Florida Medical Marijuanas Card

The Sanctuary Wellness Institute

Lakeland | Orlando | Tampa | Clearwater

Attitudes toward cannabis are evolving nationwide. States are considering everything from decriminalization to unfettered legalization. Medical marijuana's growing accessibility has confirmed its clinical value as a palliative intervention that can enhance the quality of life of patients affected by many chronic and debilitating conditions.

Still, the only way to legally obtain marijuana in Florida is with a medical marijuana card. If you experience difficulties with daily activities, chronic pain, or persistent symptoms from a qualifying medical condition and traditional interventions have not helped, medical marijuana may be the logical next step for you.

Obtaining a card in Florida is simple and straightforward, but it requires total compliance on your part as well as regular appointments with a qualified medical marijuana doctor. Starting your application with a solid understanding of the entire process will allow you to assess whether medical marijuana is a possible treatment for your condition(s) and to expedite your approval if you qualify for the program.

Requirements for Applying for Medicinal Marijuana Florida

Only seasonal or permanent Florida residents may apply for a medical marijuana card. You must have a medical condition that’s considered to be treatable with marijuana and receive a certificate to undergo medical cannabis treatment with a qualified physician.

The Department of Health oversees the state's program through the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU). Your doctor will electronically send your certificate to the state’s medical marijuana use registry. Once you're in the system, you’ll be able to set up an online account and apply for your card. The OMMU also accepts paper applications.

Medical marijuana users can be any age under Florida law as long as they receive certification from a physician. That being said, minors must have a designated caregiver on their account because they cannot legally purchase marijuana.

Permanent residents must have a valid Florida driver's license or ID card. Seasonal residents are required to prove their residency to obtain a card.

How to Get a Medical Marijuanas Card in Florida

Visit a Medical Marijuana Doctor

Only licensed physicians registered with the OMMU can certify qualified patients for marijuana. The state maintains a list of all its registered physicians.

Your visit must be conducted face-to-face. Florida medical marijuana doctors cannot authorize a marijuana certificate using telemedicine. Your visit will be similar to a typical medical appointment. The physician will analyze your medical records, ask about medications, and discuss your goals regarding your cannabis treatment.

They will also review your qualifying health condition(s) and medical history, advise you about the risks of medical marijuana, and explain the different ways that you can consume medicinal cannabis. If they issue you a certificate, you will then need to complete the appropriate consent and acknowledgment paperwork.

Submit Application

Once the physician sends the certificate to the OMMU, you'll be contacted via email and can set up an online account. You can complete your application through that online portal.

Seasonal residents must provide a recent passport-sized photo and two proof-of-residency documents. The OMMU has a detailed list of acceptable documents that prove Florida residency.

Every minor must provide a copy of their birth certificate or active school registration and a copy of their parent or guardian’s Florida-issued license or ID.

Florida’s MMJ card application can also be submitted by mail. If you go that route, you must send all of your supporting documents along with your paper application to the OMMU at PO Box 31313, Tampa, FL 33631-3313.

Wait to Get Approved

The OMMU will begin reviewing your application once your $75 registration payment is processed. Online applications are electronically verified and processed within 10 days. Cannabis cards are mailed within five days of approval.

Paper applications must be manually verified. They are processed within 15 days of receipt and cards are mailed within five days of approval. Any discrepancies or errors on the application will require correction and can delay your approval.

Florida Medical Marijuanas 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.

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 one year from the date your physician certifies you for medical marijuana—not the day you get approved for the card. Cards can be renewed beginning 45 days before they expire. Applying for renewal as soon as you're eligible reduces your risk of losing access to dispensaries.

You must have an active relationship with your medical marijuana doctor to maintain your certification, and renewals can be made online or by mail. Applicants must reconfirm their residency and verify that all of the information on their account is correct in order to get their cards renewed.

FAQs

Can you travel with medical marijuanas in Florida?

Floridians with valid cards may travel within the state with their medical marijuana, but Florida does not accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards. Individuals without a Florida medical marijuana card are subject to the state's possession laws.

Can you get a medical card while on probation in Florida?

If you have a qualifying medical condition and receive certification from a physician, you can obtain a medical marijuana card while on probation in Florida.

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.