Since Florida only allows medically legal cannabis, the only way you can buy weed in Florida is if you are 18+ with a medical card. To receive a medical cannabis card, you will need to see a doctor, be approved for the cannabis card, and pay fees. Additionally, you will need to renew yearly. If you think cannabis could be a good treatment option for you, read on to find out more about the medical marijuana card process in Florida.
How to Buy Weed in Florida
Health Benefits of Cannabis & Qualifying in Florida
Cannabis is typically prescribed to those with serious health conditions, including cancer, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Studies by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health found that cannabis can reduce nausea and vomiting. Studies have also shown that cannabis may alleviate symptoms of depression, insomnia, chronic pain, and chronic digestive disorders.
If you don’t have medical records including the conditions above, you may need to explain your condition/symptoms. If you do have medical records containing a condition above, bring them with you to your exam. You can access your medical history by asking your doctor’s office for the forms. However, you may have to pay a fee of up to $1 per year of records requested.
Getting a Medical Cannabis Card
Medical insurance doesn’t cover the medical exam or medical cannabis card, so you will have to pay out of pocket. Medical marijuana exams cost around $200-250 for your initial evaluation. In addition, you also have to pay a $75 card fee to the state. The price depends on what doctor you visit, but if you call the clinic or office before you visit you can find out the price of the exam.
Having trouble knowing which doctor to go to? Go to the “Physician’s Search Tool” on Florida’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use site to find a certified physician. Additionally, there are many doctors and offices in the state solely dedicated to medical marijuana, such as Marijuana Doctor.
Photo by Impulsq via Unsplash
During the exam, the doctor assesses if you have a medical condition and/or symptoms that can be treated with medical marijuana. Subsequently, the doctor will help you fill out an online application form for a medical cannabis card. This part requires your driver’s license information because if approved, your card would ship to the address on your license.
Buying Weed at Florida Dispensaries
There are a number of great Florida dispensaries, including Fluent, Surterra, and Curaleaf to name a few. It is important to have the proper identification handy when going into a dispensary for the first time. If approved, you will receive your temporary card in your email about 5-10 business days after your exam. Then, the physical card will arrive at your place of residence in around 2-3 weeks.
The card will have a medical ID number that will let you purchase medical marijuana from a licensed medical cannabis dispensary. All dispensaries will require your medical ID number and valid ID (medical marijuana card, driver’s license, passport, etc.) to verify your identity, age, and amount of cannabis prescribed.
Renewal Process
At least 90 days before your license expires, you will be notified via postcard to renew. Patients will have until midnight (EST), on the day the medical license expires, to renew the card. Renewing an expired medical license is possible, however you will be charged for a delinquency fee on top of renewal fees.
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