According to a recent law brought forward in Florida and up for a vote in the upcoming November election, medical cannabis may be legalized and Florida may be getting Medical Cannabis in 2015. This amendment can offer numerous benefits to people who’ve been suffering from conditions like cancer, inflammation, pain management and more. However, if you want medical marijuana in Florida, you will need a medical marijuana card.
In certain states, medical cannabis cards are very easy to get. In fact, you can even get a valid card for problems like back pain and difficulty sleeping. While medical marijuana is legal in some states, the Federal Government still considers it to be illegal. Therefore, it is very important to distinguish between what’s allowed and what’s not. This will make you an educated patient. Here are some considerations for obtaining a medical marijuana card in Florida.
Getting a Medical Cannabis Card in Florida
Consider the Law in Your State – As mentioned earlier, a recent amendment would legalize the use of marijuana in Florida for medical purposes. However, there are still some restrictions you need to be clear about. It is very important to be clear about the law regarding the use of medical marijuana in Florida. You should gather as much information as you can before applying for a medical marijuana card.
Conditions which are Treatable with Medical Cannabis – Medical marijuana can be used to treat many different terminal conditions like cancer and HIV. It can also be used to treat other health problems like epilepsy, seizures, pain management, inflammation, chronic glaucoma, acute glaucoma, high blood pressure, Crohn’s disease, appetite loss, cramping, vomiting, nausea and many other standard medical conditions.
Consult a Doctor about Prescribing Marijuana – If your doctor is hesitant to prescribe marijuana, you should let him know about your medical condition. You should also educate him about various laws and amendments that will legalize the use of medical marijuana in Florida. If your doctor is still not willing to prescribe, you should consult a different doctor who’s willing to assist with your request.
Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card – Every state in the United States has a different application process for obtaining a medical marijuana card. You will need to fill out the Florida application, submit your fee, provide verification information about your medical problem, and get a signed statement from your doctor.
Look for a State-Sanctioned Dispensary – Last but not the least, you need to look for a medical dispensary sanctioned by the Florida Department of Health. A state-sanctioned dispensary will be able to provide you with recommended dosage of medical cannabis. Once you’ve obtained your medical marijuana card, you just have to visit the dispensary, present the prescription and take your dosage.
When Can You Start Legally Using Marijuana?
In Florida, the amendment to legalize the use of medical cannabis was made effective from January 6th, 2014. The Department of Health in Florida is required to implement all the regulations associated with medical marijuana within six months from this date. Identification cards need to be issued to patients within nine months. In case the Department of Health fails to issue identification cards, the doctor’s prescription will be used as identification.
How Much Medical Marijuana Can A Patient Possess?
According to the amendment, this will be completely determined by the Department of Health in Florida. It will be based on what is presumed to be an appropriate supply of marijuana for the patient. Patients who think they need more marijuana can appeal. The Department of Health will allow marijuana, cannabis-laced foods, tinctures and oil for patients suffering from many different health problems.
Are Caregivers Allowed to Possess Marijuana?
Any person who’s over 21 years old can easily buy and even handle medical marijuana on behalf of up to 5 different patients. However, caregivers will need an identification card issued to them by the state. The amendment by the Department of Health does not set any specific age limits. In other states, minors need parental consent for the use of medical cannabis. This is also true for the state of Florida.
It is also worth mentioning that treatment with medical marijuana may or may not be covered in health insurance. It will completely depend on the insurer. This amendment does not give any provisions for coverage. There are many insurance companies who don’t cover nonprescription supplements and drugs.
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