As a growing number of states legalize medical marijuana every election season, more and more patients are making cannabis a key element of their personal treatment plans. Florida joined the ranks of states making medical cannabis a legally-permissible option for qualifying patients, expanding medical choice for patients across the state.

Because medical cannabis is still a fairly new arrival in Florida, many people are wondering: How do MMJ patients in Florida consume cannabis to suit their individual needs? In addition to the varying options for consumption, there are also questions about how to get an MMJ card in Florida, as well as which medical conditions qualify under state law.

In the interest of educating and informing both current and prospective MMJ patients in Florida, we’ve created a handy guide to how our patients are choosing to consume cannabis for their unique medical purposes. We’ll walk you through the process of getting an MMJ card in Florida, including which medical conditions are covered, as well as discuss your options for making cannabis a part of your everyday life.

How to Get a Florida Cannabis Card

In November of 2016, voters approved a constitutional amendment that legalized cannabis for certain patients suffering from a specific list of medical conditions. In just a few short years, tens of thousands of Florida residents have completed the process for an approved MMJ card, enabling them to make cannabis a part of their personal treatment plans. 

Additionally, a select number of healthcare professionals are now certified to provide medical recommendations for cannabis cards, making it easier than ever to achieve your wellness goals with a legal MMJ card.

Proof of Residency

Before determining whether you have a condition that qualifies you for an MMJ card in Florida, you’ll first need to provide proof that you are a Florida resident. The most commonly-used proof is a Florida driver’s license, with state-issued ID cards and passports also satisfying the requirement. 

Qualifying Conditions for a Florida Cannabis Card

In addition to being a Florida resident, you must also be diagnosed with one of the state-approved medical conditions to receive an MMJ card. Florida patients with the following conditions are currently able to pursue approval for a medical cannabis card:

• Official Qualifying Conditions List in Florida:

  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
  • Cancer
  • Chron’s Disease
  • Chronic nonmalignant pain
  • Epilepsy
  • Glaucoma
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • A terminal condition diagnosed by a physician other than the qualified physician issuing the physician certification.
  • Medical conditions similar to the ones listed above      

For many Florida patients dealing with the above conditions, cannabis is their preferred treatment method. Other common reasons that patients consider getting an MMJ card include chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

One of the benefits of the structure of Florida’s MMJ regulations is that it puts the decision to prescribe in the hands of medical professionals, empowering patients to receive expert support when they need it most. In addition to the conditions noted above, certified cannabis doctors in Florida have also provided recommendations for cannabis cards for patients diagnosed with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, chronic migraines, severe nausea, and more. If you aren’t sure if your specific medical condition or situation qualifies under Florida MMJ laws, the team at LifeCannMD can help by providing a personal consultation at no cost to you.

How Do Florida MMJ Patients Incorporate Cannabis into Their Lifestyle?

Once you’ve received your Florida state MMJ card, you can begin making cannabis a regular part of your routine. However, many patients feel confused about the best way to consume cannabis for their particular needs or condition. But don’t feel overwhelmed – there are a variety of options to consider, so it’s absolutely possible to choose one that is the right match for you. 

Here are the currently permitted ways you can incorporate cannabis into your lifestyle:

CBD and THC Oils

CBD and THC are the two cannabinoids, or molecules, prevalent in the cannabis plant. Each one delivers unique effects, and in oil form, it can satisfy a diverse mix of preferences and needs. 

Vape Cartridges

Paired with a personal vaporizer device, cannabis vape cartridges can be useful for beginning and seasoned cannabis consumers alike. Some vape cartridges are enhanced with flavor to boost enjoyment and shape the overall experience.

Tinctures

Most commonly enjoyed sublingually (under the tongue), patients that choose tinctures often want a fuss-free consumption method that fits easily into their everyday schedules. 

Topicals

Cannabis topicals include any product designed to be applied directly to the surface of the skin, most commonly used by patients seeking to relieve pain or inflammation in targeted areas of the body. 

Oral Syringes

This liquid form of cannabis is intended to be consumed orally, packaged in an easy-dose syringe that can save you considerable time and hassle. Like capsules (mentioned below), cannabis oral syringes are a simple and convenient method.

Capsules

Cannabis capsules look and feel like any other capsule or pill, delivering your preferred cannabis dose in a quick, easy-to-take form. For patients that want a highly convenient, tasteless, and discreet cannabis option, capsules can be a good match. 

Flower

Flower is another commonly-chosen form of cannabis, earning popularity because of the extensive choices it offers. Depending on your specific needs, you can choose from a wide variety of cannabis strains, selecting the one that suits both your medical condition and personal preferences. 

Concentrates

A concentrate offers a form of cannabis that has had its cannabinoids, terpenes, and other desirable elements isolated and presented in one of several textures and consistencies. Like flower, concentrates can be enjoyed in a myriad of ways, making it a user-friendly choice for many MMJ patients.

If you’re still uncertain about how to consume cannabis in a way that fits your needs and goals, LifeCannMD can create a personalized plan that suits your preferences. We’re happy to schedule an appointment to talk about the pros and cons of each method, as well as provide information about dosages and other details.

Get Your Free Florida MMJ Consultation Today

For anyone considering beginning the process of obtaining a Florida cannabis card, navigating the various rules and regulations can feel intimidating. LifeCannMD is a trusted MMJ, Florida-based healthcare professional, helping cannabis patients receive their state-issued medical cannabis card. With offices all over Miami, there’s a LifeCannMD location near you, ready to give you the cannabis card assistance you need to pursue your personal health goals. We’re dedicated to providing personalized consultation, support, and education to Miami MMJ patients, creating customized treatment plans suited to your specific needs and preferences.

If you’re wondering how cannabis can help with conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, chronic pain, and others, LifeCannMD is happy to provide you with the information and support you need to move forward with confidence. We’ve worked with thousands of medical marijuana patients in Florida, and our mission is to continue serving as an exceptional example of professionalism and compassionate care in the healthcare industry.

Get more information about how to get a medical marijuana card in Florida by scheduling your free consultation appointment at LifeCannMD today.