How Do You Get a Florida Marijuana Card?
It is estimated that approximately 2.1 million Americans use medical marijuana. Doctors use Marijuana to treat a variety of symptoms, from chronic pain to anxiety, and since the 1970s has been used in Western medicine since the 1900s. In fact, in the 1970s, synthetic THC was created to be administered in a capsule.
However, while many people choose to ingest it via other methods, physicians originally reduced it to a powder, mixed it with wine, and consumed it for anesthetic purposes.
Marijuana has been used for centuries by many cultures. For example, the Egyptians used cannabis to treat the symptoms of hemorrhoids, and the Ancient Greeks used it to dress the wounds on their horses and used the dry leaves to treat nosebleeds.
If you’re a Florida resident and want to know how to obtain a Florida marijuana card, then this article is for you. So, keep reading to find out how to get your FL medical marijuana card.
What Is Medical Marijuana?
Medical marijuana is the term for products derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. There are many active compounds in the Sativa plant, but the two important ones for medical marijuana are THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). The latter is the compound that gets you “high.” Medical cannabis, as it’s otherwise known, is known to relieve symptoms of pain and anxiety.
It is a Schedule 1 controlled substance under the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act (Controlled Substances Act) of 1970. While U.S Federal Law prohibits the use of the whole Sativa plant, products derived from the hemp plant are considered legal. Hemp plants differ from Sativa as they have less than 0.3% THC.
Side Effects
Like with any medication, there is always the chance for side effects, although they differ depending on the strain of bud purchased. Some of the side effects that the patient can experience after consuming cannabis are:
- Increased heart rate
- Slower reaction times
- Impaired concentration and memory
- Dizziness
- Increased appetite
How is Medical Cannabis Consumed?
In Florida, medical marijuana may be:
- Vaporized
- Capsules
- Sprays (oral and nasal)
- Sublingual (under the tongue)
- Edible forms
Is Marijuana Legal in the US?
As of this year, 48 out of the 50 states have legalized recreational marijuana, and all states except Idaho and Nebraska have legalized marijuana in a medical capacity; however, some laws may be very restrictive. For example, some states, like Vermont, will only allow you to grow your weed at home, whereas other states do not allow for home-growing except under unique circumstances.
The debate around legalizing marijuana can be a heated one. People are usually either very for or very against legalization. Opponents say that marijuana can pose a health and safety risk, and some are against it morally. But, on the other hand, the proponents say there are therapeutic benefits to cannabis and argue that it’s not as damaging as, for example, alcohol.
Weed in Florida
Medical marijuana was legalized in the constitution in Florida in 2016; however, recreational use remains an illegal activity.
With that being said, in Florida, possession or sale of over 20 grams of cannabis is a felony and carries a sentence of up to 30 years as well as a fine of up to $50,000. However, possession of fewer than 20 grams is a misdemeanor with a possible sentence of up to one year and a maximum fine of $1,000, as well as a suspension on their driver’s license.
It is also deemed legal to smoke, vaporizers are allowed, and medical edibles were recently added to the approved legislation as well. However, you are still not allowed to purchase cannabis on behalf of anyone else.
Do You Qualify?
If you’re asking yourself, “Do I qualify for a medical marijuana card?” then keep reading.
While cannabis is legal in Florida for medical uses, you will still need a card to purchase your supply. Once you have your card, the law allows for the purchase of 2.5 grams of bud in a thirty-five-day period.
To qualify for a medical marijuana card, you must:
- Be a permanent or seasonal resident of Florida.
- Have a qualifying medical condition verified by an approved physician.
You are considered a Seasonal Resident if:
- You reside in Florida for at least 31 consecutive days in a year.
- You maintain a temporary residence.
- You return to the state at least once a year.
- Are registered to vote and pay income taxes in Florida.
Qualifying conditions include, but are not limited to:
- Cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- A terminal illness
So if you think you have one or more of the qualifying conditions, keep reading to find out how to apply for a FL medical marijuana card.
How to Apply for a Florida Marijuana Card?
If you think you qualify for a medical marijuana card, the next step is to apply for a card. Below is a simple 8-step guide on getting started.
- Find a local Tampa marijuana doctor and schedule an appointment for your assessment.
- Complete and return any related paperwork to your physician.
- Show up on time for your appointment.
- Based on your assessment results, your Tampa marijuana doctor may issue a medical marijuana recommendation to the state of Florida.
- Your information is then entered into the Florida Marijuana Use Registry.
- Once you are entered into the registry, more paperwork will be completed and returned to the State of Florida, along with any payments required to secure a medical marijuana card.
- Receive your ID card in the mail.
- After that, place your order with a certified medical marijuana dispensary.
If You Think You Qualify
With the relief that medical marijuana provides patients, there is no longer a need to live with constant pain or anxiety. Applying for a medical marijuana card could not be simpler, so don’t delay applying for yours today.
If you think you qualify for a Florida marijuana card in Tampa and want to know more, have a look at our Medical Marijuana page for further information.
