A Step by Step Guide to Getting Your Florida Medical Marijuana Card

During the first nine months of 2018 alone, over 136,000 patients received certifications for medical marijuana in Florida. It’s now easier than ever to receive a medical marijuana card, but how do you know where to start?

If you’ve never applied for a Florida medical marijuana card before, you might be wondering how you begin the process or if you qualify. While it is still new it doesn’t have to be confusing.

Find out what to expect and how to go through the process in this step-by-step guide.

Approved Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Florida

It is the responsibility of the qualified ordering physician to follow Florida law, diagnose patients and determine if medical marijuana is an appropriate treatment.

Qualifying Conditions

  • Cancer
  • Epilepsy
  • Glaucoma
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  • Medical conditions of the same kind or class as or comparable to the others listed.
  • A terminal condition diagnosed by a physician other than the qualified physician issuing the physical certification.
  • Chronic nonmalignant pain caused by a qualifying medical condition and persists beyond usual course of that qualifying medical condition.

Book an Appointment and Visit Your Doctor

Once you have found a medical marijuana doctor, you have to set up an appointment for a consultation. Per Florida state law a patient MUST be seen in the office for a face to face.

Tampa – The Herbal Clinic, MD
3314 Henderson Blvd Suite #104, Tampa, FL 33609

Tampa – The Herbal Clinic, MD
7412 Community Ct, Hudson, FL 34667

The fees associated with the cannabis exam are at this time, an out-of-pocket expense.

Initial Assessment – $280
Follow-ups – $140
Medical Card – The state charges a processing and printing fee for the medical card and that is $75 a year.

We also offer a 20% VETERAN DISCOUNT – Please let us know when booking your appointment if this discount applies to you.

Fill out the Application Online

Once Dr. Hashim has registered you online you will receive 2 emails from the Medical Marijuana Use registry(MMUR) – Quite often these emails get kicked over to junk or spam folders so please check there as well. It’s a good idea once you receive an email from the MMUR to add them to your contacts, this should keep any future emails from being kicked over. Your 2 emails will contain login credentials. This is how you gain access to your registry profile.

To receive your ID card, you may apply either online in your registry profile or by mail. It is highly recommended you do this online if possible, your approval time is significantly decreased. There is a five business day processing period for online payments. After your payment is accepted, it is then no more than 5 additional business days to process your application. The process may take longer due to holidays or other circumstances. If you should find that you are still waiting after 10 business days has passed please contact our office.

You Have Been Approved, What’s Next?

Once approved, you will receive an email with your card ID# this will act as a“temporary card” until your physical card arrives in the mail 2-4 weeks after the approval has been issued. This card will come in a plain white envelope, to avoid accidental shredding or disposal, please keep an eye out!

You may use your card or approval email to purchase medical marijuana at any Medical Marijuana Treatment Center(MMTC) also known as a dispensary. If you’re nervous about visiting a dispensary for the first time, don’t worry, they are there to help as are we. Feel free to call or stop by your local dispensary and ask questions or visit them online.

A list of all approved dispensing agencies can be found on the Office of Medical Marijuana Use site here: https://knowthefactsmmj.com/mmtc/ We also encourage you to view Dr. Hashim’s educational videos on Youtube!

Remember we are always here to help but knowledge is power!

Medical Marijuana Card Renewals

Don’t forget your card is good for 1 year, and that goes by fast. But, don’t worry you can sign in to your registry profile and there will be a count down for you right at the top or simply look at the expiration date on the front of your card. Renewing your card is simple, just sign in to your profile and click on “Your card” at the top – You can do this no sooner than 45-days prior to your cards expiration date. If you see the “Renewal” button then you are good to go! Just follow the steps and you’re all set!

While Medical Marijuana can seem confusing and overwhelming it’s really not. There’s never a need to stress. We are here to help you every step of the way. If you ever have questions please always feel free to reach out. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribe to The Herbal Clinic, MD’s channel on YouTube.