How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida [2024 Guide]
Cannabis had been an illicit substance in Florida since the 1930s, when both the Tampa Bay Times and Tampa police tried to pin the blame for a family’s murder on the use of cannabis. Soon after, harsh marijuana prohibition was passed in the State as part of the wave of panic over "Reefer Madness" in the country.
It wasn't until the mid-2010s that legalization began in Florida. In 2014, Governor Rick Scott passed the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act, which legalized low-THC (<0.8%) CBD oil for the first time.
There was a significant push following the passing of this bill to place a medical cannabis legalization option on the 2016 ballot. These efforts were successful when the Florida Right To Try Act was expanded, which allowed terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana treatments.
Not long after, Florida voters overwhelmingly voted in favor of the 2016 medical marijuana ballot initiative. Florida quickly became one of the largest medical marijuana markets in the country, valued at $1.8 billion, and it is projected to grow significantly in the future.
How Do I Become a Medical Cannabis Patient in Florida?
Getting a Florida medical marijuana card takes just a few quick steps.
1.) Receive a diagnosis for an eligible qualifying medical condition
To become a Florida MMJ patient, you first must receive a diagnosis for a qualifying condition by a state-licensed evaluating physician.
2.) Your evaluating physician will submit your patient info to the Office of Medical Marijuana Use
If your evaluating physician approves you for MMJ use, they’ll send your patient info to the Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry at the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU).
3.) Finish your state registration
Visit the Florida registry website to finish your registration. The state may take a few days to approve your application, and you can make your first purchase as soon as you receive your approval email. Your physical FL medical card will arrive in the mail a few days later.
4.) Use your newly received MMJ registry card at your local dispensary:
Once you receive your registry card from the OMMU, you are legally entitled to use one of the licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTC) throughout Florida.
During your medical evaluation, your physician will have prescribed a specific amount of medicinal cannabis. The MMTC can and will only fill MMJ orders outlined by this prescription.
How Do I Renew a FL Medical Marijuana Card?
MMJ patients in Florida must renew their registry cards with the State every year. Renewals must occur within 45 days of your registry card's expiration date.
You can renew your Florida medical cannabis card quickly and easily online. Simply send a renewal application on the MMU registry website.
Who Qualifies for a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida?
Florida residents and seasonal residents with qualifying medical conditions are eligible to apply for the state’s medical cannabis program. A licensed Florida physician must recommend medical cannabis treatment and submit their recommendation for the patient to the state.
How to Find a FL Medical Marijuana Doctor for an MMJ Evaluation
Not every physician in the State is licensed to perform the necessary MMJ evaluations. The OMMU maintains a list of qualifying medical professions from which you can receive a diagnosis.
It may still be difficult for some Florida patients to find evaluating physicians in their local areas.
NuggMD has partnered with dozens of state-licensed medical cannabis doctors to help current and prospective Florida patients receive their evaluation safely and privately.
It is recommended you bring applicable medical records and any questions you may have to your in-person medical evaluation. Forms you may need include:
- Patient records,
- Current prescriptions or medications,
- Physical therapy records,
- Medical test results,
- Hospital records.
The process is straightforward enough but can be stressful and time-consuming when handling it on your own. Turning to NuggMD Florida helps expedite the process, allowing you to focus on getting better, not setting up appointments and doing paperwork.
Get Your Medical Cannabis Recommendation Online: The NuggMD Process
You can always receive your medical evaluation online through NuggMD. Just follow these three simple steps to get your FL medical card:
- Sign-up at nuggmd.com/florida.
- Connect with your evaluating physician directly online in as little as 15 minutes.
- Get your medical card.
It's really that easy!
What to Expect When Talking to a Florida Medical Marijuana Doctor on NuggMD
You can expect the NuggMD evaluation process to be similar to an evaluation with your primary care physician. Our practitioners are dedicated to helping patients like you get the support they need, and they understand the potential applications of medical cannabis and how to incorporate cannabis into a new or existing treatment regimen safely.
The evaluating physician on NuggMD will ask you about your current medications or treatments. They’ll answer any questions you may have. In some cases, depending on your situation, they may require additional records or information before approving you for medical cannabis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Cannabis in Florida
What Types of Cannabis Products Are Available in Florida?
Medical marijuana patients in Florida have access to cannabis in vapor, capsules, tinctures, oils, topical, intranasal, transdermal, suppository, and smokable (plant flower) forms.
What Does Marijuana Feel Like?
Cannabis use can have a wide range of effects depending on the product, dosage, and consumer. While doses that are too strong may result in adverse effects like dry mouth or dizziness, consuming cannabis with the support of a qualified medical practitioner has the potential to boost a patient’s mood and promote relaxation.
Other common effects include:
- Increased sense of calm or relaxation, both physical and mental,
- Lowered energy and a greater desire to sleep,
- Everything seems a little funnier,
- Altered perception of time,
- Increased hunger,
- Greater difficulty concentrating,
- Momentary memory loss
It is also possible to feel adverse effects after using marijuana, especially after consuming a particularly high dose. These adverse effects vary by user but may include
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Paranoia
It's always best when using marijuana to start low and go slow to avoid potentially adverse and uncomfortable effects from consuming too much. Everyone experiences the effects of marijuana a little differently. That’s why it’s important to seek the guidance of a qualified practitioner. And if you're new to using medical cannabis, it may be helpful to have a friend with you the first few times in case you have any questions or concerns about how you are feeling.
What If My Dose Is Too High?
Despite your best efforts, there may be a time when you consume too strong a dose. Don't panic; there's nothing to be embarrassed about, and the effects you experience are temporary.
If this happens, there are steps you can take to lower anxiety and help yourself “sober up” faster.
If your prescribed dosages are too much, don't hesitate to reach out to your evaluating physician to get them adjusted to a more appropriate level.
Have More Questions About How to Get Your Med Card in Florida?
If you have additional questions, visit our complete Florida medical cannabis FAQs, visit the state program’s website, or check out one of our other Florida patient resources to learn more.
- Florida Cannabis Laws & Regulations
- Qualifying Conditions in Florida
- Benefits of Getting a Med Card in Florida
- How to Become a Caregiver in Florida
The NuggMD customer service team is also always available to help answer any cannabis questions you may have about getting or using your med card. We have helped more than 1,300,000 people throughout the country become medical marijuana patients. Every evaluating physician on our platform is fully licensed in the state and qualified to provide medical cannabis evaluations, so you can trust that you are receiving white glove service and care.
