a caregiver to assist them in obtaining, possessing, and using medical marijuana. Patients under 18 must have a designated caregiver because they cannot purchase cannabis themselves.
At the patient's request, their physician can designate a caregiver with the OMMU. The caregiver will then need to apply for their own card, following the same steps as the patient.
Caregivers must also complete a Caregiver Certification Course every two years, which is available online through their OMMU account.
Do you have to be a resident to become a medical marijuana patient in Florida?
Yes—you must be a permanent Florida resident or a seasonal resident and be able to prove your residency in order to become a Florida medical marijuana patient.
Can I grow my own marijuana in Florida?
No—you cannot cultivate cannabis in your home. The only marijuana you can possess is what you purchase from a state-licensed dispensary.
How much does a medical marijuanas card cost in Florida?
New cards and renewals are both $75.00 for patients and caregivers.
How can I get a medical card in Florida online?
You can apply online by giving a valid email to your doctor at your medical marijuana certification appointment. You will receive an email from the OMMU with a username and temporary password to log in to the state’s registry.
Once you access your account, you can apply online, link your driver's license to prove your residency, and submit payment for your card.
How much can you buy from a dispensary at a time Florida?
You can only purchase 2.5 ounces of smokable marijuana from a dispensary at a time in Florida. However, if your doctor recommends an inhalant, topical cream, suppository, oral tablet, or under-the-tongue application, that limit may change.
Can you go into a dispensary without a card in Florida?
No—dispensaries are exclusively for cardholders.
Can you get fired for having a medical card in Florida?
Yes—the state of Florida does not offer employment protections for medical marijuana users. You are subject to your employer's drug use and testing policies.