Marijuana is a psychoactive drug derived from the cannabis plant and used to treat various diseases. However, the use of marijuana has been controversial from the beginning. In the U.S., its use is illegal, but some U.S. states, including Florida, allow it to treat nausea, pain, and other related symptoms. Although medical marijuana is legal in some U.S. states, one must have a medical marijuana card to continue using the drug. Moreover, not everyone can apply for such a card. You only can get medical marijuana card if you have certain qualifying medical conditions, such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Bipolar
- Insomnia
- ADHD
- PTSD
- Alzheimer’s
- Chronic and severe pain
- Arthritis
- Severe nausea and vomiting during cancer treatment.
- Parkinson’s disease
- High blood pressure
- Seizures
- Epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis and muscle spasms
- Glaucoma
- Tourette’s syndrome and
- HIV
- And more, please contact us.
Medical marijuana works like magic when used for any of the above conditions. However, you need to be prepared for the possible side effects, which are as follows.
- Impaired vision and concentration.
- Increased heart rate
- Dizziness
- Hallucinations
- Withdrawal symptoms
Due to these potential side effects, marijuana is prohibited in the United States. However, some medical forms of marijuana provide relief without intoxicating and mood-altering effects. All you need is a medical marijuana card to use these drugs.
How to apply for marijuana cards in Florida?
Applying for a marijuana card in Florida is relatively simple compared to other states. First, you will need to make an appointment with some qualified, experienced, and licensed marijuana doctors.
Depending on your condition, medical records, medications, and MRI report, marijuana doctors will evaluate you to determine whether you are eligible for medical marijuana. Once the process is complete and your conditions qualify, you will need to fill out the consent form to be registered. After registration, all you must do is complete the necessary steps.
The registration process is simple; you just need to upload your Florida ID or driver’s license to prove your identity as a Florida resident. If you don’t have one of these IDs, you can also use other documents such as your utility bills, voter registration card, or bank statement to prove that you are a Florida resident.
Once you have uploaded all the proofs, you need to electronically register with your name and pay $75.00 and a $2.75 processing fee – that’s it! You are ready to receive your temporary medical marijuana card. This card will be helpful for you to purchase marijuana medications from any licensed medical marijuana treatment center in Florida.
Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the use of cannabis, it is not available as a prescription drug at any pharmacy. However, the FDA has approved its derivatives, such as the cannabinoids cannabidiol and dronabinol, so they are only available at licensed dispensaries.
Cannabidiol helps treat severe epilepsy (certain forms, not all), while dronabinol is most used to treat symptoms associated with cancer treatment, such as vomiting and nausea.
Medical marijuana for minors
If the child suffers from a severe or chronic illness that cannot be treated with any other therapy or medication, they are eligible for medical marijuana. However, under Florida law, the card is not available to minors with only a doctor’s certificate or recommendation. He must obtain a second or third opinion to qualify for the medical marijuana card.
Moreover, as per law in Florida, children under 18 are not allowed in dispensaries. So, the state has established a rule that minors must be assigned a caregiver. The caregiver should be over 21 years old and have a parent or guardian.
The guardian must apply for a separate marijuana identification card along with the minor so they will be eligible to visit the dispensary to obtain medical marijuana legally. As per Florida’s law, now the caregiver will be responsible for the safe administration of medical marijuana for the approved minor.
Can patients other than cancer and epilepsy be eligible for a marijuana card?
Marijuana is mainly associated with the treatment of cancer and epilepsy. However, it can also be used to treat some other conditions. Although the mentioned list isn’t complete, some of the qualifying medical conditions include severe arthritis, autism, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, dystonia, chronic and severe pain of any kind, chronic kidney disease, anxiety, and depression, but there are some limitations.
Under certain conditions, the patient suffers from a debilitating state, and none of the therapies or medications work for him. In such a situation, the doctors or the general physician certify the patient to be eligible for the use of medical marijuana. Still, the patient cannot apply for the card directly.
Marijuana doctors such as All Natural MD in Florida will first examine the patient, and if they determine that the reports are authentic, the patient can apply for the card. The application procedure will be the same as for cancer or epilepsy patients.
How often can marijuana be used?
Marijuana is available in several forms, including pill, oil, liquid, powder, and dried leaves. Your use will depend on your symptoms and the form of marijuana you take. Moreover, your relief and side effects also depend on the type of marijuana you use.
If you consume it in the form of powder or vapor, the effects will be immediate. On the other hand, if you take it in tablets, the relief of symptoms will start slowly.
Conclusion
The use of marijuana is illegal in many states in the U.S. but legal in Florida. However, there are certain restrictions on the use of medical marijuana. It is not readily available; you can only find it at the (medical marijuana treatment center), which the FDA approves. Also, you need a medical marijuana card to buy this medication, and to get this card; you must have qualifying medical conditions (which can be any severe medical conditions).
So if you suffer from a chronic illness, make an appointment with an experienced and licensed marijuana doctor. Once you are certified, you can immediately apply to qualify for medical marijuana in Florida.